The process of drug testing individuals applying for or receiving welfare benefits has recently become the center of widespread controversy. Florida, the first state to pass the law, now requires that all individuals applying for public assistance undergo drug testing. The state of Kentucky, among others, has considered following this trend. State lawmakers hope to prevent wasting taxpayer money on drugs by proposing similar guidelines. Alabama state representative Kerry Rich clearly stated her state's position on the issue: "I don't think taxpayers should help fund anyone's drug addiction" (qtd. in Time). The decision to implement mandatory drug testing could be an imperative step. to prevent welfare abuse; however, officials should not overlook other influential factors. We must also consider the multitude of variables that will or will not allow the law to work and have a clear solution. While not all Kentucky residents feel the same way, an objective solution remains vital. Because of the abundance of anonymous reports of welfare abuse, lawmakers insist they must pass a bill to protect the state's financial interests. State Rep. Lonnie Napier said, “People call me from all over the state, telling me about people selling food stamps or other government drug assistance” (qtd in Kentucky). Napier's theory behind this concept: If the state mandates drug testing when the applicant requests it and on a random basis, they can target people responsible for selling their food stamps for drug money (Kentucky). The public, the media and fellow legislators have raised a list of concerns. What is concerning is how expensive money is selling food stamps in exchange for drugs. However, they also sell them for other sometimes valid reasons that we cannot penalize children. Kentucky needs a new law to prevent welfare abuse that includes specific expectations with detailed ramifications. Officials vote yes to pass this bill when all factors have been considered and a final resolution is in place. Works Cited “Amend KRS 205.200. " Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, Nov. 2011. Web. Nov.2011. Brammer, Jack Kentucky Legislature Wants Random Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients. January 17, 2011. Web. November 2011. Cohan, Adam “Drug Testing the Poor: Bad Policy, Even Worse Law.” Time. Ideas.Time.com, August 29, 2011. Web. November. 2011.