Iowa GOP proposes drug testing child support recipients

[Triana]

A favorite Republican pastime recently has been to demonize the unemployed by proposing that they submit to drug tests before collecting their unemployment insurance. Both at the federal and state level, Republicans have pushed for such a policy, even though, as it turns out, such requirements save barely any money and only prove that those on unemployment insurance are less likely than the public at large to be using drugs.

One Iowa Republican this week decided that such measures are not enough. During debate over Iowa’s budget, state Sen. Mark Chelgren (R) proposed that people who receive child support payments also be forced to submit to drug tests on the whims of the person making the payments:

The proposal came from Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa who said he was pushing the idea on behalf of an unidentified constituent who believed his ex was using child support money for illegal drugs.

A person paying child support under Chelgren’s proposal could require the recipient to a drug test every six months as long as they pay the costs.

“We shouldn’t be ducking our head and running away every time there’s a difficult issue coming up,” Chelgren said. However, following open laughter in the Iowa Senate chamber, Chelgren withdrew his amendment.

MORE...

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/04/13/464033/iowa-gop-drug-test-child-support/

[Iggo]

1. Legalize it.

[Blue Owl]

2. Nobody likes analyzing urine more than the GOP

They just can't get enough piss to go along with their bullshit.

[RKP5637]

3. I propose a psychological testing for politicians running for high offices. We

don't know what we're getting for state governments and Federal offices. I say similar for drug testing.

And, many drugs should be decriminalized so that support for this outrageous DEA is reduced and help is provided for those requiring help.

Too many are making big bucks off the drug criminalization in this country, and that applies to both the enforcers and the offenders, as well as the US corporate prison industry.

[CrispyQ]

4. This is an extension of the war on women,

since women are more likely to receive child support.

These assholes really do want to take away our rights & put us back to status of property.

[atreides1]

8. Sounds like it

And what makes it even worse is that other women are helping...thinking that the new laws won't apply to them. But once these onerous laws are in place these Repuke men will no longer need the Quisling women, and they will also become property.

[HereSince1628]

9. It does seem to be harrassment of custodial parents...who are mostly women

I suppose this fits neatly into their delusion about single parent homes being bad for children.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

11. Exactly.

Just another damn assault on women. Let's see, if the American Taliban had its way, women would have to ask men or their employer if they can have abortions or birth control, or tolerate being raped first to get one (in the case of abortion) and even if divorced, men would get to decide if a woman gets child support or not (or if she has to be drug tested to receive it). They're quickly losing any right to remind women how well they're treated here in comparison to elsewhere. They seem hellbent on emulating the countries that treat women the worst, instead. Thus, American Taliban.

[madaboutharry]

5. What an asshole.

[atreides1]

6. Looking at this with reason

If this "consituent" was so concerned, why not use the system in place?

He could go to CPS and tell them of his suspicions, for which he would have to have something called proof...which he probably doesn't have.

Personally I think like all Repukes Chelgren is lying, and this is his own idea.

[BlueIris]

7. Absolutely insane.

Every time I read one of these articles, I have to triple check that it is not from The Onion. I cringe every time I am wrong.

[catbyte]

10. Assholes. GOP=political pornography

No redeeming social value whatsoever.

Diane
Anishinaabe in MI & mom to Leo, Sophie, Taz & Nigel, members of Dogs Against Romney, Cat Division
"We ride inside--HISS!”

[anti-alec]

12. I think these Iowa Republicans aren't getting the message from Florida

Ixnay on the rug-dray esting-tay!