Originally Published in Stocktonia
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to place Measure R, a controversial ballot initiative, on the November 5th ballot. This measure, formally titled “Illegal Substance Dependence Screening and Treatment for Recipients of County Public Assistance,” would require single adults receiving aid through the county's General Assistance program to undergo drug screening.
District 3 Supervisor Tom Patti introduced the measure, emphasizing the county’s ongoing commitment to promoting drug rehabilitation and accountability among aid recipients. "If we can prompt that person and save lives here in San Joaquin County and use this as a tool to help us engage that person and get their support to participate, I believe this is worth supporting," Patti said.
Under Measure R, recipients who refuse to participate in drug screenings and evaluations could lose their benefits. The General Assistance program currently provides eligible recipients with $75 per month on an EBT card for up to five months, covering essentials like food, utilities, and housing. With over 400 residents benefiting from the program monthly, the initiative could impact approximately five to ten individuals if passed.
The measure mirrors similar legislation recently approved in San Francisco, where 58% of voters supported drug testing for city aid recipients under the age of 65 with no dependent children. However, the implementation of Measure R in San Joaquin County faces challenges. Genevieve Valentine, director of San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services (BHS), expressed concerns about the department’s capacity to handle the additional workload required for drug screenings, citing a lack of necessary staffing.
While the Board of Supervisors has not yet clarified how the screenings will be carried out, Supervisor Patti mentioned that the county might seek funding from local, state, and federal sources to support BHS. The measure also raises questions about the release of client medical data and the enforcement of drug screening requirements.
Additionally, a discrepancy between the ordinance and the ballot measure has caused some confusion. While the ordinance suggests all adults receiving aid would be tested, the ballot measure specifies that only adults 65 and under would be subject to the screenings. County Counsel Edward J. Kiernan clarified that the language of the ordinance reflects the current limits of the General Assistance Program, which only applies to adults under 65 and without dependent children.
As the county prepares for the November vote, the outcome of Measure R could significantly impact the way public assistance is administered in San Joaquin County, sparking debate over the balance between support and accountability for those in need.
