By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-992389.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The state is appealing a decision that temporarily put a stop to drug testing welfare applicants. As Regan McCarthy reports Florida Governor Rick Scott says he's prepared to fight for what he calls a common sense law.
A Federal District Court judge issued an injunction last week to stop drug testing welfare applicants until a hearing on the constitutionality of the law could be completed. Now Florida is challenging that ruling in court. Governor Scott says the court shouldn't have rejected the state's arguments, but spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union Baylor Johnson says he finds the state's arguments "startling."
"They argued that some Floridians, namely poor families asking for temporary government assistance were just not protected by the fourth amendment of the constitution."
The ACLU is representing the military veteran and father who is bringing the case against the state. Orlando Resident Luis Lebron applied for TANF but was refused when he said he wouldn't take a drug test.