- At times, I feel worn out for no special reason
- I have not lived the way I should
- I don’t like to sit and daydream
- I have a drink first
thing in the morning to steady my nerves
Drug testing welfare recipients is an issue heating up all
around the country. Currently,
legislation has been proposed in 29 states and passed in 8. Supporters say testing welfare recipients
will cost $.5 million, but will save the state $1.5 million in aid they would
withhold from drug users. They say it’s
imperative that individuals aren’t using government money to buy drugs.
Opponents feel the new legislation amounts to nothing more
than suspicion-less, population-based screening. They cite studies which show that drug and
alcohol issues among welfare recipients are not widespread. In fact, studies have shown that while welfare
recipients are slightly more likely than a comparison group to use drugs or
alcohol, the differences were rarely statistically significant. Mandatory testing may turn a person away from
applying for benefits, which in turn, takes away resources from children in those
families.So, my question to you this week is, “What do you think of mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients? Is it smart public policy or an infringement of civil liberties?” Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 25th, 2013.
Frankly I don't give a damn as long as they don't put a needle in me. Drug tests turns people away from benefits? Then they must not want it enough. A person who doesn't do drugs don't have to care. As long as it doesn't affect us financially in any way, then go for it, but if they are using tax dollars for this crap then I suggest a better test. So they don't waste time and money. As for how. They can figure that out themselves.
ReplyDeleteI have really mixed views on this topic. I feel like it's not necessarily right to drug test citizens but I also don't appreciate my tax dollars going towards druggies that just don't want to work or whatever the case maybe. I kinda feel like this is a infringement of civil liberty. I do however think this is a big issue we have to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI am for the drug testing. I do not want money being wasted on alcohol. If a person really needed money for the right reasons, then they would take the test with no problem.
ReplyDeleteI think the random drug testing idea has good intentions. Although they did bring up the topic that if parents lose the financial aid due to drug testing, the young children of those parents living with them will be without benefit when they did nothing wrong. As sad as that sounds, I think it will make a difference in the long run. Children will have to learn the hard way that you can't rely on government assistance and that you really do have to work in order to make a living. If they see that their parents are doing drugs, yet they still get assistance, it's teaching them that they can do that too later on life.
ReplyDeleteThis whole process just seems like a mess to me. Why can't they scratch the written drug test portion and save money on the 3 times a test is given. If the government wants to save money, just give families who are about to be on welfare a drug test in the beginning and if they fail, then no welfare for them and they won't be able to apply for lets say, another 3 months. I agree with Brianna, it's not fair there are children who's parents are at fault if they happen to fail a drug test, but at least this way would save money on giving out tests, and allow these people who failed 3 months to clean up. I feel like the whole process just seems muddy and it doesn't need to be that complicated.
ReplyDeleteI don't think drug testing people on welfare is right. When I think of welfare, I think of people who need the money to pay for bills, food for their kids and other expensive. The welfare money should not go for people buying drugs or alcohol or things like that. The welfare money should go for people who really need it.
ReplyDeleteThey should start drug testing people who receive TANF. That money is for the child NOT for drugs. Most of them are using that money for themselves. When that mean that child is going with out and that sad. No child ask to be here. So if that's what they got to do for them to do right then so be it. It your tax dollar that they are using to buying drugs. It really no different if were paying for drug test.
ReplyDeleteI have looked into this issue and some of the questions asked on the test are completely BS. I guess asking a question like, "Do you feel depressed at times?" does have its reasons on why it is on the test, but most people who cannot afford food and have to rely on the government will feel depressed. I agree that drug tests should be taken, but the questions on it should also be more specific.
ReplyDeleteI think drug screening for anything is a violation of civil liberties really, be it for government assistance or for a job. On the job side, it is ridiculous that you could be denied a job because of something you do in the privacy of your own home, but beyond that, the truly awful part of drug screening is how wildly inaccurate it can be, just look up the effect of eating poppy seed food on drug tests for opiates.
ReplyDeleteThat is the crux of the problem really, drug testing would be a little more palatable if it were more accurate.
I think the overall concept of drug testing is good, but the way it is carried out and the questions asked don’t seem valid. There should be a better way of testing than just asking questions.
ReplyDeleteInstead of having mandatory testing, I feel there should be a random drug test. If the recipient is found guilty of misusing the “welfare funds” for substance abuse they should be put under mandatory treatment program and “loss of benefits” if the abuse continues.
It’s a smart public policy in the sense that it focuses on the “welfare fund” being well spent and not wasted. The policy makers have full authority to put certain rules in place for people using the welfare money. Even a bank giving a home loan requires you to follow certain rules like buy insurance. The idea is to protect the investment and if somebody feels their civil liberties are being infringed upon, then they need to revaluate their applying for welfare funds.
First, the problem isn’t that the mandatory testing that will turn a person away from applying for benefits, which in turn will take away the resources from children. I believe that the parents need to evaluate their life and decide what is their first priority is. That then answered the other questions. I do believe it is smart public policy to be aware of our society and protect our future yes; I don’t believe it’s an infringement of civil liberties at all.
ReplyDeleteThose questions might not properly assess whether or not someone is actually abusing drugs, but the foundation of this cause, I think, is a good one. I think there should actually be physical drug screenings on anyone who is attempting to receive welfare benefits. It may cost money to do so, but at least this way the people that are not abusing drugs and are in actual need of welfare will not get the raw end of the stick if. Here's the thing, if you're not abusing drugs, you should be fine taking a drug test.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a problem with government drug testing families about to be get welfare benefits as long as it isn't being being paid for with our tax dollars. Welfare is to help pay for the expenses of everyday life- including the parents and the children. I also believe that people who are not using drugs or alcohol will have absolutely no problem taking a drug test and passing, whereas those who mess around with those substances may have a bit more of a problem submitting to a drug test.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think this is the best idea the government has had yet! As a known work-aholic, I've often worked 2 and sometimes 3 jobs at one time just to make it or even to earn extra money if there was something I was striving for. It grinds my gears to know that I work so hard everyday and every single time I clock in, some crackhead with a million kids and no ambition is getting part of my paycheck. Welfare is for those that are unable or that need help for real. Being an addict is a consciencous decision that I have no sympathy for. I have addicts in my family, I feel the same about them as I would anyone else on the street. Call me mean, but I made the choice NOT to do drugs and don't feel like I need to pay for those that chose to. As far as any kind of rights they may have, I'm pretty sure if they're an addict their "rights" are the last thing they're concerned with. And if its found to be offensive GET A JOB!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm kind of conflicted when it comes to this topic. I feel like those who are using their government aid money to buy drugs should have that money taken from them and shouldn't be able to receive these benefits. The only thing I'm having an issue comprehending is the "written drug test." To me, that doesn't really make sense. If you want to know if they're using drugs, why not just have them take a drug test when thy apply for the benefits? Sure it'll cost money, but it's money that they're already spending on the paper for the written test, why not just put it towards an actual drug test? It seems like it'll save quite a bit of money for the government. Plus, if people know that they will be tested when they go to apply, that may keep the ones that really do use drugs to stay away.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that it should be a mandatory drug testing to be on government welfare. I have to pass a drug test to get a job for money to be taken out of my earned paycheck to welfare. So they should be able to pass a test to receive it. I do not feel like it's a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI think random drug testing for welfare benefits is a good idea. The written test seems like a waste of time and money though. I think actual drug tests should be given in order to receive, and keep receiving benefits.
ReplyDeleteI wish there were laws that would close some of the loopholes in the welfare system. I know that welfare can't be used for cigarettes and alcohol, but I see people getting cash back at the grocery store, then buying cigarettes and alcohol with it. This makes me so mad. I would guess that this is more common than people buying drugs.
Kelly G.
I personally don't agree with the drug testing because it seems like they're stereotyping people on welfare and that's not right at all. I also don't understand what exactly a written drug test is. How can certain questions even determine that someone's uses drugs.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I just want to point out that drug use takes away resources from children rather their parents receive welfare benefits or not. I know of people who have actually paid for drugs with food stamps...
ReplyDeleteNow that I have said that, I want to talk about what I think the issue really is. I believe that taking welfare benefits from people who are possibly drug users is not to deter drug use, but it is strictly a way to save money. The nation's leaders have done a poor job in producing jobs for American citizens. Didn't we just do an assignment that talked about the working poor? Maybe poor people are drug users because they can't find jobs? Maybe they are stressed and depressed. Have we taken the time to examine that? I'm sick of politicians treating the poor like they are a problem. Once again, our nation is treating a symptom and not curing the cause.