House Opposes Requiring Drug Tests for TANIF Recipients
Air Date:02/07/2011
By Jackelyn Severin and Travis Berg
The House killed a bill that requires random drug testing for TANIF recipients. TANIF stands fro Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Republican Representative Mark Venner from Pierre sponsored the bill. He says it helps keep taxpayer dollars from going to drugs.
Venner says, "All we have to do is prove we're willing to use and I predict we will see a major change for the better. Ladies and gentlemen it's time to do something we haven't done in a long time. And that's make a major change within our government for all the people. I urge you to hit that green button."
Opponents say this is an added cost to state government in a tight budget year. Opponents also say this takes away state aid from children at a time when they need it most. The measure failed to pass the House by a vote of 32 to 36.
Click here to download audio
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
