In early 2015 state legislatures convened across the United States proposing further drug testing for applicants applying for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, or welfare. The countries participating, with the Bill passed included Montana, West Virginia, Texas, Maine, Michigan, and Mississippi.
The intention behind the proposal was to drug test applicants for food stamps and also unemployment benefits in a hope to save money by “getting drug users off the dole and [other benefits].” But according to ThinkProgress, data collected hasn’t displayed such results to back up the savings claim.
The costs weighed up against the success rate differed in each state but nonetheless were astounding in their results:
More states have since considered the move to drug testing, with several passing laws throughout 2015. Some states, such as Arizona have stipulated as early as 2013 an amendment for those who had positive drug test results, that they would lose their benefits for a year; claiming to save the state $1.7 million annually.
Upon mid-year, legislation was passed over 13 states with a further 18 states proposing a requirement for similar laws. Wisconsin included a provision into the budget bill that would drug test individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training program, however the federal government has indicated this may go against federal laws prohibiting states from imposing further additional eligibility criteria.
In 2003 a Michigan Court of Appeals case ruled that “subjecting every welfare applicant in Michigan to a drug test without reason to believe that drugs were being used, was unconstitutional.”
Time.com explored the issue of drug testing in late 2015, criticizing the move: “States already do a good job of ensuring no one gets a “free ride.” We don’t need another one–especially one that stigmatizes.” Social services have helped to stabilize families in much need during the recession, but it seems that the lines between rich and poor are growing larger, darker, and “harder to cross.”
For the low rate of applicants testing positive, the taxpayers’ money is arguably wasted in areas that could otherwise be directed into programs to provide further assistance. In 2003 and again in 2010 the very practice had been ruled unconstitutional. As Time explained, applying for welfare is a grueling task and one taken upon by a vast majority already working a part-time job. Add the humiliation of a drug test because eating is an unaffordable luxury; segregates and stigmatizes a social class that comprises of approximately 35.4 percent of the U.S. population.
While we waste money testing the poor, the rich steal billions and still enjoy their illegal/legal drugs…
You want to make a difference?
Start drug testing politicians.
Get the assholes out of office.
Gezz, ya think once the druggies heard they were drug testing they either didn’t apply or stopped doing drugs for a few days to pass?
You mean drug users are smarter than politicians? Who’d a thunk that.
“For the low rate of applicants testing positive, the taxpayers’ money is arguably wasted in areas that could otherwise be directed into programs to provide further assistance.”
The lab companies in Oklahoma and Missouri would disagree with that statement and would say the program is working very well for their bottom lines.
It’s not about assistance; it’s about who makes the money. It would be interesting to see which lab companies have the pee contracts.
Piss on ’em! Now, in Wisconsin, they want you to piss in a cup for food stamps. I would rather starve if I were a recipient. Luckily, I live near a river with abundant wildlife and edible plants.
Which would you take? A sack of food or a fishing pole?
That depends on how cold it is outside. If it’s subzero, they could ice their drinks with my frozen pee for all I care, with some toxic additives stirred in behind the door for the cocktail. hahaha.
“States already do a good job of ensuring no one gets a “free ride.”
Agreed.
The jewb#tch politicians want it all for themselves.