‘REMOVING BARRIERS’

Law Brings Welfare Drug-Testing to MI

Gov. Rick Snyder signed bill on Friday.

On Friday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law the creation of a drug-testing program for adult welfare recipients or applicants suspected of drug use. The Republican-backed proposal will create a one-year pilot program to be implemented in three counties. Refusal to take the test will result in six months of ineligibility for benefits; testing positive results in referrals to treatment programs. “We want to remove the barriers that are keeping people from getting good jobs, supporting their families and living independently,” Snyder said in a press release. “This pilot program is intended to help ensure recipients get the wrap-around services they need to overcome drug addiction and lead successful lives. We’ll then have opportunity to assess effectiveness and outcomes.” Opponents of the law have said that similar programs in other states haven’t saved taxpayer money. The ACLU points out that the bill is aimed at a group that doesn’t use drugs at a rate significantly higher than the general population.