Missouri House gives preliminary approval to welfare drug testing

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri House has given first round approval to legislation that would disqualify adults found to be using drugs from receiving their payments under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families act. Sponsor, Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, said taxpayer money should not go to subsidize drug habits of adults who receive public assistance. Under the legislation, a parent who tests positive for drugs would be disqualified from the program. The rest of the money the family receives under the program would be given to a qualified third party who would take care of the family's needs. Opponents of the plan say it unfairly targets single parent minority homes and does not provide for treatment of the affected parent. The House voted 121-37 in favor of the bill which faces final passage in the House before moving on to the State Senate.