Bills Would Require Michiganders To Work For Welfare, Pass Drug Test

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[Gopher Broke]

LANSING (WWJ) - Could this mean the end of welfare as we know it?

A bill has passed in the Michigan Senate that would require those receiving public assistance to do some “volunteer” work. Another bill, which passed the House Commerce Committee, requires drug testing, revoking benefits for welfare recipients who refuse the test or who test positive.

“What [the legislation] does, it says, in order for your to receive your cash assistance, your welfare check, you must provide some kind of community service to the community,” said the volunteer work bill’s sponsor, State Senator Joe Hune, who represents Livingston and Shiawasse counties in Mid-Michigan.

Hune says he was inspired by a constituent who began to volunteer while on welfare — and that community service evolved into full employment.

[Gopher Broke]

What a wonderful idea!! All states should do this!

[MrB]

I’m sure this will raise “human rights concerns”, and possibly investigations into racism and genocide.

[yldstrk]

oh yippee

what happens when the lazy drug addict has 3, 4 kids

[Paladin2]

"you must provide some kind of community service to the community,"

A good start as long as it isn't doing ACORN's work.

[RC one]

Ohio has a, somewhat similar, bill in the works except if you test positive, Ohio tax payers pay for your rehab and you still get benefits. Isn’t that awesome?

[SandRat]

Way to go MI.

[Still Thinking]

hat a wonderful idea!! All states should do this!

So long as they don't figure out a way to make community organizing for Democrats into "volunteer work".

[Texas Eagle]

A good start as long as it isn't doing ACORN's work.

Or Organizing For Obama, etc. Great point.

I notice that the Congresshole who promotes this idea goes unidentified as to his party orientation.

Typically, a Republican will get lambasted for suggesting such a thing but this guy appears to get gold stars for his idea.

My guess he is a RAT.

Still a good start. But as you point out, what is going to be considered "community service".

[Vigilanteman]

What are the chances of it actually being enacted?

Didn't Florida enact something similar only to have it overturned by a dictator in a black robe?

[cripplecreek]

If it were me I would want to give something back.



Michigan legislative action thread

[BeadCounter]

Michigan has their own NFL team.

[cripplecreek]

Joe Hune is a republican.

http://www.misenategop.com/senators/Hune.asp?District=22

[cuban leaf]

I’ve said for many years that one solution to the welfare state is for the government to never, ever give money to individuals without something in return. Free money poisons people and makes them dependent. Period.

Yes, even the disabled. They can get at least some free money from charities, but if they want it from the government they are going to have to do something in return.

[TurboZamboni]

If it passes, their court will likely overturn it.

MN passed welfare reform once trying to impose a minimum residency requirement (IIRC, 3 months)and the Dem court claimed it was somehow unconstitutional.

[HomeAtLast]

Drug tests for welfare, what a concept.

Psssst! [no pun intended] The street price of urine is going sky high!

[Michael.SF.]

you must provide some kind of community service to the community

Who else would community service be provided to?

[HomeAtLast]

what happens when the lazy drug addict has 3, 4 kids

They have to choose between 4th amendment and their benefits.

They have to choose between their drugs and their kids.

Any bets on how it'll shake out?

[yldstrk]

I am betting they will choose drugs

[COBOL2Java]

"WORK!?"

[Vigilanteman]

You just gave me an idea. Since slackards can extract tax dollars from me to support their lifestyles, at least I should have the opportunity to wholesale my urine to a dealer to help pay my taxes. (Not interested in driving to the 'hood and getting a potentially higher price to retail it.)