Should Welfare Recipients Be Drug Tested?

      

Back in July, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a controversial bill into law that requires welfare recipients to take mandatory drug tests. Of course, there are passionate arguments on each side. Many people feel that the welfare system is often abused with no oversight from the government. And they want a reassurance that recipients are at least trying to better themselves. Staying off of drugs is certainly a right step in the direction of a self-sufficient life. And let's face it, proponents of the bill certainly don't want to subsidize recreational drug use (and in worse cases, full blown addiction) while they're out busting their own asses to put food on the table. Even if they're working hard to put beer on the table, I think that they have a legitimate beef.

On the other hand, opponents of the bill argue that their civil rights are being violated, namely the Fourth Amendment. In fact, to no one's surprise, the ACLU is already planning a lawsuit. They already have a lawsuit on behalf of state workers who are currently required to take drug tests.

So how does this thing work in Florida, you ask.....

Basically, eighty percent of Florida's roughly 100,000 welfare recipients are children. They are understandably exempt from the drug tests. However, Mommy and Daddy will have to shell out $30 for the mandated tests. If they pass, they get their $30 back, and the postman keeps dropping off the government checks. If they fail, they do not pass go, do not collect $30 and the mailbox becomes a little lighter next for the next year. They would be required to designate another individual to receive benefits on behalf of their children.

Hey, I'm not casting judgement and I don;t want to come off as being unsympathetic. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everyone in this country financially independent. I realize that the need for welfare does exist. But is asking recipients to submit to a random drug test really that bad? After all, countless American workers are required to take drug tests in order to keep their paychecks rolling in. So, why shouldn't we expect the same requirement from welfare recipients?

My understanding is that the overwhelming majority will pass the tests anyway. Now, why is that? Could it be because most welfare recipients aren't on drugs? Or perhaps it's because drug users won't submit to the tests or apply for benefits in the first place?

So, what do you think of all this? Do you think that all welfare recipients should be required to take a drug test? Or do you think that it's a blatant violation of the Constitution's unreasonable search and seizure protection?

Personally, I have no problem with the drug testing, so I'm not likely to join up with the ACLU anytime soon. However, Michigan passed this same kind of bill several years ago only to have it ruled unconstitutional by an Appeals Court. So, will we have the same result in Florida? Or can we expect to see drug testing coming to a state near you?

kw