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New Law Requires Welfare Recipients to Take Drug Test

2,059 views · Published 5 July 2012 · 2:10 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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By Jerry Askin New laws on the books in Georgia and Tennessee that officially took effect July 1st. Both require some welfare applicants to be drug tested. Welfare is now known as TANF - which stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It's not clear exactly when the drug tests will begin. But many folks say it's definitely needed.Robin Frady made her way to the DFACS office today in Whitfield County to apply for public assistance.She's like thousands of people in North Georgia and Tennessee hoping to qualify for TANF - formerly known as welfare. But since July first, both states now require everyone to take a drug test-- before getting a check."I think they should be drug tested to get welfare - I really do. You have to take a drug test to work so why not?" says Robin Frady.The tests are intended to keep anyone on drugs from getting taxpayer dollars through government assistance. But critics say its an intrusion on the civil rights and privacy of low-income families.Just to put things in perspective for you to explain how important welfare is for people in Georgia, more than 3,400 people received welfare in the state in 2011.So who has to take the test?Those with an income low enough to qualify for a monthly allowance. The program is only for families with children and is separate from food stamps and medicaid.Hailey McCartney says she's more than willing to take the test to get help taking care of her two young children."I came in, I signed up.... And I guess it goes by your income, and my husband he wasn't working at the time, so that's how we got approved for it," says McCartney."To me, I think it's a great idea simply because if I'm going to pay taxes to get welfare, I don't think people should have money to waste on drugs. It's common sense," says Elizabeth Defoor.We don't know yet who will pay for the drug tests in Tennessee, but Georgia officials say TANF applicants will pay for their own drug test upfront and be reimbursed only if they pass.

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