Georgia’s New Law Requires Welfare Recipients To Undergo Drug Tests — Tha Wire

Wednesday this week (April 30th), Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill into law that will require certain welfare recipients to undergo a drug test. Learn more now.

Under Georgia’s new law, welfare recipients whom state employees believe are using drugs under “reasonable suspicion” will  have to take a drug test, that they themselves must pay for, positive or not.  Failure of the drug test will result in temporary suspension of benefits.  Governor Deal explained his position on the law saying :

You’re trying to balance two competing forces. First is the right of the individual if they qualify to be given assistance in terms of food stamps. On the other hand, the right of the taxpayer not to be putting money in the hands of those abusing drugs. So it’s a delicate balance of social issues.

Debbie Seagraves, executive director of Georgia’s American Civil Liberties Union, argued state employees are not trained to adequately detect “reasonable suspicion” of drug use. However, the governor’s spokesman Brian Robinson said accountability is the foundation of this new law.  Robinson pointed out if a welfare recipient has a drug addiction and,

reject treatment and instead choose a lifestyle that renders them unemployable, taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize that. 

Governor Deals urgency in passing the bill is also attribute to the rising drug use and trafficking problems in certain areas of Georgia.  Since late January Fox31 Onilne reports, “10 to 12 drug arrests” have occurred in Warwick, GA on Highway 300 alone.

Ironically, Florida passed a similar bill back in 2011, but the program ended up costing taxpayers more money than it saved.  Two years later in late December 2013, Judge Mary S. Scriven of the United States District Court ruled the law was unconstitutional saying:

The court finds there is no set of circumstances under which the warrantless, suspicion less drug testing at issue in this case could be constitutionally applied.

Finally late Wednesday (April 30), Mariah Carey  revealed the tittle of her upcoming album will be, Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse.  The 44-year-old songstress was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter shortly after doing so too.  Mariah’s big reveal came with the track list, cover art and a personal video message.  pre-order info, and a personal video message from Mimi.  Look for Tha Wire post at 107jamz.com to check out the video and pre order Mariah’s new project.

Pre-order Mimi's new album now. By the way, the back of her album cover features a childhood "self-portrait" which is the first and only time Mariah has ever drawn herself.  The singer said of her masterpiece, "I drew it when I was three-and-a-half and entitled it, 'Me. I Am Mariah,' which is precisely where the title comes from.  However, the rest of the album title is derived from her new nickname.

The entire project is "reflection of some of the peaks and valleys" that have made Mariah Carey the multi-platinum selling artist she is today.  Mimi’s album will feature, Wale, Nas, Miguel, and Fabolous, with production from So So Def creator Jermaine Dupri, and Mike Will Made It.

Listen to Tha Wire below and find out when Mariah Carey's new album will hit music shelves.  Plus, find out what celebs are celebrating birthdays today.