Drug tests for welfare pushed

The Columbus Dispatch ^ | August 29, 2013 | Catherine Candisky

[autumnraine]

This is a ridiculous plan that is just like Florida when the Governor’s wife made a killing off the drug tests and it was cost more than it saved. Which if is the case of conservatives is to save money, that isn’t the case. Which means that it’s only about ‘owning’ someone who happens to need food stamps (because not all on snap or welfare are just lazy bums) or whatever.

[autumnraine]

This is a ridiculous plan that is just like Florida when the Governor’s wife made a killing off the drug tests and it was cost more than it saved. Which if is the case of conservatives is to save money, that isn’t the case. Which means that it’s only about ‘owning’ someone who happens to need food stamps (because not all on snap or welfare are just lazy bums) or whatever.

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P.S. Follow the money and see who will be making a profit. The Republicans are just as good as the Democrats when they do their ‘green initiatives’ that makes their pals lots of money.

Obamaphones for instance. The billionaire that is getting $100 for a phone that in the stores costs $10... yeah wonder what that’s all about.

[autumnraine]

You want minors to be forced to pee in a cup because their mom is on food stamps?

That’s extreme even for FR.

[FreedomOfExpression]

Thanks.
I still don’t have a problem drug testing those receiving government benefits.
The cost/benefit ratio, however may not directly make it worthwhile.

[pluvmantelo]

Even assuming everything is kosher with the Utah stats, the money spent testing is just over 2k per positive tester. We don’t know what the monthly amount they were getting is, but at $400 a month, in just 5 months the testing money has been recouped and after that it’s all benefit to the taxpayer. Seems like a good investment to me.

[Ken H]

The article on the Utah program says that, "Utah's law doesn't disqualify people who test positive from receiving benefits. Instead, it requires them to enter substance abuse treatment."

So people who test positive for pot, who otherwise would not be under treatment, are sent for rehab at taxpayer expense and still get their benefits. Sounds like a scam to me, but then so is the War on Drugs.

[RC one]

YES!!!! FINALLY.

[dfwgator]

Utah spent $25,000 to screen applicants and only 12 tested positive. In Florida, 108 tested positive of more than 4,000 who submitted to drug testing.

How many didn't apply for welfare, because they knew they'd get tested?

[MarineMom613]

That is my point. Even thought they are legally a minor, they can be charged as an adult in certain cases. In NYC Housing Authority, if a family member is caught dealing drugs the family is thrown out, if the person does not move. I am not talking about 10 year olds, I am talking about teenagers that make their living selling/using drugs. If they are not going to school, making their grades, what is wrong with drug testing them also. If they are not in school or working, than what are they doing???? I am only posting on this issue because of what I know and see on a daily basis in NY.

[pluvmantelo]

The Utah info was cited as data supporting the contention that the cost of testing was greater than money saved. I examined the data on that basis. I was not defending the particulars of the Utah program. Indeed, if the the point of the testing is not to cull deadbeats from the welfare rolls, then it is money wasted.

[steve86]

In addition, the dependents are not cut off (I’m not saying they should be), which along with the substantial outlay for treatment costs and the limited six-month suspension from benefits, makes it pretty hard to justify the testing program on strictly cost-benefit grounds. In fact, it would be cheaper just to provide the drugs than test for them lol.

[steve86]

Is there evidence that applications and continuing clients decreased by thousands during this period? Surprised I didn’t hear about that.

[pluvmantelo]

>In fact, it would be cheaper just to
>provide the drugs than test for them lol.

Don’t give the party of moral hazard any ideas. It’s all too possible they would take it and run with it.

[S.O.S121.500]

Good idea.

Regular drug tests should be required for everyone in the federal government too.

Start with the Bg Choomer in the White House, his staff, Congress, the Senate, and their staffs.

Then move on to all the bureaucrats, the Justice Dept., federal courts and the millions of parasitic government employees spread all over the country sucking the life from the nation.

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Preach it Brother....

[ican'tbelieveit]

My son recently job hunted and the job he landed, currently has, drug tested him in the interview process; whipped out a kit right there during the interview.