DRUG TESTING WILL HELP ELIMINATE ABUSE

I am responding to Holly Baggett's letter ("Drug testing affront to
poor families," Jan. 9) regarding the drug testing of families
receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. Baggett
seems to be offended that people receiving this taxpayer
government-funded program would have to be drug tested to get these
benefits. I find this ironic as the funding for this and other
programs like it come from people's taxes paid out of their paycheck.
I assure you that most of these people had to have a drug test before
they could be considered for employment. She should also be made
aware that almost all employers require drug testing pre-employment,
random testing and mandatory testing if they are injured on the job.

If the person who works hard everyday that pays for this benefit has
to be tested, then how is it that the people who receive this benefit
for free should be exempt?

I have been an advocate of drug testing for anyone receiving
government assistance and personally spoke to Melissa Leach about
this prior to her election.

I feel that anyone who honestly needs help should receive it, and I
am glad it is available for them. I do not want to see our tax
dollars paid out to the people who can afford drugs, only because
hardworking people are paying for the rest of their necessities.

Melissa Leach is keeping a campaign promise of watching how our tax
dollars are spent; I say good job.

If we eliminate the abuse in some of the programs, maybe we could
help more of the people who really do deserve our help. I live in a
middle-class working neighborhood; however, when I have spoken to
people in the area, they, too, feel the same on this as I do.

Tom Edmonds Springfield