Final Passage of the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (March 30, 2012) – The Social Responsibility and Accountability Act received final passage in the Senate on Sine Die and is now traveling to the Governor’s desk for final approval. The bill requires recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to undergo a drug test to receive welfare benefits.



Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) spearheaded this legislation in light of evidence that shows drug abusers are less likely to maintain employment and, as a result, remain on welfare-related programs for longer periods of time. In a study surveying New Jersey TANF recipients, individuals who abused drugs stayed on welfare for an average of 12 years, compared to less than six years for those who did not.

“Final passage of the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act would not have been possible without collaboration from my House colleagues – Rep. Michael Harden, Rep. Jason Spencer and Rep. Ron Stevens,” said Sen. Albers. “The dedicated teamwork from members of both chambers helped produce a strong piece of legislation that will safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that we are offering citizens a ‘hand-up’ and not a ‘hand-out.’ The Social Responsibility and Accountability Act will help revolutionize how our welfare system functions and better serve those in need while being proper stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.