Out of work citizens receiving funds may soon be tested
(Monticello, Mo.) Missourians receiving welfare may soon have to be drug tested.A bill now on its way to the senate would require people receiving funds through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TARF) program to pass a drug test before receiving any money.
That program gives out of work citizens temporary funds while they look for a new job.
This bill would not take any money away from children or from food stamps...just the temporary funds they receive while out of work.
KHQA spoke with Representative Brian Munzlinger about this bill.
He said this is just one thing that can be done to stop a big problem
"Drugs have been such a problem. Here in Missouri we've got a number of meth labs," said Munzlinger. "Drugs are a major problem. It runs peoples lives, ruins families, splits families. If we can do anything at all to help get people off drugs, this is hopefully one thing we can do that will make a difference."
He also said it would really benefit the children of drug users.
"I think that was one of the main driving forces behind this bill was that these are people with children and we want to make sure the children don't grow up in a house that uses drugs."
Munzlinger hopes this is the first step to helping families become drug free.