House committee revives welfare drug testing bill

A proposal to mandate drug testing for certain welfare recipients was revived today and approved by the same House committee that narrowly rejected the idea two weeks earlier. This time, after little discussion, the House Health and Welfare Committee agreed without objection to advance the measure by Rep. John LaBruzzo, R-Metairie. The panel previously voted 8-7 against the proposal. Opponents had argued the bill unfairly singled out poor women. But one of the most outspoken opponents, Rep. Walker Hines, D-New Orleans, said he removed his objection because the bill will have to head next to the House Appropriations Committee for analysis of its cost, estimated to be $1.8 million over five years. The Appropriations Committee has been tough on proposals that would create new programs and cost the state more money, rejecting many of the ideas because the state faces a deep budget shortfall next year. LaBruzzo’s bill targets poor mothers in the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, known as FITAP. He said he singled out FITAP recipients who receive cash payments from the state because they have children depending on them. The bill would require any savings and additional money to go to increased drug treatment programs. Those who test positive for drugs would have to receive treatment or lose their welfare check, LaBruzzo says.