House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

Posted:	December 9, 2015 02:22 PM
From:	Representative Angel Cruz
To:	All House members
Subject:	Drug Testing of Members of the General Assembly

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation mandating drug testing of Members of the General Assembly and providing for penalties. As duly elected officials, Members of the General Assembly have been entrusted by the public to frame policy and pass laws. We have a duty to represent the best interests of our constituents and of all Pennsylvanians as a whole. Everything we do affects the lives of every one of our citizens. Given our responsibilities and the fact that we are paid by tax dollars, we have an obligation to perform to the best of our abilities. If members are impaired by a chemical dependency, substance addiction, or illegal drug use, not only would our ability to do our jobs be adversely affected, but we would pose a serious threat to ourselves, our colleagues, and most importantly the citizens we took an oath to represent. Additionally, drug use by members severely undermines the public’s trust and confidence as well as the integrity of this great body. If we are going to require various populations in Pennsylvania to be subject to drug testing and face penalties, then we need to hold ourselves to these same standards. I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.
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Introduced as HB1767