West Virginia residents who want taxpayers to pay part or all of the cost of some job training now must take and pass drug screening tests.
The testing began July 16, as a result of complaints from employers about potential workers.
Even with the apparent necessity of the drug testing program, criticism of the plan was heard before it was implemented. No doubt complaints will increase as some applicants for job training programs are turned down because they cannot pass drug tests.
But the testing should proceed. Potential employers should be able to have confidence that if they hire graduates of state and federal job training programs, they will get people who are both capable and "clean." Many employers already require drug testing for employees, so why should people graduating from these training programs be excluded?
And the West Virginia residents who don't abuse drugs and want training shouldn't be denied it so less conscientious people can take advantage of taxpayers.
The drug testing requirement was a good idea - a necessary idea - and it should continue.
