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For Immediate Release
June 18, 2009
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

Alloway Cosponsors Drug Screening Legislation for Cash Assistance Recipients 

HARRISBURG – Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) is cosponsoring legislation that would require all cash assistance recipients in Pennsylvania to pass random illegal drug tests. 

Under Senate 832, individuals and families accepting cash assistance must agree to random drug testing to be considered for the program. Individuals who fail a drug test will be denied cash assistance until they are able to pass a retest. If the retest proves continual drug use, the individual may be denied cash assistance for up to 12 months. 

"Cash assistance benefits are intended to help individuals make ends meet during difficult times, and we must ensure that this money is used for its intended purpose," Alloway said. "Taxpayers deserve to have confidence that their money is not subsidizing illegal drug use."  

During each six-month period, a random selection of at least 5% of all cash assistance benefits recipients must be tested. A written acknowledgment of understanding may need to be signed by all current and future recipients.