Michigan says parents are starving kids

“Children are starving, they’re hungry because their parents are abusing the welfare that we’re giving them.”

If that is the case, then call CPS.

The Bill is targeted to address cash assistance, TANF, and not SNAP (a.k.a. Food Stamps).  If kids are hungry, it is because benefits were cut and there are no jobs.

I want proof that parents are abusing the welfare.  One bad apple should not spoil the barrel.  Where is the empirical evidence that this is true and why did not the Democrats even ask for it?

The most controversial component of this Bill is not the requirement of suspicion-based drug testing for welfare recipients, it is its passage through the promotion of arcane stereotypes of "the best interests of the child".

If this is the case, concern for the well-being of a child, then all a DHS worker would have to do, as a mandated reporter, is make the referral to Child Protective Services where funding for drug testing, as well as treatment and access to greater resources, is cost-reimbursable through federal programs.

Michigan Senate passes bill on drug tests for welfare recipient

On a 25-11 straight party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the testing and Democrats opposing, the Senate approved the bill, which would require the Department of Human Services to set up a pilot drug-testing program in three counties.

The counties have not been selected yet. The bill included $500,000 to pay for the drug testing, which would be administered if DHS had a suspicion that the welfare recipient was using illegal drugs.

If they refuse the test or test positive, they would no longer receive their benefits. Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said the testing was needed to protect the children of drug users.

“The vote you’re about to take is not against the poor of this state. It’s for the children,” he said.

“Children are starving, they’re hungry because their parents are abusing the welfare that we’re giving them.”

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