Random Drug Screening For Welfare Recipients

While I agree with your sentiment (i.e., welfare recipients should need to do something to "earn" their support), I'm not sure a drug test would result in a positive net cost. In order for that to be the case, the costs saved from not assisting those with drug habits would have to outweigh the costs involved in administering the drug test itself. It would be interesting for someone to do an analysis on this to see how the two compare.

Although some may discount my opinion on the issue as I am LDS, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a welfare program that may serve as a model for the struggling federal system. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, "Church officials report that the average length of time a person remains on the "welfare roll" is about four months." - which is, in my opinion, one of the biggest indicators of how well a welfare system works. Details on the system can be found on the Church's LDS Philanthropies and Provident Living websites, as well as in a number of other articles.

Since I work for a small (family owned) company, I am not familiar with drug tests in the workplace. What exactly does it mean when it is a “random” test? Are peoples names put in a lottery and one day your number is up? Shouldn’t everybody be tested if they are going to have this policy? Shouldn’t every welfare recipient be tested if this policy were adopted?

there absolutely should be drug testing. But there are only 1 in 4 of welfare recipients that have a drug problem. 20%!! still a lot but not as much as people think. But that is a lot of money we could save.

And many states DO mandate their welfare recipients to perform community service, participiate in job - training and job searches. Unfortunately the only way TANF sanctions them for not following the program, is they take a little money away each month. Why wouldn't they take away the whole check? ggrrrrrr

I totally agree. I work hard every day too. I am a Human Resourse Administrator and I can tell you stories about people and random drug testing. Maybe if drug screening was required more people who apply for aid would become employed. I think we should stop helping the people who refuse to help themselves. Save State and Federal aid for those who really need it.

Cannot agree more that welfare recipients take a drug test before receiving benefits. It is sad when able-bodied Americans abuse the system especially when using drugs and/or alcohol.

Such a measure is targeted towards junkies, people who wouldn't get off the gear anyway, hence leading them to alternate sources of income (robbery, dealing, etc.).

GOOD EVENING,

I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM. HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING IS MY SYNOPSIS OF THE PROBLEM.

EVERY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN "ADDICTED"

TO SOMETHING, BE IT ALCOHOL, DRUGS OF ALL TYPES, "MAN-MADE" HIGH'S, SUCH AS SNIFFING GLUE, ETC., MARIJUANA AND OPIUM HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE "MIX" SOMEWHERE ALSO.

THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO USE CANNABIS EITHER FOR MEDICINE OR RECREATION. THEY SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT EITHER.

MOST ALL DRUGS THAT CAN BE USED CAN ALSO BE FLUSHED OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM WITHIN A FEW HOURS TO A FEW DAYS. THERE IS ONLY ONE ILLEGAL

SUBSTANCE OUT THERE THAT STAYS IN YOUR SYSTEM AND CAN RARELY BE

IRRATICATED "IN TIME" FOR A DRUG TEST, AND THAT IS MARIJUANA.

IF THE GOV SPENT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TESTING INDIVIDUALS FOR DRUG USAGE BEFORE GIVING FOOD STAMPS THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULDN'T STILL

BE GETTING THEIR "WELFARE" WOULD BE THE POT SMOKER'S.

MY OPINION IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DICTATE TO US WHAT WE CAN AND CAN'T PUT IN OUR BODIES. THERE SHOULD BE NO SUCH THING AS PROHIBITION.

THE GOV SURE DOESN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PUTTING MANUFACTURING OR MILITARY CHEMICALS, AND EVEN NUCLEAR ONES, INTO OUR SYSTEM, VIA THE AIR FLOW...AND DURING TRANSPORTING. WHY SHOULD WE

EVEN CONSIDER THEIR IDIOLOGICAL IDEA'S CONCERNING DRUG USE?

YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO PASS A "DRUG TEST" TO GET A JOB OR TO KEEP ONE. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD NEVER GO TO WORK INTOXICATED OFF OF ANYTHING....AND IF THE COMPANY CAN SHOW THAT YOU DID, THEN YOU SHOULD BE FIRED. BUT WHAT A PERSON DOES ON THEIR OWN FREE TIME SHOULD REMAIN THEIR OWN BUSINESS AND NOT ANY BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY THEY WORK FOR OR THE GOVERNMENT.

I WILL ALSO ADD THAT I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

I AM ALSO AGAINST "DRIVING OR WORKING UNDER THE INFLUENCE" ALSO.

THERE ARE MANY, MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE CEO'S, DR'S, LAWYER'S, ETC., WHO GO TO THEIR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD "PAIN CLINIC" AND LEGALLY OBTAIN OXYCONTIN, MORPHINE AND FENTYNL PATCHES. THEY TAKE THEM EVERY

DAY WHILE AT WORK, AND NOBODY SAYS A DAMN THING ABOUT IT. IM NOT

ADVOCATING THAT THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO THESE MEDICATIONS IF THEY NEED THEM. HOWEVER, DON'T FIRE ME BECAUSE I LIKE TO SMOKE A JOINT AT HOME IN THE EVENINGS!

I HOPE YOU DON'T PASS YOUR NEXT DRUG TEST!

NOT THAT I AM AGAINST YOU, BUT IF EVERYONE REFUSED TO EITHER BE TESTED OR NOT "CLEAN UP" FOR ONE, THE DRUG TESTS WOULD BECOME

USELESS. THEY WOULD HAVE TO STOP USING THEM!

DO SOME RESEARCH ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

THE BEST PLACE TO START IS

WWW.MMJACTIONNETWORK.COM

WWW.WHENGOVFAILSUS.SPACES.LIVE.COM

WWW.TREATINGYOURSELF.COM

WWW.DPA.COM

WWW.NORML.ORG

WWW.LEAP.ORG

WWW.WAMM.ORG

THE LIST GOES ON AND ON AND ON.

NOW, HOW IS IT THAT OUR GOVERNMENT CAN ENFORCE A SET OF LAWS THAT WE

DID NOT AGREE TO?

SHEREEKRIDER@BELLSOUTH.COM

They need to get a job. While I'm not ready to assume that they are all druggies and drunks, there are plenty of them drawing welfare.

Here's my problem -- they say they want work and can't find a job (of course, many are not looking either) -- the military needs soldiers for Iraq. Put one and one together.

No one should be able to draw unemployment who has not gone down for a military physical. Those that are fit should either serve or lose their unemployment. Bottom line is that they are liars and their hand is on my wallet...I don't like it one bit.

Well, since they are our dependents, sure, do it,

and do it in the name of taking care of them.

Are we going to test for alcohol and nicotine, too?

We don't want welfare money going to drugs, true.

But as for the able bodied recipients,

I don't believe there are any, except mothers.

You're implying that people who fail drug tests be denied welfare. Alas, when a welfare recipient with children (not uncommon) fails the test, what do you do? Take the children away? And then the price goes up exponentially, but I guess you don't mind paying more to break up a home. Admit it: you want a little revenge on those "lazy" welfare recipients-- it's not just the money. You're yet another artless trying-to-be-somebody who feels powerful when you trample over the weak. Get over yourself. Your revenge should be directed at your president, because all your tax money (if you pay any) is funding the war on terror.

Regis

I have a point, I also work. I believe that if you're willing to ask for help from the government because you are trying to get back on your feet, you should be willing to do what ever means possible. So, life is full of sacrifice. If need assistance you should be willing to give up that right. You either really need help or you are just stroking the gov for free bees.

Who are you to judge these people? Get back to work and make more money so Hillary can take more of it and redistribute it to those who really need it - democrats and those who vote for democrats.

Your using reason and logic and those don't mix with goverments.

I totally agree. I've watched drugs and alcohol abuse paid for by misplaced compassion destroy lives... and my hometown.

Forget the spending taxpayer dollars ineptly. That's a given. But just consider this: give people lots of time, money and ready access to drugs and booze and what do you have--ODs, crime, murder-suicides, the list goes on.

I wrote about ithere

Thanks for bringing it up.

I am so tried of able body people milking the system for heath care, food and cash when they are in better shape and younger than me. If you want a job and are willing to work, you can find employment.

I feel like they don't trust me. But on the other hand, I sure am glad they test truck drivers and pilots! Makes me feel safer.

I agree with the idea that a welfare recipient should have to comply with routine drug testing. I do not feel that it is fair that my husband and I do without a lot of things we would like so that the person benefiting from our tax dollars can light up a joint. How dare you! You are receiving government assistance. Therefore you are obligated to comply with government rules. People who collect welfare and disability can actually collect a tax refund! There should also be some kind of limit to the number of children you can have if you can not take care of the ones already here (gasp!). It is ridiculous to see women younger than myself (25) having 5 and 6 and 7 children or more, all without having a job, not having to pay rent or utilities, not having to purchase their own food or pay for their own medical care. MY HUSBAND DOES NOT WORK SO THAT YOU CAN LIVE! My husband works to support me and our child. He does not work to support any one else's drug habit, alcohol habit, cigarette habit, etc. If I were to need assistance and be asked to pass a drug screening (much like if I were to apply for a job), it is only right that I comply or lose benefits. To those who are on welfare, aren't your children worth giving up the drugs? Aren't they worth putting aside your addictions so that they may eat good food, sleep in a warm bed and have access to medical care? By saying that the government has no right to employ these tactics is stupid. The government has a right to take our money. We should have a right to say where it goes. I wonder what would happen if those who felt the way some of us do just quit paying taxes. There would be a great protest. All the people who disagree would not only have to pay for the welfare recipients, but also pay to have us incarcerated for non-payment of taxes.... Sounds like a good dose of their own medicine. Maybe then having to pee in a cup for your meal ticket wouldn't sound so bad.

It's easy when your born with a silver spoon in your mouth, like most of the people on this site. We are supposed to reach our and give to those who have less. What else is there to do when you can't find work? It's easy to grin when your ship comes in, not so easy when it has no sail and is full of holes.

When I was stationed in Germany, my wife and I had two sets of friends on WIC. One was an E-6 staff sergeant with one child, the other an O-2 lieutenant with three. They get free milk, bread, and other things.

I realize some lower ranking folks with a lot of kids qualify for WIC/food stamps. I don't necessarily agree with even giving them additional assistance (for the uninitiated, all military get a small food allowance and a full housing allowance based on the number of dependents). However, I definitely think the pot is a little too big when an NCO or officer can qualify.

Just want you all to be aware that your tax dollars also buy food for people that own brand new cars, have big screen TVs, and enjoy a better standard of living than most.

Presumably you are required to have a drug test because you have a job which you cannot perform as expected if you are impaired by drugs. The purpose is not to check that you are a worthy person as your discussion implies.

The welfare recipient is not in a similar position so why bother and pay the cost.

I work at the welfare office and see and live the problem everyday. I agree with the notion that everyone who is able should work for their money and not depend on taxpayers to support their families. The problem is not drug abuse. A small portion of my caseload has a drug problem. And in most cases, those who have drug convictions are not eligbile for foodstamps anyway. The problem is simply laziness fueled by an enabling society. Every recipient who is a us citizen is required to participate in a work or edcuational program in order to receive aid or they are penalized 25% of their grant. Currently only about 22% participate. The rest are content to stay home and take the 25% penalty. There is no incentive to participate as long as we are giving them enough money to pay their rent and enough foodstamps to buy their groceries. Persons who are not legal citizens are not required to participate and are eligible to recieve a full grant for all their citizen children. I think every able body should be required to contribute to the community that supports them in some way. They should at least be required to give 4 hours of their day to some community service. Everyone has a talent to contribute. They can help out a shelter or read to our youth. If they refuse, then they receive no aid. This should be applied to all people receiving aid. Citizens and non Citizens. I think this will encourage a lot of people to get off welfare and find a job because they are working 4 hours a day anyway and only receiving a small welfare check. This will weed out the ones who really don't need it vs the ones that really cant find a job. Just an idea. What does everyone think?