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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Bipartisan Opposition Grows for SD Welfare Drug Testing

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Monday, January 25, 2016   

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota residents who apply for public assistance programs would have to pass a drug test before receiving help, such as food stamps, if new legislation passes.

Republican state Rep. Lynne DiSanto introduced the bill late last week. She says the idea is to ensure that South Dakota taxpayers are not, in her words, "subsidizing people's drug habits."

However, the move already faces opposition from some of her House colleagues, including Democratic Rep. Spencer Hawley.

"I don't support it,” he states. “We've had this bill before in South Dakota and when our Department of Social Services testified in the past, the cost of this makes it really expensive."

The bill would require applicants for public benefits under age 65 to pay at least a $25 fee to take the drug test. If they are denied benefits, the proposal would allow them to contest it.

Last year, the head of the state's Department of Social Services opposed a similar bill, saying there is no evidence that people who receive assistance use drugs more than any other segment of the population.

Hawley adds these types of drug-testing laws haven't had good outcomes in other states.

"They have found after this major cost to do all the testing, it affects 1 to 2 percent of the recipients,” he points out. “So, that isn't a problem. Just because a person has low income doesn't mean they're a drug user."

State Sen. Betty Olson is a primary sponsor of the bill in the Senate. Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard has criticized the proposal, calling it "somewhat insulting."




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