Should there be manadatory drug tests for Welfare Recipients?
There is a rumor that "various states have passed laws requiring that public assistance recipients pass a drug testing program"(http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/welfare.asp). There is some truth to this rumor. On January 7, 2011 HB208 was introduced to the Kentucky state legislature's House of Representatives. That bill sought to modify the existing state rules to require that adults who receive public assistance participate in (and pass) a substance abuse screening program once a (year"http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/welfare.asp). Although this issue is being considered it is false to say that Kentucky passed such a law. This was simply a proposal that was introduced to one senate, but was not brought to a vote. "In July 2011, the state of Florida enacted a law requiring adults applying for welfare assistance to undergo drug. The Tampa Tribune reported the following month that 2% of welfare recipients had tested- positive under the new implemented law screening. Ninety-six percent proved to be drug free-leaving the state to reimburse the cost of theeir tests" (http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/welfare.asp). However, the state estimates that they will save more money by temporarily suspending the benefits of the applicants who tested positive. The state estimates that they would save any where from $3400-$5000 more per month on rejected applicants than they would spend on testing applicants who test negative. It seems kind of cruel to completely take away the assistance from families that need the help. The bill's sponser Lonnie Napier plans to amend the bill to allow those who fail to continue to recieve assistance
if they agree to undergo state-paid substance abuse treatment.
This particular question stood out to me because I have heard several people talking about this issue. I agree with the statement that welfare recipients should be required to take a manadatory drug test to be eligible for welfare. I think that it is only fair. In order to be hired for most jobs you have to pass a pre-employment drug test to support the funding of welfare. The main purpose of welfare assiatance is to help the less fortunate families and provide them with food, cash and medical assistance. With the economy the way that it is there are alot of families that need this help and would not be able to survive without it. Over the years alot of people have abused certain services such as cash assistance and foodstamps by selling them to buy drugs or alcohol to support their habit. It breaks my heart to see the parents that recieve foodstamps to feed their children sell them to buy drugs and alcohol, or to use the cash assistance that is provided for that purpose. Leaving their children with little to no food.
I'm not saying that all welfare recipients participate in this type of activity, but the ones who do not should have nothing to worry about when it comes to drug testing and should not be opposed to it.
References
snopes.com: Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients. (n.d.). snopes.com: Urban Legends Reference Pages. Retrieved December 3, 2012, from http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/welfare
I am so glad you wrote about this subject --drug testing people on public assistance. I think it is a good idea also because it is for the ones that need assistance not the ones that sale food stamps to support drug habits. If their funds are suspended then more money for the ones that really need it.
ReplyDeleteI really think with so many people out of work that want to work something needs to be done to make sure the funds are their for the ones that need it.
Kenethra,
ReplyDeleteThe subject of public assistance and substance abuse testing is an important issue that should get more media attention than it does currently. I agree with you that most employers require drug testing and it seems reasonable to impose the same standard on people applying for public assistance. Unfortunately, I think we have all witnessed individuals who take advantage of the system and use public assistance for other purposes than what they are intended for. Drug testing may be a viable part of the solution to help the government save money while setting a higher standard for individuals to receive public assistance. The proposal also has the potential to motivate people to seek treatment for substance abuse who may have not done so otherwise.
Thanks,
Crystal Dean
I have such an issue with public assisstance. I have unfortunately witnessed way too many people abuse it. A few years ago my family moved to Texas and we had a really hard time finding a job. My daughter had just been born and health insurance became a huge necessity. I ended up applying for Medicaid and WIC. It is such a time consuming and demanding application process and yet I was denied.I met a whole lot of people who received all of the services and yet where in a better financial standing than we where. Some would lie on the application to receive the benefits and some would sell their food stamps. I think that mandatory drug testing would help eliminate those who abuse the system.
ReplyDelete