Published: February 19, 2009 04:13 pm      

Weeding out abuse — Drug testing proposal has merit

A proposal by a West Virginia lawmaker to require drug testing for anyone receiving government aid has merit, but would have to be carefully considered to protect those individuals who are in legitimate need, and aren’t abusing narcotics.

Delegate Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, has introduced legislation that would require residents receiving government aid to conduct blood or urine tests. Blair said the proposed “two strikes and you’re out” legislation would give individuals one chance to break their addiction or lose public assistance.

As part of his proposal, Blair said anyone pocketing a welfare check, food stamps or jobless benefits would be compelled to undergo rehabilitation after testing positive. If the two-month treatment process doesn’t get the person off drugs, they would then lose public assistance.

Blair said law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be expected to foot the bill for those who are using illegal narcotics. Blair, who introduced the idea Wednesday on the House floor, admits it has been declared unconstitutional in Michigan, but said the Mountain State legislation could be crafted in such a way that it meets constitutional requirements.

While clearly a controversial idea, Blair’s proposal does have merit, and it is something to certainly consider. We believe the intent of Blair’s proposal is to weed out those who are abusing the system, and not to punish those who are in legitimate need.

Such legislation — if considered further by the House — would have to be crafted in such a way where safeguards are provided for the elderly, the handicapped, the disabled and others who are rightfully entitled to receive public assistance, and are not abusing the system to support an illegal drug habit.

We believe the intent of Blair’s proposal is to target drug users who are living off of the system, and not punish or unduly harass senior citizens and those who are disabled or unable to work.

However, those who are abusing the system to support an illegal drug habit need to be weeded out. By doing so, we would be freeing up more state funding to help those who legitimately need public assistance.

Whether or not Craig’s proposal is the correct route is something lawmakers in Charleston will have to hash out. If nothing else, the proposal has, at the very least, opened up dialogue about a legitimate problem in the Mountain State.