Saying it is "unfair for Florida taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction," Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed legislation requiring adults applying for welfare assistance to undergo drug screening. "It's the right thing for taxpayers," Scott said after signing the measure. "It's the right thing for citizens of this state that need public assistance. We don't want to waste tax dollars. And also, we want to give people an incentive to not use drugs." Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, the Florida Department of Children and Family Services will be required to conduct the drug tests on adults applying to the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The aid recipients would be responsible for the cost of the screening, which they would recoup in their assistance if they qualify. Those who fail the required drug testing may designate another individual to receive the benefits on behalf of their children. Shortly after the bill was signed, five Democrats from the state's congressional delegation issued a joint statement attacking the legislation, one calling it "downright unconstitutional." __________________________________________________ May not change much since they can still get the welfare through someone else but it makes more sense than giving it to drug addicts. I guess I'm not too suprised by the democrat opposition. They love unconditional free money. Getting the free handout isnt constitutional but having conditions is. This isnt a loan, as it should be anyway. Whenever the government gives money to another country or a citizen, it should be a loan with a promise to pay back. The Link
I have a hard time understanding the arguments against this. On the other hand, why is welfare cash-based anyway? I don't know the details, but it seems like something akin to the Lone Star Card is a better way to deliver assistance, as it only allows recipients to purchase food.
First, an executive order for mandatory drug testing for prospective state government hires and now welfare recipients required to submit to drug testing. What is with Gov. Rick Scott and his obsession with drug testing.. anyone? oh well, no matter, Gov Scott and "Rickycare" are very popular in Florida. how much welfare money is currently being given to drug users and how does eliminating that cost compare to the cost of testing, executing, implementing, managing, record keeping, storing, transporting, the inevitable disputing of tests, lawyers, court fees, technicians, lab technicians, administators, etc. i guess that could all be farmed out to private entities. ah ha..How much is this ultimately going to cost the taxpayer and who ultimately reaps the financial benefits? Questions worthy of asking, no?
I have no problem with the testing. Taking welfare is completely optional so nobody is being forced to be tested. Being a college student is different. The student has obligations to uphold such as paying a certain percentage of the cost and making good enough grades to stay in school.
I have no problem with the drug testing of those on welfare, provided they test farmers, bankers, wall-street executives,, Texas Enterprise Funders, oil company execs, tobacco company execs and others who benefit from government subsidies. And politicians should be at the front of the line. Oh, and the governor's obsession with drug testing may have to do with the fact that he owns a chain (32 locations, I read a month or two ago) of clinics that does drug testing.
if they can afford drugs, they can afford the drug test. if they arent on drugs, they get reimbursed when they get their welfare checks.
The Texas Leg considered similar laws. HB 126 / Unemployment benefits and HB 139 / Financial assistance benefits. I'm sure those mean old dems killed both bills.
Welfare is an investment in the beneficiary's future. Their time on welfare is limited, so they will eventually go back to working and paying taxes again. The purpose of welfare is to prevent a slide into deep poverty that may be irreversible and push them towards crime, never mind what happens to their children. Once you're at a certain level of poverty, or near it drowning in debt, it's really hard to get back on your feet again.
Does he really think this is going to make his state more drug free? This is the same state that has been the origin of all the illegal online pharmacies that are distributing controlled substances in mass quantities without prescriptions for valid medical purposes. That state needs to take a hard look at itself and focus its attention on other problem areas that will actually make a difference in drug use....vs. wasting tax payer money on this kind of testing aimed at the poor without offering them any drug treatment/detox/counselling help. I would kind of think this a 'Christian'/humanitarian type of deal but it only mentions punishing those that test positive by taking away their aid. It doesn't mention then helping them.
It sounds like the issue for you is NOT the drug use. Were that the case, you'd be insisting that Wall streeters and tobacco farmers also get tested before receiving governmental welfare. No, the issue for you is the class of people whose drug use is being subsidized. __________________________________________________ A subsidy is designed for people that produce something to keep their industry competitive with foreign countries. supporting them helps the entire economy and allows for affordable products to be purchased by the population. In regards to farming and banking, they do not need subsidies right now because their businesses are booming but giving money to a black hole, that being a drug addict welfare recipient, does not help society much. not only is it a black hole, but sociologically, it weakens society by teaching people that you do not need to work to receive a living.
I'm curious which bankers have been getting free money? I am pretty sure that the govt money being given to bankers has to be repaid with interest. Anyway, it is a horrible analogy. I dont know how I feel about this drug testing, but there are legitimate reasons for doing it. It starts with the very basic fundamental principle of welfare. Welfare exists to provide people that are in a time of financial crisis some basic level of finacial security for them and their families. It is a stop gap measure. Every democrat and republican will agree with this. It is designed to help you get back on your feet. Virtually every job in America today has drug testing. So, the whole point of welfare is to bridge you through an economic hardship until you can support yourself. You can't get a job without passing a drug test. Spo if you are abusing drugs, you can not be actively looking for work. Therefore, you are abusing the benefit. For the record I am for legalizing at least pot if not a number of other recrewational drugs. But that is a different post.
Why don't you just admit that you are a liberal? _______________________________________________ I'm not for subsidies, just explaining what they are. however, because of our uncompetititve high tax rate, they help some industries. just about every product that is used in this country is subsidized. if we moved to a low flat tax, around 10%, subsidies would not be necessary and our economy would explode.
"Is this an example of the limited goernment the right is constantly bellyaching about? " ABSOLUTELY. Welfare is not a career, it is a stop gap aid to ehlp one get back to employment and taking care of themselves. We want Government to give everyone who needs it a helping hand to a productive life. We do not support giving money to people to buy drugs Do YOU?
