States and Drug Testing for Public Assistance

Scott Walker wants jobless, food stamp recipients to face drug tests, By Dee J. Hall and Mary Spicuzza, November 10, 2014, Wisconsin State Journal: “Wisconsin could have one of the nation’s most sweeping drug-testing requirements for those receiving public benefits if the proposal by Gov. Scott Walker to test those who apply for unemployment checks and food stamps becomes law. But with scant details, it’s unclear whether any expansion beyond the current testing of drug felons would be allowed under federal law governing the state’s FoodShare program. It’s also unclear how Wisconsin could craft any broad-based testing program for public benefits recipients that would be found constitutional…”