HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) today voiced his support for legislation introduced by Senator John Wozniak (D-35) that would require the Department of Public Welfare to develop and implement a drug screening program for all applicants and recipients of cash assistance benefits.
Senate Bill 682 was introduced on Thursday, March 14, and included 15 co-sponsors, including Senator Argall.
Argall, who appeared on CNN last year to discuss his support for a current law that randomly drug tests welfare recipients with a prior drug felony conviction, said this bill is a commonsense reform embraced by a large majority of residents in the 29th Senate District.
“Recent local letters to the editor documenting welfare abuse illustrates the need to further protect integrity of tax dollars,” Argall said. “Hard-earned tax dollars, quite simply, should not be used to pay for someone else’s illegal drug habit. I applaud Senator Wozniak for his work on this legislation and am hopeful it furthers the conversation as to how to revamp a department that consumes over one-third, or over $10 billion, of the state budget.”
The legislation was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
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