Welfare drug screening bill debated with emotions, data in ND committee

BISMARCK— Multiple opponents of a bill that would subject some welfare program applicants to drug screenings cast themselves as success stories who once fell on hard times. On Monday, many of them argued against public perceptions of welfare programs being full of people abusing the system.

Bismarck resident Melissa Hammond told the Senate Human Services Committee about her attempt at applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.

Hammond moved from Dallas to the Bismarck area in 2011 with her husband, who was working in the oil industry. Several months later, her husband became addicted to drugs, and they eventually separated.

At one point, Hammond applied for TANF but was denied due to having too high of an income to qualify. She said disappointment of having to resort to applying for TANF was one thing, but having to worry over a possible drug test even though she wasn't on drugs was quite another.

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4234044-welfare-drug-screening-bill-debated-emotions-data-nd-committee