Wisconsin governor and failed Republican presidential candidate Scott Walker has approved an administrative rule that requires screening applicants for a wide range of benefits and even unemployment insurance.
Gov. Scott Walker announced on Tuesday that he has approved an administrative rule submitted by the state Department of Children and Families that would establish a process to screen for and test for the use of controlled substances by applicants for state work experience programs, and to refer those determined to be abusing drugs to a treatment program.
The rule is set to take effect on November 9.
In addition to drug testing food stamp recipients, the new rule would also require screening for those applying for state jobs and those enrolling in job training programs.
Ordinarily this would be the moment when the federal government files a lawsuit against Wisconsin for requiring drug testing for food stamp recipients, but the Walker administration filed a preemptive lawsuit against the federal government. The state of Wisconsin under Walker's leadership is asking a federal judge to approve the drug testing for food stamps program.
Similar policies have been struck down in every other state they've been implemented in.
Among the most high profile cases, Florida Governor Rick Scott implemented a sweeping drug testing program which was ruled unconstitutional.