Corpus Christi (KIII news) — More than 40 million Americans are enrolled in the Food Stamp program, but there could soon be a change in the application process.
The Trump administration is now considering a plan that includes drug testing.
The plan currently allows states to require some food stamp recipients to undergo drug testing; specifically, those who are able to work and don't have dependents.
Coastal Bend residents had mixed opinions about the proposal to require food stamp applicants to take a drug test. Most who spoke to 3News seem to like the idea.
"Wouldn't be a waste of time. If you have a job you have to get drug tested, so why not when you get food stamps?" one resident said.
"Most employers require drug tests, and you pay your taxes which funds these benefits, so why not make them take drug tests to receive benefits that people paying benefits have to go through?" another resident said.
"I'm sure there are cases where it's an unreasonable thing, but I do think it's a just cause," another said.
Others disagreed. Some argued that there should be some type of reason behind the testing.
"I think if there's a red flag for certain people," one resident said. "If they've been caught using drugs before."
If approved, it would not be the first time drug testing was used in a safety net program. At least 15 states passed laws allowing drug testing for recipients of temporary assistance. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 20 states have introduced legislation to screen safety net program recipients in some way.
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