Law would require drug test for government aid

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Georgians receiving unemployment checks and food stamps may soon be forced to a drug test.  Some people argue if state employees are drug tested randomly, people who receive government money should be too.  But the controversial proposal could affect more people than ever, as unemployment hits record highs.

Troy Roseborough has been unemployed since September and gets about $200 a week from unemployment checks.  "It goes absolutely nowhere...gas is getting high, electricity is high, food is high," he said. 

Troy is not the only one lining up for government assistance. Bob Thompson, Manager of the Macon Center for the Department of Labor, said, "There's approximately 3,200 people here in the Macon area receiving unemployment and we're staying busy."

Those who get government money, like unemployment checks and food stamps, may soon be required to take a drug test at random to keep their benefits.

"It's just a way of us, I think, being good stewards of the taxpayers money and helping the individuals who may have problems that are preventing them from going back to work," said Rep. Jimmy Pruett, who is pushing the bill.

The proposed law would strip benefits for two years from anyone who fails a drug test twice.  If someone has a positive drug test, they will lose their benefits; but their children under 18 would remain eligible for full benefits.

"I think they should do it because anytime you go apply for a job, that's the first thing they want anyway," Charles Bebee said, who has been getting unemployment checks for three weeks.  But not everyone agrees. Shannon Halsted said, "It's kind of an invasion of privacy."

Under the proposed law, people receiving the aid would pay for the tests, which cost about $20, or it would be deducted from their benefits.

"The drug testing part is not a big issue," Troy said.  "However, the charging of the person who's being drug tested is unfortunately going to come out of our own pockets.  It's hard enough to make ends meet now."

Shannon agrees.  "People can barely pay their own bills with the small amount of unemployment they get and if you have to pay for a drug test, you might not be able to buy gas or food."

According to the bill, if someone refuses a drug test, they cannot draw any government money.

Dr. Chris Grant, a Mercer Political Science professors, said, "I'm not sure this is the best solution for that problem, but I will buy that there is a problem out there with people using government aid to go out and buy drugs."

Rep. Pruett says he is open to suggestions and ideas.  You can e-mail him at Jimmy.Pruett@house.ga.gov.