OBJECTIVE IS TO HELP DESERVING

As a nation, we are facing some of the most challenging economic times
of the past century. Many Georgians are confronted with the daily
reality of tightening their wallets to secure the economic stability
of their families.

In addition, our dependency on entitlement programs has grown at an
alarming and unsustainable rate. It is time for an era of
responsibility and accountability.

Georgia has a lot to be thankful for this year. The General Assembly
worked hard to lessen the tax burden and reduce spending from the
state budget.

With the upcoming legislative session quickly approaching, the first
priority for lawmakers will be to balance the state budget.
Thankfully, Georgia is constitutionally mandated to maintain a
balanced budget with no deficit spending.

With that being said, one of the main functions of government is to
act as a safeguard of taxpayer money and protect against possible
misappropriation of funds. Therefore, it is in the vested interest of
all Georgians to ensure that their hard-earned money is being used for
its intended purpose.

In an effort to reduce state expenditures, curb the ever-pervasive
entitlement mentality and encourage personal responsibility and
accountability, I have introduced legislation requiring drug tests for
recipients of Medicaid and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
welfare program, or TANF.

My proposed legislation, known as the Social Responsibility and
Accountability Act, would require welfare recipients to undergo drug
tests similar to the routine drug-screening measures set forth by
private-sector employers. Whether you work to receive compensation or
collect government assistance, the same standards should apply. If
individuals are receiving aid at the taxpayers' expense, citizens have
the right to know how their funds are being appropriated.

To receive welfare benefits, applicants already go through an
extensive application process and drug screening would just serve as
an additional eligibility requirement. In an effort to protect the
privacy of welfare applicants, screening results would remain
confidential to protect against the scrutiny of public opinion.

Studies indicate that individuals who engage in drug abuse are less
likely to maintain employment and, as a result, remain on
welfare-related programs for longer periods of time.

The proposed legislation would help families that need assistance
while also providing help for individuals who need rehabilitation from
illegal drug use.

At the heart of welfare is the notion that government
is
responsible for the prosperity and success of our lives. It is not.
Government is responsible for providing the environment and helping
people when needed with
a "hand up" and not a "handout." Our
state has found itself in the middle of an economic plague as
entitlement and government assistance programs continue to grow.

For many, welfare-related programs provide a means for families to
receive temporary support during a time of need.

For others, welfare has become a type of dependency and entitlement,
costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year while also enabling
bad behavior.

The Social Responsibility and Accountability Act's main objective is
to ensure that the families who need assistance the most are receiving
the help they deserve. My bill will help us return to the ideals that
make America exceptional.