HARRISBURG - Senator David G. Argall (R-29) today voiced his support for legislation introduced by Senator John Wozniak (D-35) that would require the Department of Public Welfare to develop and implement a drug screening program for all applicants and recipients of cash assistance benefits.

Senate Bill 682 was introduced on Thursday, March 14, and included 15 co-sponsors, including Senator Argall.Argall, who appeared on CNN last year to discuss his support for a current law that randomly drug tests welfare recipients with a prior drug felony conviction, said this bill is a commonsense reform embraced by a large majority of residents in the 29th Senate District.Recent local letters to the editor documenting welfare abuse illustrates the need to further protect integrity of tax dollars, Argall said. Hard-earned tax dollars, quite simply, should not be used to pay for someone else s illegal drug habit. I applaud Senator Wozniak for his work on this legislation and am hopeful it furthers the conversation as to how to revamp a department that consumes over one-third, or over $10 billion, of the state budget.The legislation was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.