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State Closer To Drug Testing FoodShare Employment Trainees

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FoodShare is Wisconsin's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food benefits, and education to low-income households. Recipients spend their benefits to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores. But there's a new drug testing program is in the final review stage in Madison after being approved by Governor Walker.

Under the rule, able-bodied adults participating in the Food Share Employment Training program are subject to drug screening and, if necessary, a drug test. Those who test positive will have the opportunity to get treatment, regardless of the ability to pay.

Casey Himebauch is Deputy Medicaid Director in the state Department of Health Services. He was asked to describe what the change in rules will do...

"....a testing and treatment program for FoodShare individuals, able body adults to participate in the Food Share Employment Training program, not for FoodShare eligibility, but to particpate in the FSET program..."

Himebauch says those who test positive must take action...

"...will be required to take a drug test and those who test positive will be offered treatment at no cost so they can get healthy and get back on their feet. No one seeking treatment will lose their FoodShare benefits...."

The Legislature has up to 120 days to review the measure, and once approved and published, the policy change is effective the first day of the next month. After that, the Department of Health Services will implement the new policy.

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