Indiana Moves To Drug Test Welfare Applicants And State Lawmakers
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jan 31, 2012 11:20PM
Indiana lawmakers have approved a proposal to require administering drug tests to those who apply for welfare, but with the caveat that state lawmakers also submit to drug tests.
Indiana state Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) introduced a bill last week to require the drug testing of welfare applicants, but when his Democrat colleague added a requirement for drug testing state lawmakers, McMillin withdrew his bill. State Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend) added that to try to take the air out of McMillin's tires. The Huffington Post writes:
"After [the amendment] passed, Rep. McMillin got pretty upset and pulled his bill," Dvorak said. "If anything, I think it points out some of the hypocrisy. ... If we're going to impose standards on drug testing, then it should apply to everybody who receives government money."
This is a tactic Democratic lawmakers nationwide have been employing to stall Republicans' bills to require drug testing. Although administering drug tests to those applying for welfare was deemed unconstitutional in 1997, Republican lawmakers have started pushing for it again.
The Indiana bill encourages lawmakers to opt in to a system of random drug screenings similar to that of welfare applicants. If lawmakers don't consent to the screening, they lose their parking spaces and other perks. If a lawmaker fails the drug test, the results are made public.
One key difference: A welfare applicant would be required to take a drug test if he or she failed to attend a meeting or complete forms. Lawmakers are still allowed to miss scheduled votes and hearings.
McMillin appeared reluctant when he withdrew his bill with the lawmaker drug test amendment, but he's actually pretty excited to pee in a cup.
"I would think legislators that are here who are responsible for the people who voted them in, they should be more than happy to consent," he said. "Give me the cup right now and I will be happy to take the test."