By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri House has passed a bill that would require drug testing for people on public assistance.
The bill's backers argue that anyone who doesn't use drugs has nothing to fear. But the sponsor, State Representative Ellen Brandom (R, Sikeston), says Missouri's taxpayers should not have to subsidize drug abuse.
"My constituents, 91 percent that answered the survey on this question, answered they want this bill passed," Brandom said during House floor debate.
Opponents, including State Representative Jamilah Nasheed (D, St. Louis), criticized the bill's cost, which would exceed $5.5 million during the first two years.
"Can we really afford this here in the state of Missouri? The state of Missouri cannot afford this bill...this is a bad bill, it's unjustifiable, and it's not (fiscally) sound," Nasheed said from the House floor.
Nasheed and other opponents also argued that denying benefits because of a failed drug test could financially harm innocent family members, primarily children.
The bill would also require all state elected officials to be tested for drug use every two years.
Democrats are blocking a similar bill in the Missouri Senate by filibuster and by offering numerous amendments.