Texas - New data collected by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation ranks Texas as second in the nation in the amount spent on food stamp purchases.
Texans spent $6-billion last year through the federal food stamp program.
Here's a potential solution by lawmakers, they've proposed legislation requiring drug testing for those receiving food stamps and unemployment benefits.
Governor Rick Perry says drug testing ensures individuals are using these benefits for their intended purpose and hopes this will be an incentive to move more people into the workforce and finish school by remaining drug-free.
The bill would require applicants to pass a drug test if a new screening program determines they may be using illegal drugs.
It would also require those with past drug convictions to undergo a mandatory screening.
Both of these rules would apply to not only those seeking benefits themselves, but to any non-recipient parents of children who receive benefits.
The bill would also ban the use of public funds to buy alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets, adult entertainment, firearms, ammunition and bingo.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:14 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:14:47 GMT
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma lawmakers are hoping to adjourn the 2013 Legislature one week earlier than required. Lawmakers hope to wrap up their work for the year on Friday. The Legislature is constitutionally
Oklahoma lawmakers are hoping to adjourn the 2013 Legislature one week earlier than required.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:51:06 GMT
COMANCHE COUNTY,Okla _The two Moore Elementary Schools devastated by Monday's tornado left many parents questioning the safety of their child's school. In Lawton and surrounding communities, many of
The two Moore Elementary Schools devastated by Monday's tornado left many parents questioning the safety of their child's school.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:50:07 GMT
LAWTON,Okla_Summer has officially started for hundreds of area teens. Lawton's three high schools are all graduating this week. Lawton High kicked it off with their commencement ceremony Thursday night
Summer has officially started for hundreds of area teens. Lawton's three high schools are all graduating this week. Lawton High kicked it off with their commencement ceremony Thursday night at Great Plains Coliseum.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:54:16 GMT
DUKE Okla_ It's considered one of the safest schools, and it's right here in Southwest Oklahoma. The classrooms in Duke sit about 15 feet underground in Western Jackson County. The classrooms were
7News is continuing our coverage of schools in our area, particularly those that have upgraded their buildings with safety in mind.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:43:08 GMT
COMANCHE, Okla_ A City of Comanche educator takes a drastic and dramatic step to help his school. Superintendent Terry Davidson is resigning, not because he doesn't like his job, but to save money. He
Comanche Superintendent Terry Davidson is taking a drastic measure to help his school.
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After over a century of being banned, gay youth are now allowed to be a part of the Boy Scouts. But gay adult leaders and parents are still not permitted to participate.
After over a century of being banned, gay youth are now allowed to be a part of the Boy Scouts. But gay adult leaders and parents are still not permitted to participate.
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