New CLASP Report on Drug Testing

By MB -
CLASP just released a new report on drug testing of welfare recipients, reminding us once again that random drug testing is an expensive and inefficient way to find public benefits recipients in need of treatment (not to mention unconstitutional).

Despite the data showing the inefficiencies of these drug tests, the report notes that at least ten states have introduced bills in the past year to require this testing, in addition to an amendment offered at the federal level (which was defeated). However, in these times of economic crisis, more states (including Pennsylvania) may look to similar bills to provide “savings” in the state budget. It is important to remember that, based on analysis from other states, these savings don't seem to exist.

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