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Some people in one state may soon have to undergo and pass drug tests before being granted unemployment benefits or welfare. Georgia state lawmaker, Republican Michael Hardin, is sponsoring the bill that requires random drug tests for anyone getting such benefits. Hardin says the bill is an idea whose time has come for weary taxpayers. Hardin says, "They want to know without a doubt that their tax dollars are not going to support illegal drug activity." Harden says the drug test would cost no more than $25.00 and be paid by the person being tested. The state would cut off anyone who refuses the test or fails. Other backers of the legislation say they want to make sure those on the unemployment line have the ability to go back to work and they say one of the things that's preventing them from having that opportunity is the fact they can't get past the drug test.
What Hardin is proposing is nothing new. The Congressional overhaul of welfare in the 1990s allowed states to implement drug testing as a condition of receiving help. Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Virginia tie eligibility for some public assistance to drug testing for convicted felons or parolees. A Michigan proposal for random testing was struck down by a federal court on grounds it violated the 4th Amendment's protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Now before you assume this is a great idea and there couldn't possibly be any opposition, consider this...Bonnie Erbe wrote an opinion piece for U.S. News & World Report last year saying drug testing for unemployment recipients, "Is one of the dumbest things I've heard recently coming out of state legislatures." Her reasoning..."There's no room for alcoholics and low-scale drug users in jail and forcing them into homeless shelters isn't going to get them any closer to recovery." Of course the flip side of Erbe's argument would be why should taxpayers fork over their hard earned money for people who do drugs, and if they have the money for drugs, why do they need our money? I know a lot of hard-working people who have to pass random drug tests to collect a paycheck...so why should welfare/unemployment recipients not be included? Who knows...the random tests might just be a blessing, forcing drug users to clean-up their lives! What do you think? Should people be required to pass drug tests before receiving unemployment or welfare benefits? Do you think NC should consider such legislation? Or do you have no problem with people doing drugs and collecting taxpayer-funded assistance?
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Posted by: Kay Location: NV
This seems kind of dumb to me. Tests come back dirty, then you cut off people's money? Not to mention the problem with charging economically oppressed people for a drug test to begin with. This is a complicated issue and there's no "easy fix". Yeah, they are living on taxpayer dollars, but what the "taxpayers" fail to realize, a lot of the time, is that we benefit from it too. It's the price you pay to not have homeless all over the streets. Also, it seems to me there could be a lot of negative repercussions. Kids starving/ending up in foster care for mom and dad's mistakes. A big increase in crime (money being the reason that many druggies commit crimes to begin with). And a general flooding of the prison system as fallout. This is not a black and white issue and it shouldn't be treated as such (which this "law" seems to do). It's much more nuanced and complex and that needs to be recognized. There needs to be a much more delicate and holistic approach. Posted by: Jeanne Melton I think it's a great idea but only if everyone single person in this (free?) United States of America has to be random tested as well - since we ALL use tax payer dollars, why not? Start with everyone that takes a Mortgage Interest Deduction, Everyone that has kids in PUBLIC SCHOOlS, everone that drives on public roads, etc.. Good lord this is just plain stupid. But I guess it's better to separate daddy from kids and put him in our already overcrowded jails or homeless (a much more costly burden on society) if he happens to grown his own weed (which doesn't cost jack squat). While we're at it, let's ensure EVERONE gets tested - you know, all the Vice Presidents of banks, Lawyers, Doctors, etc. that also smoke (trust me, we're talking millions here). And we damn well ought to then be testing for alchohol as well - since it's much more costly and absolutely kills thousands each year. Posted by: romaine Location: pennsylvania YES!!! I agree! Anyone receiving public benefits should be REQUIRED to submit to drug testing BEFORE they even fill out any paperwork. Why waste time and money verifying information and then giving the test, only for the test to come back positive. I think honest taxpayers would be thrilled with this idea and people who truly need those benefits could get them even faster because it would lighten the case workers load by not having to do all that extra paperwork. Posted by: Johanna Location: Allen Park, MI I think we should drug test people who receive assisstance. I work hard for my money and I don't spend it on drugs. Posted by: Yesman Location: LA Great Idea! Everyone should be held accountable. Tax Payers Dollars should be protected and its currently not! Welfare is to provide temporary assistance to people searching for jobs. A requirement to have a job is to be drug free. I have taken plenty of drug tests to come to work to earn money. Tax payer dollars should not be used for drugs. Posted by: CJ Location: Onslow Cnty. FOURTH AMMENDMENT: This is NOT a violation of the 4th Ammendment. Reason: Like a voluntary search of your person or vehicle, a person who consents to a search is waiving their right under the ammendment. Real simple, like anyone applying for a job, they too have the right to refuse the drug analysis. It's their choice; take the drug test and continue receiving the benefits OR don't consent to such testing and don't receive either a job or the benefits. I think the correllation is quite clear. Last note: Unemployment benefits are supposed to bridge the gap of income between jobs, NOT become a person's source of income. Any person who collects unemployment needs to spend six to eight hours a day seeking employment, not partying it up doing drugs. Posted by: PJ Location: ELM CITY LAST YEAR I WORKED 2 JOBS TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY, ONE OF THOSE JOBS WAS IN A GROCERY STORE. IT WAS AMAZING THE THINGS YOU SEE. HERE I WAS WORKING 16 HOUR DAYS AND HERE COMES SOMEONE CHECKING OUT WITH WIC & FOOD STAMPS AND ANOTHER PERSON WITH THEM PAYING FOR A CASE OF BEER, THEY ARE DRESSED NICE HAVE PAID FOR FINGERNAILS AND LEAVE IN A NICE VEHICLE. YES I THINK DRUG TESTING IS MUCH NEEDED. YOU WOULD KNOW WHO REALLY NEEDS HELP & WHO IS USING THE SYSTEM AS A JOB. ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS MADE A COMMENT TO HER FRIEND AS I WAS CHECKING THEM OUT, "I AM GOING TO HAVE MYSELF ANOTHER BABY I DIDN'T KNOW I WOULD GET ALL THIS...." I AM DRUG TESTED AND HAVE TO PASS TO KEEP MY JOB, PEOPLE GETTING HELP FROM THE GOVERMENT ARE GETTING MY MONEY, THEY NEED TO GO THRU THE SAME PROCEDURE!!!! Posted by: linda Location: Smithfield, nc I think you are right. They should have to take a drug test in order to get the benefits. There are alot of people who get welfare checks and are just as able to work as I am. Posted by: Chris Location: chocowinity Ha Ha Ha Ha this is rediculous, when the drug that kill the most people, causes the moste Physical abuse in families and destroys the most live in general is alcohol. Could every one who is so for this law pass such a test for alcohol? Get real people, you cant force morality, has anyone thought about how the crime rate would rise, mothers and fathers would have to feed thier kids some how and what about the kids? When will people stop hating and rember that as the bible says " all but for the grace of God." and "judge not lest ye be judged" Could this legistation open the way to a slipery slope? has anyone even considered this posibility? Posted by: Lisa Location: Goldsboro I am all for drug testing people who receive public assistance. Unemployment benefits, however, are not public assistance. I am also concerned about the children of these recipients. If mom or dad are on drugs and loose thier assistance, what happens to the kids - it's not their fault. I would hope this would encourage the parents to clean up their act, but in reality, we all know that many of them won't. I guess that will just put more children in DSS custody / foster care. Posted by: margaret jackson Location: Greenville I think it's the best thing to happen in NC. If they test positive, then take the benefits away right then. A lot of people that ned them can't get them because of people getting them that don't need them. I think another that should be passed, is if u live off the state and have more than 2 children, it should be a law to have your tubes tied, even if your under age. Posted by: Eastern NC I vote hell yes, way overdue. Can we start tomorrow! Posted by: TS Location: Greenville,NC I fully agree with this, drop them from government assistance for minimum of 5 years. NO housing, food stamps, electicity or anyother assistance. This will also reduce the drug trafficing at least by half. Posted by: J D Location: EASTERN N.C. How can it be against their rights to be tested to get public assistance but not against mine as a condition for employment. Posted by: erik Location: goldsboro It would be a good idea aslong as people get a chance to rehab themselves without loosing their benifits. with help people recover, and if they dont then pull the plug.I smoke cannabis all my life but I had to stop because of my employment. Its hard to stop because I really wish I could smoke some right now.... Posted by: WORKING WOMAN Location: greenville nc I AGREE WITH M FROM GREENVILLE. I WORK AT A STORE. I SEEN MORE UNEMPLOYMENT CARD USE FOR BEER AND OTHER PRODUCT USE FOR DRUG.THERE I HAD TO TAKE A DRUG TEST TO WORK.WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO GIVE THEM MONEY TO PARTY.SOME THAT REALLY USE THE PROGRAM RIGHT ARE FEW AND IN BETWEEN. Posted by: NC Girl Location: NC BJ, I don't think this requirement is considered a "judgement" at all. I do believe that people who recieve this type of assistance should have to meet the same standards as those who help provide the income. Posted by: m Location: greenville I have to pass a drug test to give them the money I earn. Why shouldn't they have to pass one to receive it? Also shouldn't these people be out looking for jobs or going to school instead of doing drugs. Isn't the reason were "helping" them is so they can have a better life? If they want to do drugs get a job and buy as much drugs as you want with your own money not mine! Posted by: Taxpayer Location: Martin Co. I totally agree. This is a long time coming & I believe many people will lose their benefits because of drug use. I think NC needs to consider legislation like this to stop waste! Posted by: TAXPAYER Location: Greenville,NC I am 100% for drug testing any/all food stamp and unemployment recipients.I have friends working at local DSS and they KNOW that these folks are trading grocery money for drugs - but say they can't do anything about it.Wake up people!!Mandatory drug testing for us to work any job , but they give this assistance out freely with the mind-set of "We know it but can't do anything about it".The time is now to stop it. And so many are happy to take advantage of the easily abused unemployment system.They work everyday for cash only ,then collect $400-500 per week from ESC. It's time these systems were put back to the previous intended use -for those who truly need them - not the lazy drug users and alcoholics who easily abuse our hard earned tax money everyday. Posted by: bj Location: greenville Have you ever thought just a wee little bit what it would be like to sit on the other side of the desk? People abuse things in their life every day, but who are you people judge and jury? have you ever pictured yourself with not enought food to feed your family? Well my friend it can happen to the best of people in the worst of times. Let he who is without any wrong things he has done in his life cast the first stone. Posted by: Nathan Location: Eastern NC Unemployment insurance benefits, no, you pay into that, that is your money to do what you want with. Welfare, yes. The second program that should require it is food stamps, which are often traded for drugs. Also the food stamps cards should have photos and names on them, and if the info doesn't match, no sale. Regarding payment, the $25 can be added to their next check if the test comes back clean. However, I think this is the wrong time for something like this. Once the economy turns back around, sure, but now? Bad move. Too many people are out of work. We need a huge, bipartisan effort to get people working. Then we can worry about limiting assistance programs by merit. Right now we need to extend assistance, both to those out of work, and to companies who are hiring. We need to reward companies that are supporting the economy and punish those who are attacking it (e.g. outsourcing, i.e. Nike to use a famous example). Posted by: Peaches Location: miller Amen I have 4 kids me and my husband work very hard. This law needs to be nationwide, if they pass the test then taxpayers would be glad to repay them..we are paying for it anyway Posted by: Larry Location: Oriental, NC I think this is a great idea. If someone can afford the cost of expensive illegal drugs, they obviously can afford to pay their own bills and don't need any help from the Federal or State government. Posted by: Julia Location: Illinois I definitely agree with this bill. I knew a few drug addict who collected government assistance because they had children and no job. I worked two jobs to support my children and I'm tired of supporting drug addicts! Posted by: Anonymous I think this is a great idea. Lets just hope congress thinks the same. This is something that I think will actually make a difference for the good. Lets put a rush order on this proposal now. Posted by: Red Rose Location: Greenville NC I think this is a great idea.Nc definitely should be included.it would stop so much mess. Posted by: Anonymous Location: Jacksonville, NC I wish all states would make this a law. Its about time!!! Posted by: mario mejia Location: washington people should take drug test if they are recieving free money, and if they have a problem with that they wont get that money any more , so it is drugs or no food for your family ? they can pick Posted by: Daver Location: Ohio OK here's an idea - if the test comes back CLEAN it is picked up by the state. If the test comes back DIRTY the recipient pays that PLUS a fine. That will stop some from applying to begin with. Posted by: RON Location: NC I AGREE 100 PERCENT WITH THIS GREAT IDEAL...BUT...ADD TO THAT TESTING, ANYONE IN THE HOUSEHOLD THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM FROM OUR TAX DOLLARS. Posted by: Jimmy Location: Greenville I think every state in the nation should go for this. It is a waste of money. I don't mind helping the people who "need" help. The "single parent" the "laid off" factory worker. But for people to be so lazy to not get up and get a job because they know that they can get a free check is just plain stupid. And the fact is, they live better than most people that work. If we can get these people to work by not giving them "free money" mabye we can also take care of a small portion of the health care problem. Posted by: Jessica Location: toccoa ga The drug test could help but then again. If there receiving unemployment or welfare who's to say there going to have the $25 to spare. Now on the unemployment its not there fault that they got laid off and having to receive unemployment and then have to get on welfare. And all the government is caring about is drugs well why not care about all the hardship that out country is going through and all the struggles and the things we have to do just to make it through a week. Instead of us having to pay $25 why not the government give $25 to every person receiving those benefits Posted by: Okay These people will only have to pay 25 dollars. Drug tests cost way more than that. So who is going to put the extra money. Say the welfare recipent takes the test and is not on drugs. If we have to pay for the remainder of the drug test and plus for the welfare. It goes from paying for NC 272 dollars to paying probably 800 or more dollars. Does that make any sense? And also I agree with Erbe why do people on unemployment have to take a drug test. Unemployment is what they have worked for. That does not make any sense either. Posted by: Mike Location: Pantego Welfare Recipents Should Absoletley Have To Be Drug Tested For Eligbility. Posted by: ncyankee Location: goldsboro its about time, why should we pay taxes for someone to do drugs, party etc.,as the article said, we have to do drug testing to work and collect a paycheck, so why not them, good, lets get the program enforced right away Posted by: anonymous Well, now, this is the smartest idea I have heard in years. If we have to be drug tested at our work place...why shouldn't welfare recepients have to??? Posted by: SassyMom Location: ENC I ABSOLUTELY agree with this. Why should I have to continue to pay increased taxes so that a druggy can collect welfare. If there was anything that needed reforming in this country, it was WELFARE!! If a person has time to sit around and high or drunk, then they have time to work. To Anon in Marysville OH~ 75% of the folks on welfare in the state of NC are BUMS!! I shouldn't have to pay for those bums to live so they can get back thousands of dollars in a tax refund. As for the fee, if they test negative for any drug use, they should be given the money back. HOWEVER, why shouldn't they pay. They have a right to refuse the test. Then they will be cut off. I'll bet they won't have a problem with paying the fee if they think the meal ticket is getting taken away. I have ZERO tolerance for ignorance and laziness and that's what most of the NC Welfare recipients are- ignorant & lazy!! Posted by: Miranda Location: Greenville 2 Words: ABOUT TIME!!!!!!! I've agreed with this for years and it proves a good point. If you can't pass a drug test for work then you'll stay on government assistance even longer than necessary and keep draining our economy. If I have to take a drug test just to work and live my life then so should they since they are essentially living off the rest of us! I really wish our government would do away with MOST (not all) assistance programs because it only allows people to be complacent and not strive to support themselves...and I say this from witnessing it first hand! Posted by: Anonymous Location: Marysville, OH This would not only save money for your state it could save lives. My daughter works to take care of her boyfriend's two children and he is either high or drunk and collecting benefits from the government. This might be an incentive to make him deal with his addictions and get a job. This should be considered nation wide. Not sure about the $25.00 fee for those who are not "bums". Posted by: Anonymous Location: GREENVILLE OKAY, I AGREE WITH THE DRUG TESTING; HOWEVER I DON'T TOTALY WITH WHO SHOULD PAY. WHAT IF A RECIPIENT HAS TO TAKE THE TEST, WHO DOESN'T TAKE DRUGS, WHO IS REALLY LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND HAVE SEVERAL SMALL KIDS. DON'T YOU BELEIVE SHE COULD HAVE USED THAT $25 FOR FOOD? Posted by: Kay Jabaley Location: McCaysville, GA Great idea..we appreciate Rep.Hardin standing up for the working class. Posted by: Angie Location: Greenville Yes! Absolutely, also when they have more than one child cut off the welfare and other benefits. If you don't want to work then you don't eat!!!!!! Posted by: Alli Location: Florida Its a great idea, I had to pass a drug test to work, and they should have to pass a drug test to collect my tax dollars for not working. Posted by: robert Location: grimesland nc There's a hell of alot of companies violating the 4th amendment then. Posted by: Mike Location: Greenville,NC Yes;I believe all recipients of welfare and unempoyment benefits nation wide should undergo a self paid drug test. Posted by: Ann Location: Greenville, NC Excellent idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no point wasting taxpayers money |
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