WELFARE DRUG TESTS BLOCKED

DETROIT -- Michigan's experimental program requiring welfare applicants to
be tested for drugs was blocked Wednesday by a federal judge who said the
practice appears to be unconstitutional.

Under the program that began Oct. 1, most welfare applicants in three
western counties and a portion of the Detroit suburbs must provide urine
samples before they can be considered for benefits.

No one who tests positive will be denied food stamps or assistance checks,
and police won't be notified. But offenders who don't go to state-ordered
treatment risk the gradual loss of benefits.

The program was to be eventually expanded statewide.

However, U.S. District Judge Victoria A. Roberts issued a temporary
restraining order, saying that requiring the tests without suspicion "is
likely unconstitutional."