Pubdate: Sun, 30 Jan 2011
Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO)
Copyright: 2011 The Springfield News-Leader
Contact: http://getpublished.news-leader.com/Forms/LettersToEditor.php
Website: http://www.news-leader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129
Author: Tom Edmonds

DRUG TESTING WILL HELP ELIMINATE ABUSE

I am responding to Holly Baggett's letter ("Drug testing affront to 
poor families," Jan. 9) regarding the drug testing of families 
receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. Baggett 
seems to be offended that people receiving this taxpayer 
government-funded program would have to be drug tested to get these 
benefits. I find this ironic as the funding for this and other 
programs like it come from people's taxes paid out of their paycheck. 
I assure you that most of these people had to have a drug test before 
they could be considered for employment. She should also be made 
aware that almost all employers require drug testing pre-employment, 
random testing and mandatory testing if they are injured on the job.

If the person who works hard everyday that pays for this benefit has 
to be tested, then how is it that the people who receive this benefit 
for free should be exempt?

I have been an advocate of drug testing for anyone receiving 
government assistance and personally spoke to Melissa Leach about 
this prior to her election.

I feel that anyone who honestly needs help should receive it, and I 
am glad it is available for them. I do not want to see our tax 
dollars paid out to the people who can afford drugs, only because 
hardworking people are paying for the rest of their necessities.

Melissa Leach is keeping a campaign promise of watching how our tax 
dollars are spent; I say good job.

If we eliminate the abuse in some of the programs, maybe we could 
help more of the people who really do deserve our help. I live in a 
middle-class working neighborhood; however, when I have spoken to 
people in the area, they, too, feel the same on this as I do.

Tom Edmonds Springfield
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom