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State House Approves Suspicion-based Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients

youngcons.com

Legislation that would revoke welfare payments from people who fail drug tests has passed the state House.

The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports.

The bill would create a one-year pilot program in three counties that have not yet been selected. Lawmakers could decide to implement a statewide welfare drug testing system later on.

Some Democrats voted against the bill. Representative Diane Slavens says it would unfairly hurt poor children.

“It’s important that we don’t punish the children who are already facing a number of challenges for what they have no control over,” she says.

The bill exempts people who have medical marijuana cards. It now goes to the state Senate.

Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.
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