Ohio Senator proposes law to require drug testing for residents applying for public assistance
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Ohio Republican Senator Tim Grendell has proposed legislation that would require drug testing for residents applying for public assistance.
Similar legislation has been introduced in Florida and is being considered in other states.
More than 200,000 Ohio residents are currently getting aid from the state's cash assistance program.
"The purpose is simple," Grendell said. "I don't think that the taxpayers of Ohio should have to finance the illegal drug habits of folks who get any form of government assistance."
The Ohio Works First program assists parents and their children. If the new bill becomes law, these parents must be drug tested before they get the money.
Federal law does not allow drug testing for food stamps or Medicaid. However, the bill would impact OWF.
A Cleveland area native, Grendell has represented Ohio’s 18th Senate District since 2004. Currently serving his second term in the Ohio Senate, Grendell is the Chair of the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee. He also serves as a member of the Agriculture Committee, Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, Government Oversight Committee, Judiciary – Civil Justice Committee, as well as the State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. Senator Grendell is also a member of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Grendell served two terms as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.[[In-content Ad]]
Similar legislation has been introduced in Florida and is being considered in other states.
More than 200,000 Ohio residents are currently getting aid from the state's cash assistance program.
"The purpose is simple," Grendell said. "I don't think that the taxpayers of Ohio should have to finance the illegal drug habits of folks who get any form of government assistance."
The Ohio Works First program assists parents and their children. If the new bill becomes law, these parents must be drug tested before they get the money.
Federal law does not allow drug testing for food stamps or Medicaid. However, the bill would impact OWF.
A Cleveland area native, Grendell has represented Ohio’s 18th Senate District since 2004. Currently serving his second term in the Ohio Senate, Grendell is the Chair of the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee. He also serves as a member of the Agriculture Committee, Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, Government Oversight Committee, Judiciary – Civil Justice Committee, as well as the State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. Senator Grendell is also a member of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Grendell served two terms as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.[[In-content Ad]]