Applicants for temporary cash assistance from the state would have to pass a drug test before collecting a dime under a controversial measure passed by the Senate Thursday that now travels to Gov. Rick Scott.
By a 26-11 vote, the Senate approved a measure (HB 353) that requires all recipients of Temporary Aid to Needy Families to pay for and pass drug tests when they apply for benefits and then periodically pay for additional tests for as long as they collect financial assistance under the federal program. Food stamp recipients would not be affected.
Backers of the bill reiterated Thursday that people receiving taxpayer money – which is meant to help the whole family – should not use the weekly benefits to fuel a drug habit. Many employers have drug-free workplaces and organizations such as university sports programs also test their athletes for drugs.
“This bill is all about trying to break the cycle of dependency and the use of public dollars to buy drugs,” said Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Cross Creek.
Critics, meanwhile, said the notion that poor people on welfare are more likely to use illegal drugs is incorrect, a stereotype that does not hold up under more thoughtful examination.
“These people have pride and dignity,” said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. “They don’t just arbitrarily sit down and tell themselves, ‘Oh, I’m going to apply for some money.’”
During debate on the bill over the past several weeks, the costs of the tests had been estimated at anywhere from $10 and $70 depending on who is doing the calculating. The bill would allow recipients to be reimbursed if the tests come back negative.
About 113,000 Floridians are receiving temporary cash payments under the program, which is administered by the Department of Children and Families and is expected to cost $211 million for the current fiscal year. The agency currently does not screen recipients for drugs. The maximum weekly benefit is $275 a week. The program limits lifetime benefits to 48 months. Federal law allows states to deny benefits to recipients convicted of a felony drug offense, a provision Florida has chosen not to adopt. A pilot program conducted between 1999 and 2001 was discontinued after researchers determined it was not cost effective because relatively few recipients tested positive.
On Thursday, critics of the measure reminded their opponents of the study, saying that it indicates that lawmakers are selectively targeting people based on their income. Amendments to add Bright Futures Scholarship recipients were withdrawn but used to make the point.
“You are discriminating against a certain class of people,” said Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale. “If we are going to test people, let’s test all people who get state dollars and might use them to buy drugs.”
By Michael Peltier
