Panel endorses bill eyeing savings from benefits cutoff for those who fail drug tests

The House Health & Welfare Committee today endorsed Rep. Rich Wills’ legislation calling for a state study of whether kicking adults off public assistance if they test positive on random drug tests would save the state more money than running the tests. Rep. Pete Nielsen, R-Mountain Home, praised the idea as a form of “tough love” that he said would prompt drug users to become more responsible. Rep. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, said, “This is a very serious issue, and it’s been raised by a lot of my constituents. … We know this approach works.”

Several committee members raised objections to HCR 55, however, which would cover benefits including Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, aid to the blind and disabled, and more. Rep. Branden Durst, D-Boise, said cutting off food assistance and other aid could prompt drug-addicted recipients to begin stealing, “because people have to eat.” He said, “You’re going to see an increased level of criminality in the state.” Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said the study should include increased costs to county indigency programs for people who lose medical coverage and food assistance. Wills said, “Let’s find out - we don’t know if this is even possible, but let’s find out.” The study bill now moves to the full House for a vote; it estimates that conducting the study wouldn’t cost the state anything as costs would be absorbed by the state Department of Health and Welfare. That department already is closing its offices every other Friday due to budget cuts.