GOP Rep. Brandom Doesn't Want Drug Users to Get TANF Benefits...Or Treatment
The Missouri House voted today to make drug tests manadatory for all Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, while excluding lawmakers and tax credit recipients from drug testing.
However, one of the most interesting tidbits came from the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160). Brandom said the point of the bill is not to get treatment for those who are abusing drugs.
Here is the quote saved for posterity by The Columbia Tribune's Rudi Keller
They said the point is not to get treatment for those found to be on drugs; the bill requires referrals to treatment programs but does not require it.
“The purpose of my bill was not to expand any drug or emotional treatment because the state, at this point in time, there is no way Missouri can afford any more Medicaid drug treatment,” said the sponsor, Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston.
So, let me get this straight. You don't want one specific kind of taxpayer-supported benefits to go to people who abuse drugs, but you also don't want to treat the root of the problem in the first place? Duly noted.
