Michigan Lawmakers Discussing Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

State lawmakers are taking testimony on legislation to require some state welfare recipients to undergo drug testing.

Michigan tried before to require drug testing of welfare recipients.    That law mandated random drug testing.    But the courts stopped that program a decade ago.

Some legislators want to resurrect the idea, though this new program would focus on cash assistance recipients who are suspected of using illegal drugs.

“Hard earned tax dollars should be used efficiently,” says Utica State Representative Jeff Farrington.  He’s the bill’s sponsor.   “There are limited resources as we all know. Those resources should go to those in highest need. If someone is using cash assistance for their illegal drug habit that’s not a good use of our resources.”

Substance abuse treatment and welfare advocates oppose the drug testing requirement.    They say the proposal won’t save the state any money.

http://www.michiganradio.org/post/michigan-lawmakers-discussing-drug-testing-welfare-recipients

Comstock Public Schools Face Serious Fiscal Challenges

"Like trying to run with weights tied to your feet".

That's how Comstock Public Schools superintendent Todd Mora described the district's financial problems.  In a district faced with difficult problems like decreasing enrollment, student poverty and economic decline in the broader Comstock community, the sharp decrease in funds from the state are serious handicaps.

Julie Mack at MLive details the challenges facing Comstock's students, parents  and teachers in a community where parents who can are transferring their students to districts in less dire straits.  This only compounds the problem, as test scores (and, therefore, state funding) declines apace.

Read the whole article here.

Summer Job Outlook Improves for Teens

Claire Wahl is one-for-one in her summer job search.

The 14-year-old Birmingham Seaholm High School student pounced on the opportunity to be one of 20 seasonal workers at Dairy Deluxe in Birmingham — the only place she looked in her quest to save money for college and a car.

Other teens might find similar success in their search for summer employment, thanks to an improving economy that is expected to mean more job opportunities in Michigan and across the country.

While the outlook is rosier, there are still challenges, especially in Michigan where the unemployment rate for teens ages 16 to 19 was nearly 29 percent last year. In searching for jobs, teens might need to think outside the box, experts say.

"I actually feel like it is improving a bit," said Nancy Zambardi, a career specialist with the Troy School District's two high schools. "I have more job postings now than I did this time last year and for a higher hourly rate."

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120508/BIZ/205080368#ixzz1uFqe1dYW