03/08/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The House voted 55-11 to ask the Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare to study the cost of randomly
testing recipients of public assistance for illegal drugs.

Numerous other states have at least considered measures to
require testing of welfare recipients.

In Idaho, Health and Welfare must report its findings before the
2011 session _ including whether the state could save money by
terminating benefits to users.

Rep. Rich Wills, a Glenns Ferry Republican, sponsored the bill
in response to concerns from some constituents who fear people
getting benefits could be doing drugs, too.

He says such abuse impairs self-sufficiency and violates ``the
very intent of public assistance programs.''

Critics say testing could discourage those who need help from
seeking it, at a time when public assistance rolls are growing.


(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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