If the downturn in the economy is forcing you to seek public assistance, you may need to get ready to fill up a cup. Lawmakers in at least eight states are considering laws that would require anyone seeking assistance to submit to random drug testing.If you want the government's help, you may need to get clean and sober first.
Proponents of the move argue that the goal of most welfare programs is to return people to the workplace. If they cannot pass a drug test, they can't get a job.
In West Virginia, Rep. Craig Blair has proposed legislation that would require random drug testing for anyone who are recipients of food stamps, unemployment benefits or welfare programs.
More States Plan Similar Laws
"Nobody's being forced into these assistance programs," said Blair. "If so many jobs require random drug tests these days, why not these benefits?"
To support his effort to pass the legislation, Blair created a website notwithmytaxdollars.com to gather support for his measure.
Similar laws have been passed or are being considered in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Hawaii, Florida and Minnesota. At least six states - Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Virginia - require drug testing for convicted felons and parolees seeking public assistance.
Proposal Gains Popularity
In the past, efforts to drug-test welfare recipients have been rejected due to the additional costs of the actual testings, but now with many states facing budget cuts and more people seeking assistance, the move may gain popularity.
Opponents of the drug tests claim they target society's most vulnerable.
"It's an example of where you could cut costs at the expense of a segment of society that's least able to defend themselves," said Frank Crabtree, of the American Civil Liberties Union.
News Source: States Consider Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients
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Drug testing for welfare recipients? Absolutely not.
ALL drivers of any type of vehicle…..maybe.
ALL government employees and civil servants……maybe.
ALL individuals with a post-graduate degree…….maybe.
ALL parents of minor children……maybe.
But welfare recipients? That’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve heard in quite some time. Think about it.
~Debra D.
This should have been done a long time ago. Absolutely! But the testing must be done with no forewarning because there are ways to get around UAs which, when given sufficient time, can produce false results. Practicing addicts are a major financial drain on our economy… to say nothing of the loss of potential talent and creativity. We must stop being a nation which systemically enables them.
I think it may be a good idea….
I am a Substance abuse counselor and have many referrals from government agencies. These clients have drug problems and if they were not drug tested would be able to get help.
Heck yes, these people need to be drug tested. If people only knew how many welfare recepients were on drugs it would shock them beyond belief. Why should we (tax paying citizens) pay for there drug habit. I don’t know about you but I do not want to fund someone elses drug habit by allowing them to be on welfare. That is just free money for them to go and get high with and neglect their children at the same time.
I too am a substance abuse counselor and it kills me to see the number of women that are on drugs, with their kids and on welfare. I am sorry but people should not be allowed to be on welfare if they cannot be free of drugs. I am all for drug testing welfare recepients.
I totally agree with randomized drug testing, it is only logical. I, as a tax payer, have to submit for random testing and even to procure my job in the first place so why shouldn’t it be feasible that government assistance programs require the same from it’s recipients? Again I say YES YES YES!
I am in support of this as long as we start requiring blood tests of all citizens in our country. For too long we have enabled people to become fat and slovenly. I too am a tax paying citizen and am abhorred by the amount I have to pay for my health care premiums because Joe and Mary want to eat themselves in to oblivion. With blood tests we can find what people are eating and, if their serum cholesterol is over a certain limit, we should stop paying for their health care. This way we level the playing field here. Now all of you judgmental people can have a dose of what you are dishing out with the most vulnerable people who have no voice. Here’s a better idea: Maybe we should truly accept it as a disease that is chronic in nature. Would you apply these draconian standards to a diabetic? The person did not exercise, maintain their diet, monitor their blood sugars adequately so we cut them off at the knees? You people who claim to be substance abuse counselors need to go back to the drawing board about what the disease means. Maybe you had no first hand knowledge of being an addict and received your knowledge out of a book. If you find that these people have drugs in their system will you cut them off? Then they resort to crime and we build more prisons. Our taxes are high right now. If you truly want to resort to this method, without supporting treatment for people who come up positive, be prepared to spend more than you do now on prisons. In California the budget for Corrections is near 15 billion dollars per year. Grow up people. We can’t afford to throw away our neighbors when one out of 31 adults in our nation is under supervision with corrections. Maybe we can come up with some creative ways to treat people rather than doing things which further add to their problems.
Ms. Blackburn is concerned about the most vulnerable with no voice . . . what she fails to understand is that it is the children in these homes who are truly the most vulnerable and have NO voice. These kids are being neglected and going hungry while parents take welfare money and buy drugs, or trade food stamps. $2 food stamps for $1 worth of drugs was the going rate last I knew. I doubt kids are being neglected or going hungry because “Joe and Mary want to eat themselves in to oblivion”. The proposal I read gives them 4 months to get clean and a second test before any adverse action is taken. We are not throwing away our neightbors by giving them a major incentive to stay clean, thus helping them be better parents, less involved in criminal activity, more healthy, and more ready for the job market. We are throwing them away when we toss ‘em a few bucks and tell them we don’t care if they go ahead and get high.
Unemployment insurance is NOT WELFARE. It is idiotic to lump it in with food stamps and Medicaid and cash welfare payments such as TANF. It is a program paid for by employers, in case they have to let their employees go due to no fault of their own. It is stupid and unjust to insinuate that people receiving unemployment compensation are in the same category with those who are receiving programs based on “need” or being low income. No income requirements are attached to unemployment benefits, but they are finite, they do end, and it makes no sense to say the people receiving it, especially in this terrible economic time, should be humiliated by being subject to a violation of their Fourth Amendment protections against illegal search and seizure, just to get something they are entitled to anyhow, by prior eligibility requirements determined by the federal government some fifty years ago. Like Social Security, it is one program for everyone in America that has done what it has set out to do and worked to our benefit for many years.
Pam:
After 31 years in the business of treating substance use disorders I don’t fail to recognize anything at all. I also feel for the children of the people who have addictive disorders. The proposal is still draconian for a disease that is chronic in nature and the children will be affected more if you cut their funding off if the parents cannot stay sober. As long as you are willing to pay the extra tax for the removal of these children from their homes, then go for it. It should then be applied to everyone who has kids though, whether they are on public assistance or not, with your argument. Many middle class and wealthy parents drink to excess and drug in the homes. Apply the standard nationwide. The proposal I read gives them two months to get clean before cutting them off. I again will apply the same standards to fat people; you have two months to diet and lose weight or I want you cut off from your insurance benefits. No more am I willing to pay for your gluttony. Also, people with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, adult onset conditions, same thing. People do not want to change unless they have a size 12 kick in the pants so I wish this to be applied across the board. Kids are vulnerable in all of our homes no matter whether we are rich, middle class, or poor. Parental influences knows no cross section.
YES!!!
Yes, I do occasionally smoke some pot. Yes, I think they should do random tests for welfare and food stamps. I feel that I work hard for my money; and that if I want to spend it on a movie or a joint, that choice should mine. However, I believe that if one is getting assistance because you can’t seem to make ends meet by yourself, then you have no business spending said money on drugs. But you may say, “what about me, I have a job, and still can’t make enough money, so I need food stamps.” There is a simple answer to that as well: If you only smoke once and awhile, it only stays in your system for a day or three. If they are going to randomly pee test you, they are not just going to show up at your house. You will have a few days notice. Therefore, a little smoking is fine. Wait a day and you will be fine; but if you are a pothead, junkie, addict, or whatever, then your not gonna clean your system in a few days and pass the random test. That is essentially why I think they should implement this program in every state immediately!
NO NO NO cut off a drug users funds and you create a drug dealer(more drugs in our community),or they will resort to stealing(more crime in our communities).People it sounds like a good idea but lets think about the negative effects verses the positives.Another point I would like to make is who is going to pay for all these test ? Sounds to me like you want to spend a dollar to save a nickel.No thank you please use your heads before you use your lips.
I think that some people are in for a very rude shock..and not the people asking for welfare assistance. You are assuming that everyone on welfare is a drug using criminal and this ‘idea’ is just an act of collective punishment for the majority who are not! You precious counsellor types had better hope you keep your jobs – ironically ones you only HAVE because of the existence of drug users, and hope like hell that your kids dont get raped or abused and need clinical or medical welfare support or that you have healthy babies who dont need daily treatment, or that your partner doesnt die or you dont get sick or dear me, burn out in your stressful jobs and get yourself a mental health condition and need hosptialisation or treatment leaving you unabel to work again.
Keep in mind that at ANY time NOT of your choosing, you could instantly be one of ‘those people’ – the next one in line at the dole office could be YOU……and it happens j u s t l i k e t h a t and woosh YOU become one of “THEM”. How would YOU want to be treated? Would YOU want some pimply faced pervert underpaid government employee watching YOU do a pee? Watching your daughter pee or being forced to have a blood test against her will? No?
Take note bozo’s…that ANYONE who buys any product at all anywhere IS a taxpayer…get that through your heads! EVERYONE pays tax. Everyone. Just because you can add payroll tax to your credits doesnt mean anything when you can claim it all back and get a fat chcek every year. Get off your high horses stop whining and actually help people instead of judging them! You dont help them by hurting them more..oh..wait..I’m talking to Americans arent I….hmm.
I think this is absolutly ridiculous. This law is presuming that everybody who is one welfare is a drug user. I have seen more state employees that are drug users than welfare receipients. So test them. We pay their paycheck too. My husband is a good provider but his hours got cut at work. So we are currently on food stamps. We do not do drugs. We are a good family. And it hurts to see you people on here assuming that our family should be subject to drug testing by the government just because we are “spending your precious money.” I’m sure we’ve put just as much money into the system over the years as we are currently taking out. And I completly agree with Blue. This could be anyone of you tomorrow. You could lose your job or get into a terrible car accident and not be able to work. It is embarrassing enough to have to go into that welfare office and get benefits. You are treated horribly by the workers. And the other people there to get benefits are sometimes quite gross. Don’t make things worse on us.
The first person who posted on this is an ####! They must be a drug addict who is on welfare. I think its the best idea every thought of! I you want our help then you have to play by OUR rules! This will save the NON drug addict tax payers countless millions of dollars! Why hasnt this been already implemented?
It kills me that anyone would be against this. Unless of coarse you are one of the people getting everyone else’s tax dollars for free and using them to buy your drugs. I must say that I do however agree that it should be something for everyone, welfare, workers, police, firemen, ems workers, doctors, lawyers, parents, and the list could go on for ever. My point is that drugs are not good for anyone, and to get free money of any kind (even if it’s medical or food stamps)or raising children you should have to prove that you deserve what you have.
I think that this is the best idea ever. and yes the first person who posted is crazy. Drug testing should have been done a long time ago. I hope this passes because after that alot of lazy people that think they can just live off the system will finally have to get off their butts and get a job like us.. so, I hope that this happens…
No, it shouldn’t be random, anyone seeking a handout in any form should have to submit to a drug test before getting assistance. We’d save millions. If you are resourceful enough to sell your food stamps for crack or go from dr to dr to emergency room for pain killers you shouldn’t be allowed to use our money. To those of you that say what about the innocent kids, maybe it will be a wake up call. Free voluntary sterilization for all those that test positive for drugs. We sterilize cats in shelters is it that much of a stretch, they are all breeders!
this is pathetic… how about testing where all the tax money is going wall street and detroit the minimal amount of money that goes to these programs could have went on another 200 years with the money the banks and the auto industry has recieved thats where your tax dollars are going…how about a test for top execs of companies that got bailed out, how about craig blaire having the GUTS to go after the real problem,lawmakers they make plenty of laws that dont affect themselves, craig if you want my support put you and your peers at the top of that drug test, and p.s. if you do get it passed its gonna cost even more than the states already spendingon these programs,the state will have to pay for the drug tests, for the rise in crime which will come along with this law people are not going to starve to death there going to become criminals, and top it off with a prison system so over crowded its all ready about to bankrupt the state….but hey this all about making a name for craig blaire so isnt that whats truly important, go craig your a true politician making laws that dont affect you and in the end if you bill goes through it will only cost the state more money, but hey by then if everything goes to plan you will be in washington then so who cares…to the people of berkley please dont vote for this guy again we already have a room full of guys like him in washington……….
you guys blogging about this are crazy, it will cost more money and raise crime period, start thinking for yourself and stop lisitning to what people tell you
I totally agree on testing all welfare recieptants. if we have to take a urine test to work for OUR own money those collecting off the government need to take a urine test too! I hope this bill passes SOON! Get these welfare drug addicts out of the system!
If you want to save money on welfare, cut off anyone receiving any government, county, state or local benefit that is illegally here in this country. Then, those people that need welfare because MILLIONS OF PEOPLE HAVE RECIENTLY LOST THEIR JOBS (in case you didn’t see THAT on the news) would actually have money available. Do you really think there are more dope fields then illegals on welfare. I have been sober for 7 years (never had welfare) but if I was the bread winner of my home with a wife and children and I lost my job, I’d want to drink. Even you non-alcoholics go have a drink when you’re stressed out. Its a great idea to drug test and money does need to be spent on recovery but maybe the person on welfare should be charged say $50 a month for counsling if a test comes back positive or go to a free program (NA or AA). But I must say Mrs Blackburn has it 100% correct. What about my tax dollars going to addictive eaters or those that eat in times of stress or can’t control their eating? Just replacing one thing for another. Oh so there’s a lower percent of drug addicts then over eaters so let’s pick on one group and ignore the other??? Come on! We could save a lot of money here?? Its all about money here, right? Dam capitalists! You could improve the homes these children are in by teaching these parents how to live life sober (which is a VERY hard thing to get used to). Everyone has their own vice. Let’s just focus on compassion and progress. This cannot hurt to try social change from this light.
While this sounds like a good idea in theory, we have to consider some things which aren’t in the article. How much does drug testing cost? After all, the cost of testing will also come out of your taxes. How often will welfare recipients be tested? Should drug use even be a factor when considering who qualifies for assistance and for how long they should receive assistance? Our taxes pay for the housing and feeding of prisoners, don’t they?
Welfare is intended to be used short-term only until someone can get on their feet. If you can’t get on your feet because you piss your check away on drugs, it’s the same as the loser who simply can’t keep a job for any other reason (laziness, mental instability, etc). Perhaps the idea of drug testing is moot in this case. If welfare helps you become a contributing member of society, great. If not, then you’re on your own. Drug testing shouldn’t be the main focus here. A complete overhaul of the welfare system is more important and would make smaller discussions like this unnecessary.
For those who cry “compassion” for addicts, this is not a function of welfare. There are plenty of free clinics and rehab programs for those who are tired of addiction. There is something to be said for personal responsibility, which brings us right back around to the bigger issue of welfare as a short-term assistance to those who want to get back up.
I think all welfare recipients should have to take monthly drug test. I have to get tested to WORK for my money these scumbags should be tested before they get one dollar from the welfare program. They should also have to do community service then they would appreciate a dollar and wouldnt be so reluctant to RETIRE on welfare, all you liberals that support them not having to take the test should just take them to the grocery store and buy there groceries so i dont have to pay with my taxes.
DEFINATELY – no one says you have to use drugs. No one says you will not get any benefits if your clean. Those who are using drugs and work for a living so be it, but NOT when you are on welfare and my dime.
Could someone get me some numbers on the percentage of drug addicts on welfare as of now??? Someone has had to have done a study on this subject.
Jason, just looked around and found its around 20% of alcohol or drug users/abusers/addicts on welfare. An even higher percentage of those have mental health issues which seems to be the main factor.
Read the 4TH AMMEND. US CONSTITUTION . Even lawyers have the good sense to know this is illegal to assume because you don’t take a drug test your guilty . If you like living in a socialist , communist or oppressed country , move to a 3rd world country .
Since we are on the subject of trampling the constitution and talking about drug testing maybe we should screen for fat people who get welfare and get disablity because they are to fat to move or work . I know a family that all of them are over 350lbs ( mom ,dad , and two daughters )each that have been getting welfare for years . AS IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS ……….These people never worked a day that i know of .
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j.c. … don’t you think it is time to grow up and kick the habit; get a job, stop living off mommy, daddy, and welfare …
if you want a handout then you should prove that you aren’t using resources (money) somewhere else. Get a clue!
We as workers have to get drug tested befor we can start working to make money. so why cant these people get drug tested to recieve free money that they are not working for..
Anyone who collects a goverment check should have random drug screens. Honest, law abiding , hard working people dont have the time or lack of responsibilty to do drugs on a regular basis. I had to get drug screens when I was in the Army and other places where I have worked. I went in the Army so I could go to school and get a good job. Most people on welfare are just simply too lazy to work, get an education,and be a productive citizen. Drugs only make them worse. When times get bad I hope there will be less tolerance for these types of individuals who are bringing our country down.
I have read some of the comments.My comment if their is a will their is a way.I live in a community where we have tried mostly every thing with our welfare clients.their our some no matter what is offered, even jobs,they still have remain to be in there addiction world.I wait for them to wake up and ask for help for there addiction,because no matter what,they have to be ready and willing to go to treatment,detox.They have to really have to be ready or it does not work.When they don’t have the money they find another way.Our crime rate would probably go higher.then what?
Yes, I think mandatory drug tests should be done for welfare recipients.
Not only should we drug test people on welfare we should alcohol and drug test every American with a drivers license randomly and if you do not show up for your test within 24 hours you lose your driving privileges for 6 months unless you have a medical excuse. I am all for that! No one should have a drink and drive with 48 hours of their last drink. All people should submit to a drug or alcohol test before having a child too and randomly until the child is 18 and if they have a child and have more than one drink a night they should have their children taken away unless they agree to stop drinking! Alcohol causes more damage to families than drugs. Let’s be fair across the board! Hmm sounds ridiculous huh?
I have never been a welfare recepient and have never known one but I know plenty of people who drink and work 8 hour days and they can’t take care of their children because they have a few drinks now and then on weekends. It sickens me when a person decides they are better than others when they pound down their drinks on the weekends or whatever and then have the gall to look down on someone whose brain cannot adjust to the abuse and of drugs and alcohol and become addicted.
I absolutly believe their should be drug test for welfare. I deal with a homeless org. and there are so many of the people that we deal with that take there checks and to pay for there drugs. So your tax dollars are paying for there high when is it enough. While u work your butt off to take care of your family they use your tax dollars that should be working for you to get high SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT THERE.
i worked for 17 years job to job with much instability i am now on social security and i do drink with some of my money but i get 50 bucks a month outta my check to spend on personal items like tp shampoo soap etc i rely on food stamps as a source of income for food so for all you that wanna call me a low life that hurts cause i CANT work now because of my back and im bipolar among other things sure there are ppl around here that sell drugs and make as many babies as they can so they can get more welfare while driving around in mercedez benz or big gas guzzlers and lincolns with gold rims……….i cannot even afford to buy a car then there is gas and insurance i own my own home i pay property taxes and what i do on my property should be nobodys business especially not the governments job i feel bad that i can no longer work and my mom is my payee i CANT even take care of my bills or my finances this bill they are trying to put thru i think infringes on the 4th amendment anyways for all you rich people that cant conceive that some ppl cant take care of themselves keep ur stuck up comments to yourself
I personally recieve food stamps, cash assistance and medicaid for my children. I think this is a wonderful idea besides the unemployment part. I say this because I am trying to get off of assistance by being in college towards two degrees and also work a part time job, and of course I am raising two beautiful children. All too often if people find out I am on assistance they think less of me, that I am on drugs or that I care about my kids less. Let me tell you something, in my case that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I do not smoke, drink or do drugs. I don’t even like taking one prescribed to me by my doctor. So, unfortunately those people who do “use” the system to support there habbits make it worse for those of us, that at some point want off of it.
To Alex Mackey:
You NEED to wake up and realize that just because someone needs assistance does not make them a scumbag!!!! You better pray to go that you don’t loose your job, or need open heart surgery or loose a child or have a child with a medical problem! Those are the people that need assistance. That type of stuff happens over night. My dad worked for 40 years of his life, had a house fire and then open heart surgery with in 2 years of each other, lost their newer house to foreclosure last year. Directly related to those things, and the fact he lost his job. Does that make him a scumbag? I am just curious. Loser.
The last figure I read was that around 20% of welfare recipients abuse the system in some way. Most of these are Mothers with children who commit welfare fraud by not reporting accurate net incomes, usually by hiding the fact that they have someone living with them (other than their children) in the household who’s income is unreported. Some practice ‘trafficking’ where a store owner swipes their food stamp card and gives them cash instead of groceries, keeping a nice fee (sometimes 50% for the service for themselves). Welfare is intended for those in need as a temporary bridge to becoming a working, productive citizen again. Those who scam the system, literally take money out of the mouths of children and adults who need it. There is a finite amount of money allocated each year for these programs, and they are paid for with our collective tax dollars. As for alcoholics and drug addicted welfare recipients, they too abuse the system by staying addicted and staying unemployed (who can work or even get a job if they are drunk or high?). Why not simply require that you pass a drug test in order to receive your check? Don’t pass? Get help and get your benefits back!! Yea, this means making the 80% who don’t abuse the system submit to the same test. BUT if this means MORE MONEY for MORE PEOPLE who will be able to benefit from a more effective, cleaner system then, yes, I’m all for it. Sorry, but this is money being given to someone to help in times of great need. It’s not free and there are people who work hard everyday to make the money available to those who need it. There HAS to be some form of gate-keeping to make it fair for those in real need AND the taxpayers who support these programs. Use some of the money we’d save (on these 20%) for treatment programs for those who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Allowing these people to stay in the system only rewards them for their destructive and self-destructive behavior.
I wholeheartedly agree with Joseph, 13th statement…fork out a needed dollar to save a nickle…STUPID… it will only give governments an inch as they take a mile chipping away at everyone’s freedoms….regardless..of the people who do compromise the system. Many have failed to realize in all these cases these people do pay taxes. Be it on their Car, Utilities, or other items they may purchase that are taxable. So in one way or another they are giving to the system that are giving to them with drugs or no drugs in their system..And What of cigarettes, and Booze I hope they will be testing all recipients for these items in their system as well… its only right.. and I would hope those who also are employed by state governments are required to also pass such tests. as well. NOT REALLY but what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Its Illegal against the constitution and if it must come to such.. do away with the welfare programs all together and everyone quit paying taxes ON EVERYTHING…aww but you’ll need more prisons, jails, law enforcements, foster care homes, to combat the theivery that will be taking place…as hungry families lude the stores etc..and just take what they can get. STUPID IDEA.
I’m sorry… but for the people who say “let’s test fat people too because obesity is a problem” but you forget one thing… ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL… being fat however, is not!
What about those unemployed who are seeking to better themself by going to a treatment center? If there gov. assistance or unemployment is used to pay for that, wouldn’t that be worth a user having benefits? I say yes. And for you to say no is selfish and ignorant. Im betting you yourself are close to someone that uses drugs on a regular basis and you just don’t know about it. not every user is homeless and on the street, some are even politicians, go figure. But those with real jobs and homes aren’t the drug users you speak of right? Let’s just nail the homeless or unemployed ones. I’ll be sure to vote on your side. NOT
Okay. Sure lets do that. But first lets make it mandatory that random testing is also law for those making these laws. Its no secrete that the majority of government officials don’t just cheat on their spouses, commit tax fraud, lie to us on a daily basis, but guess what..they use drugs too!!! So I am all for this law to be passed but first lets do a trial run on those proposing it. Sound fair? After all they spend our money too, we pay them also dont we? sure we do. So if im paying some senator to do his job for my benefit, then I want random drug testing done on all of them. How does that sound to all those in favor?
Wow what a shock, a politician is proposing we blame the drug users for our economy. Sure lets save a buck by refusing welfare which consists of maybe 86.00 a month for food and medical for a person below poverty income requirements. Yeah they must be costing the state a fortune with their huge spending and over budgeting. Get real and wake up people! Where is our money going? Duh. The people proposing this bill over spent on lavish life styles and poor money management skills. They didn’t do their job right and that cat has been let out of the bag a long time ago. I guess some just forgot. So go ahead and be blind by supporting this stupid proposal that is going to save so much tax payers money. What a joke. you want to start saving money then start working towards a free society, start helping out your neighbors to better themselves so together we can grow as a strong non government dependent society. The government and all their laws and changes of laws and corrupt leaders making choices for us is what got us here, not welfare recipients. Think about it. This is just one way they are trying to make us think it is someone else costing us our tax dollars, when its clearly bull. We have to smarten up people before none of have any civil rights. It’s all a good idea until that day when the law being proposed affects your personal civil rights and your family and your freedom of choice. You will see the day will come and you will remember reading this. Watch.
Blue… You are full of it. The welfare system is horribly being abused and this is a great step in the right direction. However, I don’t think unemployment benefits are not in the same category, as this money has been payed by the employers,who’s employees were probably tested anyways. This would also reduce the costs of testing.
Idk about you all but i like buying 100$ worth of food for 50$ If you take away their benifit money i dont know what im going to do.
Seriously people? Do ya’ll not get the idea of this? I see it as anyone who has a problem with this bill getting past is someone who is on welfare and are on some type of illegal substance. These illegal substances are ILLEGAL anyways and as far as prescriptions they cant really do much about that except make sure you are not abusing these. You all may not know this but there are TONS of people out there that take advantage of the system and those are the people who CAN work and CAN make a living for themselves but take the easy route out and use up OUR tax dollars. I’m tired of supporting these poeple! I’m working two jobs and going to school and I’m getting by without any financial help, I’m just not a crack head or drug abuser. I work at a minor emergency clinic and I have to deal with these people everyday and for some reason it seems that the more children they are the more money they get. Really? How more wrong can you get?
That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of!!! So if someone is suffering from addition, which is a chronic disease by the way. We are suppose to turn our back on them and keep them stuck in the viscous cycle of addiction??? If welfare recipients are to be tested for drugs, then lets get those who test positive some type of treatment instead of throwing them back into the humility and despair of substance abuse! Helping them to kick drugs is a logical solution to helping them become self-sufficient once again, thus reducing the demand for them to be on welfare.
“Nobody’s being forced into these assistance programs,” said Blair.
Really? What a d-bag. I am so sick of these self righteous morons equating free will with every event that occurs in the human experience. Oh, well. One day he will slip up, do something irresponsible, choose to get cancer and die.
I think it is a great ideal it dont hurt me to take one when i am applying for a job because i can pass it but they need to take a saliva sample or hair sample it does better
wow…wow…wow…. People on welfare that use drugs are going to use drugs. No matter if you test them or not….they will have their benefits taken away. For example: Cracky McCrack tests postive and looses the food stamps she feeds her children with (FYI you can’t use EBT at your drug dealers house) So she looses them and then her children don’t have food because mommy has no food stamps and she needs her crack. Who is being hurt? Not Cracky. Then somone turns her in to CPS for neglect and her kids get taken in to custody. In the end you will end up paying a lot more in taxes to still support Cracky’s kids. So stop bitchin about I pay for drug users to live blahblah….Because if the government is not taking it for them they are going to take it for something else. they are not in it for you, they want to save themselves.
Oh yeah….. unemployment is worked for. It should not be grouped in with “state help” Joe Blow can’t walk in an say I need unemployment when he hasn’t work since he got out of prison in 98′
I think this is a big mistake to require a person to take a drug test before receivng Food stamps or housing assistance! Unless they are prepared to offer Drug Rehab help. Why should the children be left to go hungry and without shelter. Why should they pay for their parents mistakes! There will lots of people who will not apply for assistance for their starving children because they do not want to get caught! What is this worlding come to? Shame on you America!
Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we’re looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn’t test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power. ~P.J. O’Rourke
bullsh*t least able to defend themselves. everyone else has to abide by these rules yet we continue to defend and promote the losers in society. the least able to defend themselves these days are hardworking working class ppl constantly getting beat down by losers living on welfare who are too lazy to work. I have to pay for my insurance out of my meager hourly wage if i’m a crackhead but i can quit my job smoke crack and get methadone treatment for free. crack here i come!! quit rewarding laziness and drug addiction. get over yourselves and buck up society doesn’t have to change for u losers u have to change to fit society. u dont want to get drug testing like everyone else in the work force then i guess u don’t work and u don’t eat. go die and quit wasting useful ppl’s oxygen. period. i have no sympathy for u. u are a drain on resources.
why wouldn’t you test the welfare people and why would you want to spend your tax $$$ on DRUGS
I demand that they be tested for alcohol as well, i’m not paying for their drugs OR alcohol. In fact, test them to ensure that they’re feeding themselves properly as well, I am NOT paying for their junk food or STYLISH clothes, if they’re begging for money from the government then they should spend it RESPONSIBLY.
Wow, after reading and considering all comments, I find it interesting on how threatened people feel by implementing a law for drug testing. Many places of employment do this. ( gaurenteed people applying for jobs know they are going to need a test so they clean up in time to pass it so they can become employed!) It is what it is! Woot woot atleast they have the common sense and the desire to work! The point that is missed there is they should do random drug tests thru-out the employment and see who is actually clean daily ( just saying)
I have thought for a long time that this should be put into effect. For Gov. Assistant programs , NOT unemployment ( that is just ridiculous) However for those people that have been on unemployment for years……. seriously, ( that is a whole nother subject! )
#1 Those of you talking down about reciepents ought to be ashamed of your self! Who are you to judge? (losers, scumbags) Seriously???
#2 I believe that the Food Stamp program is widely abused and there are better alternatives to how it could be run.
Vouchers entitling X amount of fruits, veggies, meat, dairy ect. ( like the WIC program) may be an effective way. ( MAC is another great program to assist in nutritional needs.
#3 Cash assistance: Rent paid directly to landlords, utilities,ect. Remaining benifeits then paid to recipients.
#4 Attendance at self-improvement /job search/ educational advancement classes required monthly to obtain following months benifiets.
I realize that many may see this as a caretaking way of providing assistance , however if someone is in need of benifiets, I feel they are in need of some guidance to assist them in regaining a healthy way of living. ( just my thought)
I was a single mother of 3 back in the 80-90’s. I was “on the system” for full benifiets for 6 months , due to my spouse leaving and medical problems for my twin daughters. I obtained employment at a fast food place and recieved supplemental benifeits for about 2 years til I worked my way to a management position and a better salary. I never did drugs but I did enjoy cocktails with friends occassionally.
Life can be difficult, the programs are there for those in need.
If substance abuse is a problem and individuals need a program or intervention I believe programs should be developed to assist.
Just saying, keep things positive,work on the negative ,and believe that people are good.
There will always be those people out there trying to get something for free…. why because they are down on there luck, to lazy to look, depressed, overwhelmed, ect.
I believe that people should have to take a drug test to receive welfare benefits. I am not “talking down” to people as many have stated in their comments. I am all for helping people as long as they need the help. But if I have to pee in a cup to get a job, then you should have to pee in a cup to receive the money that I provide.
As for the Fourth Amendment rights of individuals, right now I would call it a double standard for those required to work. How is it fair that our hard earned money goes to someone that doesn’t care how they get the “free money” with no proof of responsibility that they deserve it? Now that states want to pass bills for welfare recipients to pass a drug test (Florida just passed their bill), the ACLU wants to step in and say that it’s not fair? Not fair to whom? If that be the case, then every time I have to take a drug test for employment, my Fourth Amendment rights are being violated also.
I have been on the food stamp program one month when my husband and I was out of work. I also have many friends on food stamps. They have had to go to classes in order to receive these benefits. The instructors there actually told the attendees how to play the system to stay on welfare! I believe this whole system needs to be overhauled and get people in there that will actually help those on assistance find jobs if it is possible for them to work.
The idea of handing out something like WIC vouchers is a great idea. Or as the WIC system is in Mississippi, go to the local WIC food distribution center. They are given what they are allowed for the month in one trip. There are no vouchers to take to the store as there is in Indiana.
All around, the drug testing of individuals on welfare or those applying is a good thing.
First I would like to say that I try to see everyone’s point they are trying to make. Here is what I think. I am divorced and a single mother of four. I am in recovery and have been so for two years this September. My children currently have insurance through kids connection, and I do get food stamps monthly. I work, and go to school. What I have seen throughout my past is MANY, MANY, people who are on state insurance not paying any co-pay for their medications, but then turn around and sell their perscriptions for over $5,000/month, or maybe they are trading their foodstamps for drugs. I know not everyone on assistance is a drug user. If your not using drugs, then I don’t see any harm in being selected every so often to keep your benefits. I have to take the test for my employer…..it’s the choice I made long ago, when I started to use drugs.
Yes Yes Yes… Pass this everywhere!! The legislators should not worry about being politically correct and get this done already! And how in the world is this an invasion of ‘privacy?’ When you apply for PUBLIC assistance which includes PUBLIC housing, PUBLIC transportation, PUBLIC childcare, and PUBLIC benefits, you gave up your ‘rights’ to privacy….
Employers screen employees all the time…no one states that this is unconstitutional….if welfare recipients get ‘offended’ by mandatory drug testing, then they are not ready to gain employment anyway….are they going to tell the potential employer that their privacy has been violated?
And someone asked, “What do we do about the children?”
Award the State custody. Point Blank. If you cannot financially support your children and then cannot or will not pass mandatory screening to receive assistance, then why do you have custody of the children in the first place?
Not only should drug testing of welfare recipients be mandatory, but temporary sterilization (while receiving assistance) should be also
I agree Welfare Recip should be checked for drug & Alcohol usage. If people chose to use substances then get A JOB SOME WHERE TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN HABIT. If you feel depressed and cannot get your butt up but you can use substances get some professional help.Upper management should be tested as well. THIS GOES FOR ALCOHOL AS WELL.
Debra D. (first comment) I WORK for social services AND had to pass a drug test!! CHANGE YOUR MIND NOW??
I’ve seen a lot in a very short time on how people on assistance sell their benefit cards for cash to buy drugs….If the rest of the WORKING public as to take a test, or be randomly tested to get and keep a job…so should people that are SUPPORTED by the people taking the drug tests!!
Where have you been that you do not know about drug-testing on the work force? Obviously NOT working!
I have no problems helping those that legitimately need help, the problem is helping those that are perfectly capable of helping themselves but choose to let the government ie the taxpayers, support them. I have been a recipient of Medicaid because my husband lost his job while I was pregnant and benefits with that. I would have had no issues being screened for drugs because I had nothing to hide! Those that wrote about healthcare, that is not government sponsored, unless it is Medicaid or Medicare, so it is a moot point on this topic. I agree that people that take terrible care of their bodies should pay for it though. No one is forcing anyone to accept government assistance, if they want to whine about how unfair it is, we could always just cancel the welfare programs and see how they like that.
Stop handing out money for food. The government would save a TON of money if they required recipients to sit down with a counselor every week, make a meal plan, and then provide them with the ingredients for those meals. Welfare is about helping people get back on their feet and eat in tough times, not about eating gourmet food and feeling “normal”. It has gotten far too easy. There is little motivation to get off the system when you get so much with so little required of you. Why do we not require hours of service in exchange for benefits? There are PLENTY of opportunities to serve your fellow man. I am not a fan of any handout that doesn’t come with a life lesson attached to it.
It should be the law if you want welfare or file for unemployment you must take drug test .
To many people are using there checks for drugs not using it for there family or bill nor food. They get free medical while the rest of us hard working people can,t afford to go to a doctor cause we don,t have a good enough job to get insurance.
I’m for it. I work with families that use welfare income to buy drugs instead of feed their children.
I think this is one of the most positive thing that could happen, I have been around for a good many years and have seen the progress of drugh testing. our teens are being tested at school, if they want to be in sports and the only ones that balked were the ones that were doing drugs. If a person wants a certain job bad enough they will get clean and sober and have heard many say,that it is the best thing that ever happened to them, living a life free, they just needed that reason to do so. people that are on welfare because thay really need help will not balk at being tested and the ones that are dependent on drugs or etc. this will give them the incentive to get clean and become the parents that they have always wanted to be, and for the ones that need help. AA has all the programs that trully work if yo apply them and it’s free. They will be thankful.
I agree with this and should be required in all states! If they are in need of assistance and have lost jobs because of drugs and alcohol, why not? Why pay for them to stay hooked! There are way too many recipients abusing these resources and much less taking away from the most needy to support their habits. And those that have substance related criminal records, should have alternate payees if it involves children! I also believe it is a good alternative to helping people get clean and learn to live self sustaining lives.
If they are positive, give them the option for treatment (NA, AA, CA, CMA, etc, etc.).
If they refuse, they are refused. It doesn’t help to enable their disease. I know. I am one.
I read a lot of comments here that truly scare the hell out of me . What have we become ? I didnt realize that such a huge percentage of govt aid recipients are drug addicts . I cant believe there are so many people who think this is a good thing for all the wrong reasons . I really cant believe some of you think its good because it will save the state money , it wont . Most of what I hear from you is ” I had to get tested to get a job ” and “I dont want my tax dollars going to some druggies habit “. Its bad enough to have to ask for assistance , now they get to be stereotyped as druggies . I believe one of the statistics I saw stated 70 % of the nations drug addicts are employed . It’s sad to see how far this great country of ours has fallen .
SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE!!!!!!!!!!! U WANT TO SAVE MONEY NEW JERSEY????TEST THEM IF THEY FAIL TAKE THEM OFF…..9 OUT OF 10 WILL FAIL……WHY DO THE WORKING PEOPLE HAVE TO WORK AND TAKE A DRUG TEST????GET THE ONES THAT GET THE FREE MONEY AND BUY DRUGS WITH IT !!!!!! YOU WILL SAVE A LOT OF MONEY!!!! I HOPE THEY STARTED ALREADY!!!
Ok, some of the people in support of this idea are not stereotyping each and every one of the people on welfare as “druggies.” Many of the people I know are on welfare and they are the nicest people in the world; they just need a little bit of help. But there are still people out there that are abusing the system and wasting the government’s money on drugs that they don’t need to survive. When people get tested and are found positive for drug abuse, they can then get the help that they need. If they’re not tested, then nobody knows they have a problem, and they can’t get help and are more likely to die of a drug deal-gone-bad or an overdose. I have seen both sides of the argument, and I believe that both have good points. In the end, I think it should be about what’s best for the people and makes the best use of our money considering the tough economic times we’re in. It IS sad what our country has come down to, but it’s the new reality and we might as well accept it. It’s not like it’s going to change anytime soon, unfortunately.
YES! DRUG TEST THEM…..A LOT OF ADDICTS TAKE THE WELFARE CHECK AND SPEND IT ON DRUGS….AND SALE THE FOOD STAMPS………..WHEN IS THIS GOING TO START…THEY NEED THIS DONE YESTERDAY!
debra are you on Welfare? I would not want it either!
Banzai!!!! Let put this into action and test everyone who’s applying for assistant. Getting assistant shouldn’t be a right. You want it, then play by the rules!!!!