Rounding up the usual suspects...

March 2, 2010: I must say, I like it. In fact, I like it a lot.

The proposition being forwarded by two state lawmakers that, "it is irrational to expect the government to provide compassionate assistance without giving it the ability to identify substance abuse problems," is brilliantly worded.

According to a recent legislative proposal introduced by two state representatives, if you take money from state government, you better be able to prove you are of sound, un-influenced mind. 

At least that's the name of the tune that State Representative Wes Keller (R-Wasilla) is singing with the introduction of HB259 which would mandate the Department of Health & Social Services to test Alaskans receiving public assistance for alcohol and drugs.

Keller, along with his co-sponsor Rep. Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), argue that alcohol and drug testing are common in the work place so those collecting public assistance should just shush up and pee in the cup.

"When we apply for a job we must provide proof of citizenship and in some cases we may also be required to submit to drug and alcohol testing. We comply because it is part of ensuring that we are qualified to work and because it is part of the package that returns a paycheck," they wrote in their sponsor statement. 

This is a critical point that cannot be over looked.

Neither Keller nor Gatto were required to pass an alcohol or drug test before they were hired for two of the most powerful positions in state government and look what happened.

In return, both Keller and Gatto have consistently voted like they've been stoned.

They both argued and voted in favor of AGIA, using logic that could only be described as Cheech & Chong-esq and both thought raising oil taxes was a great way of stimulating development.

Who doesn't want these wards of the state tested? 

The idea of testing those who receive money from the state has merit...only if legislative and administrative branch officials go first.

Lets be honest, who is more dangerous to the State of Alaska; a 40 year old unemployed oil field worker smoking a joint at home or the people who drove him out of a job by adopting bad public policy like Keller and Gatto did on AGIA and ACES?

This week the legislature has ground to a halt due to the annual pilgrimage to an oil & gas conference in Washington D.C.

The list of lawmakers on the state junket includes a few names that have questionable oil & gas records. In fact some of them beg the question; just how many double martinis did it take to secure their travel approval?

Three years ago State Sen Fred Dyson said AGIA was the most brilliant thing he'd ever heard; "I think what the governor has put forth is near genius," Dyson said. At the time, the oil & gas industry said AGIA was closer to garbage than genius. 

Today AGIA is all but dead and yet Dyson continues to get authorization to attend oil & gas conferences even though he has proven he can't tell garbage from "genius" when it comes to oil & gas issues.

The question I have; who was wasted enough to sign off on his travel request?

And while we're at it, Keller and Gatto's bill should expand the definition of substance abuse to include the addiction of pay to play campaign dollars. 

Last month I ran into a well known lobbyist downtown and asked who he was supporting for governor. "I have to stick with Sean because he included my project in his capitol budget," he replied. 

If Keller and Gatto are seeking to deny addiction on the state's dime, how about addressing policy makers addictions to lobbyists.

If the intent of this legislation is to stop state funds from ultimately being used to subsidize bad behavior, then lets start at the top first.

Public assistance programs come with term limits to protect against abuse; legislators face no such term limits.

If testing those who receive government assistance is a worthy idea, it should apply those who hand out the fruits of taxpayers labors along with those who receive them.

Lets round up the usual suspects;

Keller, Gatto grab a cup boys.