Drug Testing Welfare Recipeints
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients
BSHS/332
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Regular Drug testing is part of many people’s lives. When starting a new job many companies require a drug screening urinalysis. After gaining employment many companies require regular screening. Welfare Recipients have never been required to have drug tests to acquire benefits. Welfare was started in the 1930’s during the Great Depression to help families that were struggling.
New Laws States have been proposing drug testing since 1996 when welfare was reformed. In 2009, 20 states put in proposals to pass the drug test laws. At least 36 states put forth proposals in 2011 around drug testing of welfare (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families - TANF) and food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP) recipients. The state of Florida was the first state to pass the drug screening law for welfare recipients. Florida government believed that by passing this law that this would deter people from misusing welfare benefits to buy drugs. Florida expects the recipients to pay for the drug test and the government will reimburse the recipient the cost of the drug test. Arizona and Missouri require testing for anyone they "reasonably" suspect of illegal drug use. As of April17, 2010 Utah and Georgia passed legislation for drug testing.
Why the changes Many taxpayers and state representatives believe that welfare benefits are being misused. By passing stricter laws and rules would deter drug addicts from receiving benefits. Some states are passing laws to prevent drug convicted felons from receiving benefits. Fewer applicants to receive help would help the government save money. Some state representatives also believe that this would also help any one that is a drug addict receives help with their addictions. "If you have enough money to be able to buy drugs, then you don 't need the public assistance," he said. "I don 't want tax dollars spent on drugs “stated Colorado
BSHS/332
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Regular Drug testing is part of many people’s lives. When starting a new job many companies require a drug screening urinalysis. After gaining employment many companies require regular screening. Welfare Recipients have never been required to have drug tests to acquire benefits. Welfare was started in the 1930’s during the Great Depression to help families that were struggling.
New Laws States have been proposing drug testing since 1996 when welfare was reformed. In 2009, 20 states put in proposals to pass the drug test laws. At least 36 states put forth proposals in 2011 around drug testing of welfare (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families - TANF) and food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP) recipients. The state of Florida was the first state to pass the drug screening law for welfare recipients. Florida government believed that by passing this law that this would deter people from misusing welfare benefits to buy drugs. Florida expects the recipients to pay for the drug test and the government will reimburse the recipient the cost of the drug test. Arizona and Missouri require testing for anyone they "reasonably" suspect of illegal drug use. As of April17, 2010 Utah and Georgia passed legislation for drug testing.
Why the changes Many taxpayers and state representatives believe that welfare benefits are being misused. By passing stricter laws and rules would deter drug addicts from receiving benefits. Some states are passing laws to prevent drug convicted felons from receiving benefits. Fewer applicants to receive help would help the government save money. Some state representatives also believe that this would also help any one that is a drug addict receives help with their addictions. "If you have enough money to be able to buy drugs, then you don 't need the public assistance," he said. "I don 't want tax dollars spent on drugs “stated Colorado
References: (2012, February 29). States consider drug testing welfare recipients. USA Today. Retrieved from www.usatoday.com Nationa Conference of State Legislatures. (2012). Drug testing and Public Assistance. Retrieved from www.ncsl.org