ACLU Sues to End Rick Scott's Drug Testing Laws on Behalf of Navy Vet

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed suit yesterday to end the state's new controversial requirement that all people seeking help from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program undergo a drug test. The law was passed earlier this year at the behest of Governor Rick Scott, but so far only about two percent of applicants have tested positive for drugs calling into questions its fiscal sense. The ACLU also claims the law violates the US Constitution.

The ACLU filed the suit in a federal court yesterday on behalf of Luis Lebron, a 35-year-old Navy Vet and single father who is currently finishing school at University of Central Florida. He's also the sole care giver for his disabled mother.

Lebron applied for assistance from TANF, but refused to undergo the drug test, or as the ACLU press release pointedly puts it "refused to waive his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure and submit to the newly required drug test."

"I served my country, I'm in school finishing my education and trying to take care of my son," Lebron said in the release. "It's insulting and degrading that people think I'm using drugs just because I need a little help to take care of my family while I finish up my education."

The group points out that a similar law was struck down in Michigan back in 2000 because it violated the Fourth Amendment, and hopes to see similar results in Florida."

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2011/09/aclu_sues_to_end_rick_scotts_d.php#more

[RKP5637]

1. Good! n/t

[RockaFowler]

2. In the immortal words of Gru from Despicable Me

I don't like that Guy!!

[Scuba]

3. But aren't Scott's corporate lab profits more sacred than Luis Lebron's civil rights?

sarcasm thingy

[HelenWheels]

4. support the ACLU

I send them $25/month and have been doing it since about 2004. I would give more if I could afford it.

[DirkGently]

5. A step in the right direction. Further steps to include the ones Scott bounces down on the way out.