Local official opposes drug-testing assistance recipients

NEWARK – The director of the Licking County Department of Job and Family Services is no fan of a proposal to drug test Ohio residents who receive public assistance.

John Fisher responded to a request from State Rep. Scott Ryan, R-Newark, for an opinion on Ohio House Bill 298, which seeks to prevent taxpayer money from ending up in the hands of drug dealers.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency.

In May, 106 adults and 862 children received TANF in Licking County. The 545 households averaged $363 per month.

Fisher acknowledges there is a drug problem, but in a letter to Ryan, states the proposal is not a practical approach to the community’s drug problem and could increase dangers to children already facing adverse life conditions.

“No, HB 298 would not help address these issues in an economical and efficient manner to make any impact that we all hope,” Fisher wrote in his letter to Ryan.

“Let’s re-channel and focus our resources on those children who are being abused and neglected due to the drug abuse of caregivers.”

Fisher said the money would be better spent on abused and neglected children who are served by Licking County Children’s Services.

At least 80 percent of Licking County’s child abuse and neglect cases have drugs and mental health issues at the core of the problem, Fisher said.

“Creating a more focused and efficient manner to direct and monitor services is far better than a ‘let’s test everyone effort,’” Fisher wrote.

“Also, services could be directly focused on the parents and incorporated into the families’ case plans as reviewed and enforced by the courts.”

Ryan, representing Ohio’s 71st House District, said he has not decided how he will vote on the bill, sponsored by State Reps. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, and Ron Maag, R-Lebanon.

“I’m on board with the concept, but not sure if this bill will economically and efficiently have a real impact,” Ryan said.

“On the surface, public money going toward recipients being clean of drugs would be a good thing, but details coming out showing it’s not that simple.”

Fisher said reports have indicated drug abuse among public assistance recipients is no higher than the general population, and in Florida’s testing, was far less.

One reason there might be so few positive tests, Fisher said, is recipients simply don’t apply for the benefits to avoid the test.

“There is a reason to believe that families, out of fear, may not apply for the benefits they need during emergencies, thereby adding to each family’s issues and creating even greater issues/dangers for the children,” Fisher wrote.

Ryan said declining benefits to avoid the test is one of the unintended consequences of the proposal, and one reason he remains undecided.

“That’s one of the issues I’m thinking of,” Ryan said. “The children are certainly an innocent bystander in this.”

County Commissioner Tim Bubb said he supports Fisher’s position.

“It’s a terrible waste of money, in my opinion,” Bubb said. “The huge cost will have negligible impact.”

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8545

Twitter: @kmallett1958

Ryan office hours

State Rep. Scott Ryan will be at the Licking County Library, Newark downtown branch, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 18, when people can talk to the representative.