Pubdate: 09 November 1999 Source: Tulsa World (OK) Copyright: 1999, World Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.tulsaworld.com/ Author: Jack Bender DRUG TEST FOR AID RECIPIENTS? Many hard-working Oklahomans are required to submit to random drug testing and most new applicants for jobs have to first be screened for drugs. All of these hard-working Oklahomans pay federal and state income taxes and part of these taxes are used to fund welfare. I believe it's time to have a state program where anyone applying for welfare has to first pass a drug test. Their claim would be denied if they tested positive for drugs. People receiving monthly welfare checks should be required to submit to either a random or monthly drug test in order to continue to receive welfare payments. Those who do not pass the drug test should be immediately dropped from the welfare rolls and not receive any further welfare until they can pass another drug test within 30 days. Any children of persons dropped from welfare should be taken by the state and cared for in a home until the parent can pass another drug test. This program should prevent persons on welfare from using the welfare money to buy drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart