MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
| Intro: | Missouri's House voted to require drug screening of some welfare applicants. |
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| RunTime: | 0:40 |
| OutCue: | SOC |
Wrap: Unanimous approval from House Republicans Thursday forced the bill closer toward law.
Sikeston Republican Ellen Brandom sponsored the bill.
| Actuality: | BRANDOM2.WAV |
|---|---|
| Run Time: | 00:09 |
| Description: "It is often a topic of conversation: Why don't the same laws apply to the person who's on welfare that apply to me as the worker." | |
In a 2008 survey she conducted, Brandom said 91 percent wanted "welfare applicants tested."
| Actuality: | BRANDOM.WAV |
|---|---|
| Run Time: | 00:06 |
| Description: "The hard-working tax payers in Missouri do not want to subsidize drug use." | |
She said the bill will lessen drug dependency among many welfare applicants.
The bill now faces one more vote in the House before going to the Senate.
From the State Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky.
| Intro: | Divided House Democrats failed to stop the passing of a bill making some welfare applicants take drug screenings. |
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| RunTime: | 0:36 |
| OutCue: | SOC |
Wrap: Democrats argued with both themselves and Republicans as the final vote approached.
The only no votes Thursday came from Democratic legislators from St. Louis City.
Barnhart Democratic Representative Jeff Roorda led the dissenters, arguing against the bill and with members on both sides of the aisle.
| Actuality: | ROORDA.WAV |
|---|---|
| Run Time: | 00:06 |
| Description: "Much like an abusive husband picks on moms, that's what this chamber is engaging in today. We're beating up moms." | |
Roorda also criticized the bill as "unconstitutional" and not helpful to needy Missouri families.
But with the Democratic minority split, the House approved the bill with a large majority.
From the State Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky.