Step Closer To Drug Tests For Welfare

A bill requiring drug screening for people in Virginia’s welfare-to-work program won subcommittee approval Thursday. Del. Ben Cline who represents part of Amherst County supported this and sponsored a similar bill. The measure, which failed to win approval in the General Assembly last year, would require drug screening through a written questionnaire. If an applicant’s answers create suspicion of drug use, an actual drug test would be required. Anyone failing the test would lose benefits for at least six months. The House Appropriations Committee will evaluate and consider it for the state budget.