Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst joined together Tuesday in Austin to discuss reforming unemployment insurance and welfare.

The pair is asking state legislators to pass a bill filed by Sen. Jane Nelson. It would require a screening process for anyone receiving welfare. If someone is deemed "high risk" in that screening process, they will be subject to a drug test.

Both Perry and Dewhurst say it's the state's duty to ensure that taxpayer money is being used for its intended purpose.

"Every dollar that goes to someone who uses it inappropriately is a dollar that
can't go to a Texan who needs it for housing, for child care, or for medicine," Gov. Perry said.

Dewhurst says the changes could help people get back on their feet.

"We owe it to all Texans to structure our welfare and our unemployment programs in a way that guarantees that recipients are serious about getting back to work," Dewhurst said.

The welfare reform bill will be considered when the state legislature reconvenes in January. If it passes, welfare will be temporarily taken away from those who fail a drug test.