Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2013
Source: Concord Monitor (NH)
Copyright: 2013 Deborah Sargent
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/WbpFSdHB
Website: http://www.concordmonitor.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/767
Author: Deborah Sargent

DRUG TESTING WILL HELP END ABUSE

I have no issue using my tax dollars to temporarily assist people who
need immediate cash assistance. I do have an issue using my tax
dollars for any welfare assistance without implementing drug testing
as part of eligibility.

Opponents argue that children will be further burdened. Not
true.

The people receiving benefits through Temporary Aid for Needy Families
use the cash for Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, cat and dog food. They
purchase alcohol and cigarettes and, yes, some purchase drugs. Anyone
receiving welfare assistance should be required to pass a drug test to
assure taxpayers that our dollars aren't being abused.

I wrote former governor John Lynch eight times, reporting three
different recipients of TANF who were witnessed abusing the cash. How
can we guarantee that our tax dollars are not being abused? Drug test
and set a time frame to end the assistance. There is a problem, and
the public whose dollars are being distributed must be guaranteed that
our money isn't being abused.

DEBORAH SARGENT

Epsom
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D