Pubdate: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK) Copyright: 2007 The Anchorage Daily News Contact: http://www.adn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18 Author: Vera S. Stepsics IF YOU'RE GETTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, YOU SHOULD ACCEPT A DRUG TEST It is becoming more prevalent in state and local business for prospective employees to pass a urine test to prove they are not using drugs. I think the state should require people on public assistance to submit to and pass a random drug test in order to continue collecting benefits. I have a problem with the distribution of my hard-earned tax dollars and I truthfully can't afford them. People who work for a living should live better than those who do not. I see welfare moms getting their nails done regularly. I have no problem giving people a hand up when they are in need; but giving a handout is entirely different. I recently observed a very fat family of four purchase all convenience, microwaveable and dessert-type foods with food stamps. There wasn't one package of meat, no milk, fruits, or vegetables in their bags. Part of the drug testing program is already in place for probationers and such, so it would merely need to be extended to people receiving public assistance. The savings to taxpayers would more than outweigh the costs. - -- Vera S. Stepsics Anchorage - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart