By By Lynn Herrmann Jan 18, 2011 in Politics Louisville - A Kentucky Republican has introduced a state bill designed to enforce random drug tests on all adults who are recipients of welfare, food stamps, or Medicaid, claiming it will “get people off drugs” and save the state “millions” of dollars. “Let me say that public assistance is a good thing, especially given the continued rate of unemployment in our commonwealth,” Napier said, according to Under the bill, any recipients of public assistance who fail the random testing program would immediately lose their benefits. Napier’s bill is designed to create fear in those who are under hard times and receiving those benefits. In the Huffington Post report, he added: “It's widely known here and all over the country that they'll take the food-stamp card and buy good groceries with it, and then swap them for illegal drugs. My deal would only be random testing, and this would put the fear in people to keep them drug-clean because they would lose their public assistance if they show up with illegal drugs in their system.” Also supporting the bill is the state’s House Speaker, Greg Stumbo, a Democrat from Prestonsburg. He told Huffington Post the bill is an effort at curtailing drug use, even after he has done all he can to stop the illegal activity. “As Attorney General and as a legislator, I have done all I can to curb illegal drug use in the state. I view this issue in that light, and that's why I signed on as cosponsor.” Napier noted the close association of children being raised in a drugs-for -food environment, stating: “Who would want their children raised in an environment where money is being used for drugs instead of groceries,” MSNBC reported. “It is essential that we protect those most vulnerable by making HB 208 law in Kentucky,” he added. State Rep. Lonnie Napier (R-Lancaster) has come up with what he believes to be a money-saving measure for Kentucky, House Bill 208 that will, if passed, create a mandatory random drug test program for state residents receiving public assistance.“Let me say that public assistance is a good thing, especially given the continued rate of unemployment in our commonwealth,” Napier said, according to MSNBC . “However given the fact that some may be abusing these programs, including using these funds to purchase drugs, it is essential that we require anyone receiving government assistance to submit to testing. Most employers require drug testing as a requirement for employment, and we need to do the same for those getting assistance through the government,” he added.Under the bill, any recipients of public assistance who fail the random testing program would immediately lose their benefits. Napier’s bill is designed to create fear in those who are under hard times and receiving those benefits. Huffington Post reports Napier said: “I believe there is a place for public assistance for those that really need it, but I don't think there should be public assistance for those using it to buy drugs.”In the Huffington Post report, he added: “It's widely known here and all over the country that they'll take the food-stamp card and buy good groceries with it, and then swap them for illegal drugs. My deal would only be random testing, and this would put the fear in people to keep them drug-clean because they would lose their public assistance if they show up with illegal drugs in their system.”Also supporting the bill is the state’s House Speaker, Greg Stumbo, a Democrat from Prestonsburg. He told Huffington Post the bill is an effort at curtailing drug use, even after he has done all he can to stop the illegal activity. “As Attorney General and as a legislator, I have done all I can to curb illegal drug use in the state. I view this issue in that light, and that's why I signed on as cosponsor.”Napier noted the close association of children being raised in a drugs-for -food environment, stating: “Who would want their children raised in an environment where money is being used for drugs instead of groceries,” MSNBC reported. “It is essential that we protect those most vulnerable by making HB 208 law in Kentucky,” he added. More about Kentucky, Random drug testing bill, Public assistance More news from kentucky random drug testing ... public assistance