In the 2014 legislative session, Indiana lawmakers once again attempted to pass a bill requiring drug testing for people who need public assistance for food and shelter. Fortunately, with your help, this legislation was defeated for the third consecutive session.

Families need benefits, not barriers.

HB 1351, authored by State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) intruded on an individual's right to privacy and violated the Constitution's protection against unreasonable searches by the government. The bill used cheap scare tactics and played on false stereotypes.

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) need benefits, not barriers. This cruel and unnecessary law would have required drug testing for families in need, and would have punished Indiana's most vulnerable.

There is no evidence that recipients of TANF are any more likely to abuse illegal drugs than anyone else. In fact, a Florida study showed higher instances of marijuana use among the general population than among those receiving TANF, most of whom were children.

Seniors, farmers, and corporate CEOs are all beneficiaries of public funds, but are not required to reveal private personal medical conditions to the government as a prerequisite for receiving subsidies or benefits.

Thank you for everything you did in the 2014 legislative session to help stop this cruel and unnecessary law.