WE NEED YOUR VOICE!!

As many of you may know a bill was introduced into the WV legislature on March 10 that would require random drug testing of welfare, food stamp, and unemployment recipients.  If you refuse drug testing you will be denied benefits.  If you test positive you will be denied benefits and may even potentially lose your children.

The full text of the bill can be read here http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb3007%20intr.htm&yr=2009&sesstype=RS&i=3007

When I first heard about the bill, I didn’t give it much attention because these bills are introduced all the time.  However, now we need to pay attention!  It seems that there is a lot of support to get this bill passed into law and we need to speak out and let our voices be heard on this issue. 

I need everyone reading this to contact your legislator and Delegate Carrie Webster, Chairperson of the Committee the bill is currently in and let them know that this bill will hurt families.

Random drug testing of public assistance recipients is not only unconstitutional it is also against federal regulations.  Random drug testing violates the rights of poor people and could result in families losing their children to CPS as a result of a positive test.  It is vitally important that you contact your Delegate and Delegate Webster and let them know that

WE DO NOT SUPPORT RANDOM DRUG TESTING OF WELFARE, FOOD STAMP, OR UNEMPLOYMENT RECIPIENTS!

Contact Delegate Carrie Webster at (304) 340-3252 or by email at cwebste1@mail.wvnet.edu

To find your Delegate please visit http://www.legis.state.wv.us/House/members/delmemview1.cfm

Let them know WE DO NOT SUPPORT RANDOM DRUG TESTING OF WELFARE, FOOD STAMP, OR UNEMPLOYMENT RECIPIENTS!

Please let me know once you contact your Delegate and Delegate Carrie Webster by sending me a copy of the email to DAWG and any response you receive.