Welfare Reforms Necessary to Prevent Waste 

The Department of Public Welfare is one of the state's largest expenses, accounting for more than $11 billion in the governor's recent budget proposal. It is also one of the state's fastest-growing expenses. This year alone, the governor's budget proposal would allocate an additional $600 million for welfare programs in the state. 

Because welfare makes up such a large part of the state's budget, it is important to make sure these dollars are used for their intended purpose. I am cosponsoring legislation that will help ensure our tax dollars are not being lost to illegal activities. 

Senate Bill 719 would require individuals who receive cash assistance benefits to agree to random drug testing. Under the legislation, individuals who fail a drug test will be denied cash assistance until they are able to pass a retest. If the retest proves continual drug use, the individual may be denied cash assistance for up to 12 months. The legislation stipulates that during each six-month period, a random selection of at least 5 percent of all cash assistance benefits recipients be tested. The bill would provide taxpayers with greater peace of mind to know that their tax dollars are not being used to purchase illegal drugs. 

Welfare programs are in place to help families in need, not to subsidize illegal activity. I am hopeful we can see this measure signed into law to help rein in the state's spiraling welfare costs and ensure our tax dollars are not used to support drug habits and the other social ills supported by drug money.