Nance: Welfare Drug Testing, Statewide Special Elections, Balancing the Federal Budget

“Man is not free unless government is limited.” –Ronald Reagan

Mandatory Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients

It is important that we help our state’s most needy citizens. Most of these citizens are responsible, hard-working members of society, just trying to keep their heads above water. However, there are a small number of those who take advantage of the system. I believe in order to receive assistance from the state you must test drug-free.

This week, the House voted to third read and pass HB1377, which might require drug testing for those applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) as well as drug testing for those who are currently receiving TANF through the Department of Social Services. An individual would be tested if, based upon a screening, there was a suspicion of use.

Applicants and recipients who test positive for the use of an illegal substance will be referred to a treatment program for substance abuse. If the individual completes the treatment program in a reasonable amount of time and tests negative for drug use, they can regain eligibility for welfare benefits.

However, if the individual fails to complete the program or after completing the program still continues to test positive in subsequent drug tests, the Department of Social Services can, after a departmental administrative hearing, declare the individual ineligible for TANF benefits for one year. TANF could still be used for family needs through a third party.

Also tied into this bill is a requirement that all elected officials for state offices must take a drug test before assuming office and then take a test every two years. The costs of such testing shall be paid by such official.

Special Elections for Statewide Office

The House passed HB 1497 this week that will require the governor to call a special election for any vacancy that occurs in a statewide office. Currently, the governor appoints the successor for the remaining balance of the term. All political power originates from the people.

Telling Congress to Balance the Federal Budget

The federal government is not constitutionally required to pass annual balanced budgets like 49 out of the 50 states; this process has continued to spiral out of control.

The federal debt now exceeds 12 trillion dollars and Congress has shown no interest in putting a stop to this dangerous trend. That is why the Missouri House passed Budget Chairmen Allen Icet's House Resolution 34 which urges the United States Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification. We must stop this trend of out-of-control deficit spending that passes the cost of our projects and programs on to our children and grandchildren. With this resolution, the Missouri House calls on Congress to put a stop to the fiscal irresponsibility and urges them to pass a balanced budget amendment.

Tom Crenshaw visited the capitol to discuss funding for mental health.

In the District

I observed the Excelsior Springs Robotics team’s Mystery Machine on February 6th during their open house.

I participated in career days at the Lawson Middle School on Friday, February 12th.

Five scouts from the Harris family met me on the 13th for a class on the “Bill of Rights”.

On Sunday, I was speaker at the First United Methodist Church celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts.

Congratulations to Excelsior Springs School District on their recognition as a “Distinction in Performance District”.