Gwen Moore Statement on Governor Walker's Push to Drug Test Recipients of Public Benefits
Washington, DC,
September 15, 2014
I find it shameful that Governor Walker has chosen to drug test our struggling Wisconsin families as a condition of eligibility for vital, life-saving social services. The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Drug addition and subsistence abuse knows no economic or social distinctions. This discriminatory policy is devoid of any scientific credibility and has proven in the past to be fiscally irresponsible and a colossal waste of our time.
Contact: Eric Harris Eric.Harris@mail.house.gov (202) 341- 4293 Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker's push to drug test recipients of public benefits: "I find it shameful that Governor Walker has chosen to drug test our struggling Wisconsin families as a condition of eligibility for vital, life-saving social services. The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Drug addiction and substance abuse knows no economic or social distinctions. This discriminatory policy is devoid of any scientific credibility and has proven in the past to be fiscally irresponsible and a colossal waste of our time. "Forcing the most vulnerable among us to choose between feeding their families and protecting their constitutionally protected rights is disgraceful, even for Governor Walker’s standards. Governor Walker’s insistence on holding critical government aid hostage to appease the likes of the Tea Party is abhorrent to the values we cherish as Americans. "We have the capacity to ensure a bright future for those living in poverty and provide them with the economic security they need to support their families and thrive, but there are those on the fringe of the Republican Party who continue to stand in the way. I look forward to the day when Wisconsin can welcome a Governor who is truly committed to helping our working families regain their economic footing." ### |
