DRUG TESTING WELFARE RECIPIENTS

By: Shelby Claycomb

Poverty Job loss, being a single parent, and mental health issues can all

be contributing factors. The stress level from living in poverty can sometimes lead people

to using drugs. As the job market stays lower, more and more families end up on

welfare. More welfare recipients=potential for more drug use.

Welfare There are many different

programs including Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (SSI), and the Food Stamp program.

Dependency is a huge problem.

Oftentimes, recipients of welfare receive more pay than if they were to go out and obtain a minimum wage job.

This sometimes discourages people to proactively search for a job.

Should we test welfare recipients for drugs?

(This is a very controversial subject)OPPONENTS SUPPORTERS

Like drug testing at your job They have a choice. They can

comply or not receive pay. The cost of test is worth it

We will not be supporting drug users.

The cost of treatment is worth it. If they go to treatment, maybe the

will be able to hold a job and not have to be on welfare.

Constitutionality Does it contradict the fourth

amendment? Cost of tests

It will cost us more to test the recipients.

Cost of treatment It will cost us more to treat drug users

than if we just paid their welfare.

Everyone’s situation is different…

It is hard to make a one-size-fits-all solution to a problem like this.

Not everyone is using the system, a lot of people really need help and welfare is their best and only option.

Still, they should not be using drugs; drugs are illegal and government funding should not be going to supporting that in any way, shape, or form.

Something needs to be done.

We need to help drug users, not continue to support them. If they know they will have to be drug tested, maybe they will stop. Drug addictions are very expensive. A lot of the time, if you have

the money to support a drug habit, you don’t need to be on welfare. If we offer treatment, maybe they will take it, get better, and be

able to support their family.