Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) You may have heard a law requiring welfare recipients to take and pass a drug test passed in Florida, and now some lawmakers in New York want to do the same here.
It's considered by lawmakers to be a hand up, rather than a hand out -- required drug testing for anyone who receives public assistance.
"We mandate that somebody who's going to get a job down at the local factory, bus garage, whatever, they have to be drug tested," said Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-107th District). "So why don't we do this for someone obtaining welfare benefits?"
Crouch says if an adult fails his or her drug test, they would have to go to rehab, which the State would pay for.
"We're not just throwing them out on the street to let them starve to death," Crouch said. "If they're participating in an alcohol and drug rehab program, they can obtain the benefits they're asking for."
Broome County requires drug testing for benefits and if you fail, you could lose them. But, the county sponsors patients for rehab and would support this legislation.
"There's a reason folks need public assistance benefits," said Rita Meattey, head social services examiner for Broome County. "There's barriers to their ability to take care of themselves, one of those could be substance abuse."
Some welfare benefits already have restrictions if you're on drugs. "Your grant doesn't come to you in your hand, rather, your grant we deduct your rent payment, pay your landlord," Meattey said.
But, people still scam the system.
"Our goal is to get them off welfare, have them employable, being able to pass a drug or alcohol test when they go for that job interview," Crouch said.
Crouch says if people are willing to ask for assistance, they should be able to submit to a drug test, and get the help they're being offered.
At this point, welfare benefits would not be cut off for all beneficiaries if they failed a drug test.
If you find yourself struggling with addiction, there are many resources for you nearby.
Addiction Center of Broome County -- (607) 723-7308
Fairview Alcoholism Crisis Center -- (607) 722-4080
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County -- (607) 746-8300
Chenango County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services -- (607) 337-1680
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