NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee law requiring drug screening and testing of people applying for a cash assistance program has yielded few positives for illicit drugs.
The Tennessean reports Department of Human Services data shows that 65 of the 39,121 people applying for Families First in Tennessee tested positive for illegal substances or drugs since the law was implemented in July 2014. The program provides a monthly stipend for qualifying families with children.
An additional 116 people refused to participate in an initial drug screening questionnaire, disqualifying them for benefits.
Rep. Sherry Jones says the data doesn’t justify the cost spent on drug testing so far, which is $23,592.
Rep. Glen Casada says the law’s a good investment that those who receive taxpayer-funded support shouldn’t be using it to fund illegal activities.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.