Pubdate: Wed, 26 Feb 2014
Source: Daily Home, The (Talladega,  AL)
Copyright: 2014 Consolidated Publishing
Contact:  http://www.dailyhome.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1632
Note:  also listed as contact

DRUG TESTING WELFARE APPLICANTS STALLS IN SENATE

MONTGOMERY (AP) - Legislation to require drug testing for some 
welfare applicants stalled in the Alabama Senate on Tuesday but will 
be back up for debate on Wednesday.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston got the Senate to 
adjourn Tuesday afternoon after some Democrats began fighting a 
Republican backed bill affecting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Trip Pittman of Daphne, would 
require drug testing of any welfare applicant with a drug conviction 
in the past five years. It would have cut off benefits after three 
failed tests.

Pittman acknowledges that he tried marijuana as a young man. He said 
his bill "is an attempt to get people to get off drugs" and to show 
taxpayers that the state government is being responsible with public assistance.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom