MARIETTA - The concept of requiring drug tests for Ohio residents applying for public assistance was resurrected recently when Gov. John Kasich indicated some reservations about the measure.
According to the Associated Press, during a recent question-and-answer session at a conference of Ohio county commissioners and engineers, Kasich said there are a number of issues to consider, including the effect on children of people rejected for assistance, along with privacy concerns and whether people who fail the tests should be sent to a rehabilitation center.
Some area residents have similar concerns, while others are in favor of the concept.
"I don't know how I feel about that," said Marietta resident Zane Kesselring, 55. "I think there's a right to privacy but yet I think there needs to be some accountability (for) the people receiving assistance."
Kesselring added that it would be a good thing if everyone were held more accountable but he was hesitant about singling out one group.
State Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, introduced a bill in February requiring drug testing for people seeking cash, medical, housing, food or energy assistance but little has been done with the measure. In response to similar proposals, state Rep. Robert Hagan, D-Youngstown, countered in October with a bill that included a requirement for drug tests of legislators, judges and other officials, as well as recipients of federal bailout money.
Ella Sillaman, 36, of Marietta, said she thinks drug testing people seeking public assistance is a good idea.
"If you can afford those things, I guess you don't need food stamps," she said.
"And people on drugs might get help," she said, if they're desperate enough for the assistance.
As for concerns about the effects on children, Sillaman said children whose parents have substance-abuse problems are already being harmed by growing up in such an environment.
Lawrence Township resident Rosemary Davis, 57, said the testing made sense to her too.
"You don't want people getting help to buy drugs," she said.
Coal Run resident Joan Barton, 54, said her concern about the tests would be how they're funded. Given the financial difficulties government is facing, adding another expense doesn't seem like "a bright idea," she said.
One proposal indicated the cost would be borne by the individual taking the test. That didn't fly with Barton either.
"They're applying for assistance because they don't have money and now they want them to pay for a drug test?" she said.
State Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marietta, said he supports the concept of drug-testing people seeking public assistance but noted the effect on children and whether the state would be able to extend those requirements to programs that receive federal funds would have to be considered.
Thompson said the law should take into account whether an individual who fails the test is willing to get help and get back on the right path.
"Then you can consider willingness to do the right thing ... rather than their inclination to do the wrong thing," he said.
State Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, said she understands why people are concerned about drug use by public assistance recipients but cites the issues of cost, compliance with federal rules and impact on children as areas of concern.
"I think it's a lot more complicated than at first blush," she said.
