Drug Testing Should Be Mandatory for Welfare.
Tarah Bussell
Dr. Logan Burns
Composition I
December 3, 2012
One of the major debates going on in states all over the United States today is whether people receiving welfare benefits should undergo drug testing to qualify. Critics argue that it is discrimination and unconstitutional, but it is requiring no more than almost any job that you apply for that requires you to pass a drug test in order to qualify for that job and benefits. As of now, the only thing that you must show in order to qualify for government assistance is that you are below the income requirements. I think that this encourages more citizens to not work, have children, and live off of the working citizens in America. I think that initial and random drug testing should be mandatory in all states for anyone who is applying for or currently receiving welfare benefits. This would ensure that precious taxpayer dollars are going to those truly in need.
Right now only 3 out of the 50 states require drug testing to qualify for benefits. There are 23 other states that are seeking to adopt this same requirement (Alcindor). Of the three states that currently require testing, Florida is the only state that has practiced this for every applicant. As a result of the legislation that took effect of July 1st, people seeking welfare benefits in the state of Florida will have to submit urine, blood, or hair samples to be tested for the use of illicit substances, and pay for the testing (Kondro E721). If the applicant tests negative, then they will be reimbursed for the cost of the drug test. If they test positive, then they are prohibited from receiving benefits for six months. The only way that they can reapply during that six month period is if they can document successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program that meets state criteria. If the legislation passes, then the 23 other states will follow through this policy as well.
Welfare is supposed to be used to meet the recipients basic
Dr. Logan Burns
Composition I
December 3, 2012
One of the major debates going on in states all over the United States today is whether people receiving welfare benefits should undergo drug testing to qualify. Critics argue that it is discrimination and unconstitutional, but it is requiring no more than almost any job that you apply for that requires you to pass a drug test in order to qualify for that job and benefits. As of now, the only thing that you must show in order to qualify for government assistance is that you are below the income requirements. I think that this encourages more citizens to not work, have children, and live off of the working citizens in America. I think that initial and random drug testing should be mandatory in all states for anyone who is applying for or currently receiving welfare benefits. This would ensure that precious taxpayer dollars are going to those truly in need.
Right now only 3 out of the 50 states require drug testing to qualify for benefits. There are 23 other states that are seeking to adopt this same requirement (Alcindor). Of the three states that currently require testing, Florida is the only state that has practiced this for every applicant. As a result of the legislation that took effect of July 1st, people seeking welfare benefits in the state of Florida will have to submit urine, blood, or hair samples to be tested for the use of illicit substances, and pay for the testing (Kondro E721). If the applicant tests negative, then they will be reimbursed for the cost of the drug test. If they test positive, then they are prohibited from receiving benefits for six months. The only way that they can reapply during that six month period is if they can document successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program that meets state criteria. If the legislation passes, then the 23 other states will follow through this policy as well.
Welfare is supposed to be used to meet the recipients basic