Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

States consider drug tests for welfare recipients
My Way ^ | Mar 26, 2008 | TOM BREEN

Posted on 03/26/2009 10:35:26 AM PDT by GOPGuide

snip

In the past, such efforts have been stymied by legal and cost concerns, said Christine Nelson, a program manager with the National Conference of State Legislatures. But states' bigger fiscal crises, and the surging demand for public assistance, could change that.

"It's an example of where you could cut costs at the expense of a segment of society that's least able to defend themselves," said Frank Crabtree, executive director of the West Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Drug testing is not the only restriction envisioned for people receiving public assistance: a bill in the Tennessee Legislature would cap lottery winnings for recipients at $600.

snip

Particularly troubling to some policy analysts is the drive to drug test people collecting unemployment insurance, whose numbers nationwide now exceed 5.4 million, the highest total on records dating back to 1967.

"It doesn't seem like the kind of thing to bring up during a recession," said Ron Haskins, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "People who are unemployed, who have lost their job, that's a sympathetic group. Americans are tuned into that, because they're worried they'll be next."

Indeed, these proposals are coming at a time when more Americans find themselves in need of public assistance.

Although the number of TANF recipients has stayed relatively stable at 3.8 million in the last year, claims for unemployment benefits and food stamps have soared.

In December, more than 31.7 million Americans were receiving food stamp benefits, compared with 27.5 million the year before.

The link between public assistance and drug testing stems from the Congressional overhaul of welfare in the 1990s, which allowed states to implement drug testing as a condition of receiving help.

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: drugs; drugtest; drugtesting; welfare; what4thammt
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-93 next last
To: Wolfie
No drug testing of anybody for any reason unless the Legislature is tested too.

They should be the only people tested; as they make decisions which affects everyone in the country ...

If I get high, my decisions only affect two or three people ...

61 posted on 03/26/2009 12:36:01 PM PDT by 08bil98z24 (War on Drug supporters are enemies of the Constitution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: texson66

Horrors! What’s next, test for citizenship?


62 posted on 03/26/2009 12:37:58 PM PDT by depressed in 06 (I feel so much better now that Code Pink is standing up for the taxpayer.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: 08bil98z24

You can on the same transaction in Idaho. The food stamp card covers the food portion at the register, the difference have to pay in cash or other method. Wasn’t saying the food stamps paid for the smokes and booze directly. Indirectly though for sure it does.


63 posted on 03/26/2009 12:50:47 PM PDT by Domandred (Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: Owl_Eagle

I will be 49 soon. I wonder if I have seen every episode of Gilligans Island and Star Trek?

Some of them shows just are not the same when you watch them now. Batman and Robin stink. Same with Laugh In and Hee Haw. Beverly Hillbillies and Mr Ed is still darn funny!


64 posted on 03/26/2009 12:57:46 PM PDT by dirtman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: brooklyn dave
I don't want to see an innocent (elderly) granny kicked out onto the street because of the acts of a grandchild. If granny is 40 or thereabouts, I might feel differently, it would depend on the circumstances.

Having said that, I might support one (1) lifetime exception to kicking granny out for cause. If someone in her residence commits a crime, the offender should have 24 hours to vacate the premises, never to return even for a visit. Granny can stay that time. If it ever happens to someone living with her again, I don't care if she is evicted from public housing. Anyone taking up residence with Granny should have to sign a statement agreeing that they are aware that Granny will lose her public housing if they commit crimes.

65 posted on 03/26/2009 1:16:33 PM PDT by JustaDumbBlonde (America: Home of the Free Because of the Brave)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: Domandred
The food stamp card covers the food portion at the register, the difference have to pay in cash or other method. Wasn’t saying the food stamps paid for the smokes and booze directly. Indirectly though for sure it does.

Background. Working in PA retail for 10+ years ...

Let me explain PA's system.

In PA, food stamps and cash assistance go on the same card ... the EBT card ...

Food Stamps are issued to some people, and cash assistance and food stamps are issued to others ...

Food Stamps are electronically controlled, and are set up in retailers computer systems to only be used as currency for FOOD items, so you can not purchase paper goods, hot prepared food, etc... on Food Stamps.

The remainder of your bill at a store which isn't covered by food stamps is the difference that must be paid by you with some sort of form of currency (duh)...

Some people get cash assistance, which can be used at most of the same stores that Food Stamps are accepted. You can use the EBT card like a credit card to purchase items with the cash assistance, or the cash can be taken out of almost any ATM and spent via the good old fashion money transaction.

Cash assistance can be used to purchase anything you can buy with cash.

A retailer can not refuse to sell someone an item, so most people can buy anything they wish with their cash assistance ...

Regardless, in PA, if you are given food stamps, you can not purchase anything other than food. There is no physical way around it.

Some other random pieces of info ...


66 posted on 03/26/2009 1:18:56 PM PDT by 08bil98z24 (War on Drug supporters are enemies of the Constitution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: 08bil98z24
am not to happy with the 60 - 70, 80's crowd of individuals who we can thank for such unconstitutional and restrictive laws involving drugs ...

Actually it was a little earlier, the 1930's and pretty much two people. Harry Anslinger who wanted to make an empire for himself like J. Edgar had done with the FBI and William Randolph Hearst who helped protect DuPont's new synthetics from competition from hemp products. That last reference ties at all together with Andrew Mellon as the bandleader. You know it would not be so bad if the US had been panicked by a real problem but it turns out that the whole reefer madness was concocted for financial gain.

67 posted on 03/26/2009 3:14:13 PM PDT by atomic_dog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: NoKoolAidforMe

I believe that motorists stopped for erratic driving should not only face sobriety tests but should also be required to submit a urine sample on the spot.

“You say you work for UPS? Well, I work for “You Pee Now!”

;^)

(Flameproof suit donned, all you libertarians)


68 posted on 03/26/2009 3:57:39 PM PDT by elcid1970 ("O Muslim! My cartridges are lubricated with pig grease!")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide
No, I think they are pushing it because they know many welfare recipients won’t cut the mustard, so to speak.

If drug tests worked there wouldn't be a concrete or painting crew that could stay staffed in the whole USA. Even in the downturn.

Drug tests are low grade IQ tests for drug users.

I am in favor of them for welfare recipients on principle. They mostly can't pass a low grade IQ test. Cost is an issue.

69 posted on 03/26/2009 4:05:21 PM PDT by Dinsdale
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: 08bil98z24
You can't buy smokes and booze on food stamps. It is not physically possible in PA.

You keep believing that. They don't get face value but barter always works.

70 posted on 03/26/2009 4:07:44 PM PDT by Dinsdale
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide

For it.

In addition they could give casinos a tax break for reporting people who try to cash their welfare checks at the cage to gamble with. It happens all the time.


71 posted on 03/26/2009 5:50:12 PM PDT by HelloooClareece ("We make war that we may live in peace". Aristotle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide

And while your at it...How about a birth certificate?..(unless you are running for President of the United States)


72 posted on 03/26/2009 5:53:51 PM PDT by VRW Conspirator ("Social Justice" and "Economic Justice" are velvet covered justifications for theft and usurption.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: VRW Conspirator

LOL


73 posted on 03/26/2009 5:57:33 PM PDT by GOPGuide
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 72 | View Replies]

To: Selmore

Thats how it used to be. No vested interest, no vote. I think you had to pass a test at one time too.


74 posted on 03/26/2009 6:18:08 PM PDT by wombtotomb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: AdmSmith; Berosus; Convert from ECUSA; dervish; Ernest_at_the_Beach; Fred Nerks; george76; ...
...a bill in the Tennessee Legislature would cap lottery winnings for recipients at $600.

75 posted on 03/26/2009 6:18:32 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Condor51

ya know, maybe if it really SUCKED to be on welfare, more people would be incentivized to get OFF it.....


76 posted on 03/26/2009 6:25:23 PM PDT by wombtotomb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: Domandred

“For that matter I’ve seen em buy smokes and booze too.”

With cash, not stamps.


77 posted on 03/26/2009 6:30:06 PM PDT by truth_seeker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide

Its racism!


78 posted on 03/26/2009 6:45:07 PM PDT by omega4179 (Don't spread my wealth, spread my work ethic.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide
How about a test for willingness to work? Or, better yet, if there is an ounce of gratitude for the decades of money whch was taken from hard working taxpayers.

If I see one more "we are giving back to the community" ads from fully employed people and their businesses, I'm going to puke. After 70 years of social programs, I've yet to see ANY attempt to be "given back" to by these people.

I chose to serve my country in exchange for a steady (small) paycheck for 25 years. As I drive through Columbus Georgia and see all the public housing areas that must be filled with welfare recipients and food stamp recipients- many of them in good shape and wealthy enough to have 20" rims on their cars and wear flashy codes as the listlessly loiter about...Arrgh.

79 posted on 03/26/2009 7:20:35 PM PDT by DilJective (Who is John Galt?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GOPGuide
i had to take a piss test to make the money taken from me to give to them, so i see no reason why they shouldn't have to take a piss test before they get my money...
80 posted on 03/26/2009 8:14:14 PM PDT by Chode (American Hedonist - Obama is basically Jim Jones with a teleprompter)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-93 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson