Being Poor Is Getting Harder

| Eight states are proposing that people get tested for drugs before receiving government assistance. Proponents say it’s a health issue but, as demand for these programs surges, it surely sends a different kind of message. Meanwhile, a bill in the Tennessee Legislature would cap lottery winnings at $600 for people on public assistance. Considering that poor people play lotteries way out of proportion to others and that lotteries are big moneymakers for states themselves (since they take such a huge rake), isn’t Tennessee risking a big loss? [%comments]