Drug Testing for Government benefits?

[sigmapi1501]

For it or against it?

I'll admit that politically I am a bit of a tree hugger.  But even I don't think this is awful.  My friends that work at a steel mill must take a drug test to collect a paycheck.  I don't think it's out of line to ask someone to take a drug test to collect government checks as well.

It has to be fair though and not racist, so old folks gotta pee clean too.  A big argument might be "What about the kids? Don't make them suffer because the parents are on drugs?"  I don't know a good solution to that.  I would just say that if a parent can't stay off drugs long enough to collect a check to feed/house her kids, then maybe the kids Are better off somewhere else.

[Abrupt]

I am basically in agreement with you on this one.  I also have sympathy when kids are involved and would add that we must also consider that any failing drug tests, knowing they would be required, would likely not be providing for their kids in the first place.

[dmahoney]

I agree. Why should me or you have to pay some druggy to stay home and not work. If they want to be wasted all the time, let them work for it.

[Falconer02]

It depends on how it would be handled. And considering how Florida handled it, I'd have to say I'm against it. Scam and embarrassment.

http://blog.reidreport.com/2011/03/rick-scotts-new-gift-to-solantic-drug-testing-state-employees/

My friends that work at a steel mill must take a drug test to collect a paycheck.

Do they operate heavy machinery?

[plennis]

I have been laid off recently...every job I go to requires drug testing.  SO I don't really think it is a big deal.  I also believe that if you can't pass a drug test, then your children are probably not getting real good care, and would probably be better off with someone drug free.  But........then you see these folks in the child care services that are basically stockpiling kids for the checks.......not the greatest deal for the kids either.

[animikokala]

As long as it's done properly (testers are treated respectfully; lack of conflict of interest for state/politicians etc), I don't see anything wrong with it.  I just started working for a public college (so I'm technically employed by the state of Ohio), and I was required to take a drug test.  All my job consists of is making sure some students feed some cats and dogs, walk the dogs, and clean their cages.  If someone has to take a drug test to be able to work and get paid, shouldn't those who are given money from the government also be drug-free?

And I'm also torn about the kids of drug users....

[bbmama1988]

What if it was a case by case basis. I myself can not work. I have not gone thru the trouble to sign up for any type of assistance. like unemployement even. I have bi polar disorder and I have not found a way to be able to keep a job long. It's a legal disability.
Certain states have made marijuanna legal for medical use for a large range of medical issues. The only thing it protects you from is the harsh consequences for having it.
Say a person with a long term cancer decides that disability is what is needed to survive. PArt of that survival is taking your medications; one of which was one the doctor gave called pot. medical pot.
That person would not be able to get that disability if it was mandatory to pass a drug test. I know that will pot being the example I used, it makes the decision a difficult one. The basis of using it medically is still a very debated, research topic.
I know that what you all are explaining the case being... the people who are just sucking our country dry. from the hard working citizens that paid for it. I totally agree. But thinking a little further outside the box a little, what about those who have to have a certain drug for medical purposes... what then?
I am totally curious to hear any thoughts or comments. I love debates and stay open-minded... i never pick a side lol i play "devil's advacate"

[ladavia89]

People have to take drug tests to gain and retain employment. Students have to take drug tests in order to do extra curricular activities. I'm failing to see how that's a perfectly acceptable practice but it's wrong to require drug testing in order to receive governmental assistance. If I'm not mistaken, there was a clause that if the parents didn't pass the drug test then an acceptable guardian could have access to the money for the children.

[sigmapi1501]

My friends that work at a steel mill must take a drug test to collect a paycheck.

Do they operate heavy machinery?

I see what youre getting at here. Ok, my brother has to take a drug test to work at a casino. No machinery. My brothers wife has to take one and she sells ad space. So its more than a safety issue. I had a feeling though that this would be a scam to deny people benefits. I guess if there were any easy solutions to drug abuse and poverty, we would have solved them.

[hawkeye3210]

I am for it.  Almost every job requires it now so if your going to government benefits I feel you should do the same.

[frozenimage]

I think it should be mandatory because there will always be people who try to sell their government benefits for drugs and such. and If they fail, they should have a year waiting period.

[kords21]

If the politicians want to drug test citizens to get gov't benefits, then they should also be drug tested. Gov't money is gov't money.

[vickysue]

I agree that they shold be tested. I live in a welfare st. Have seen more then my share of this. Also lived in a border town and you would not believe the stuff that goes on in them.  I know some people need some help in their day to day living expense, but think that all these young people need to be working even it is picking up trash for their help instead of setting on their duffs. And all some of they young women are just being used as bread winners. Go have another baby we need need more money . So they go out and have another and we pay for it.

[marcee30]

What if it was a case by case basis. I myself can not work. I have not gone thru the trouble to sign up for any type of assistance. like unemployement even. I have bi polar disorder and I have not found a way to be able to keep a job long. It's a legal disability.
Certain states have made marijuanna legal for medical use for a large range of medical issues. The only thing it protects you from is the harsh consequences for having it.
Say a person with a long term cancer decides that disability is what is needed to survive. PArt of that survival is taking your medications; one of which was one the doctor gave called pot. medical pot.
That person would not be able to get that disability if it was mandatory to pass a drug test. I know that will pot being the example I used, it makes the decision a difficult one. The basis of using it medically is still a very debated, research topic.
I know that what you all are explaining the case being... the people who are just sucking our country dry. from the hard working citizens that paid for it. I totally agree. But thinking a little further outside the box a little, what about those who have to have a certain drug for medical purposes... what then?
I am totally curious to hear any thoughts or comments. I love debates and stay open-minded... i never pick a side lol i play "devil's advacate"

that makes sense but I would that the new drug testing policy would exclude anyone who is using a particular drug for medicinal purpose. I don't feel they should be penalized for such use considering it it helps them to maintain

[ptfunds]

My real concern about this is that it almost specifically targets marijuana and eliminates other drugs that are far more serious. It also eliminates legal drugs such as alcohol and prescription drugs. Both of these can impair individuals far more than marijuana use. Also, I thought there was an excellent point made from another member about medical marijuana usage. I think before this type of testing is done that it needs to be more broad in it's application or not done at all.