Res. No. 55
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would require drug testing as a condition for public assistance benefits.
Body
By Council Member King
Whereas, Since the United States Congress overhauled welfare in 1996, through the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), federal rules have allowed states to drug test welfare applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and
Whereas, According to the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) article titled "Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients and Public Assistance," in 2009, more than 20 states proposed legislation that has drug testing as a condition for public assistance eligibility; and
Whereas, While a Michigan law permitting blanket-testing applicants was struck down in 2003, Florida approved a law that was adverse to the Michigan court's ruling and had a drug-testing policy enacted through its state legislature in 2011, only to have its enforcement halted in 2013 by a federal court; and
Whereas, Recently, the call for drug testing for public assistance recipients has gained increased popularity with a growing number of states implementing various drug-testing conditions for public assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, unemployment, public housing, and other benefit programs; and
Whereas, According to the NCSL article, at least 15 states have passed legislation regarding drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin; and
Whereas, While the 1996 "Gramm Amendment" to the PRWORA gave states significant discretion to modify or revoke a lifetime ban on SNAP benefits and TANF aid for individuals with ...
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