American Morning
Florida’s gov. wants to drug test welfare recipients– good idea or not?
(CNN) - 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."
Question of the Day: Florida’s governor wants to drug test welfare recipients– good idea or not?
Let us know what you think. We could read your answer on American Morning.
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One of the hosts just said " does the state have a responsibility to step in when someone fails the test", how about the person stepping up and being responsible for themselves. If they need money from the government, follow the rules !! This country is being brought down because no one is responsible for their own actions. Someone else is always responsible. It is a concept that is lost in our society. It is the reason we cannot move forward.
I think Gov. Scott hits this on time. If you apply for job, most of the time you must pass a drug test. If you have to be tested get a job to make money, you also be tested to be given money.
Our drug policies in this country are already a complete mess. They do not reduce drug use and neither will this. Instead, the most popular drug. marijuana, which can stay in your system over a month, will be substituted by users with other drugs like cociane, which can only be traced by a drug test for a few days. This plan therefore pushes welfare recipients to use harder drugs.
So basically what they are saying is that inorder to receive goverment funds you should have to submit to drug testing. OK, let it apply to CEO's that receive goverment money also.
This is a great idea!! The idea that drug use gets to be a "private" issue while the taxpayers are footing the bill is wrong. And on that issue, I feel that methadone and suboxone clinics should be shut down as well. I am not sure if taxpayer dollars funds those, but come on!!! Maintain drug addiction! At a clinic designed for that!! Wrong! The American people/taxpayers, including myself are fed up on so many levels.
First I think it stinks that people bet up on the poor to make themselves feel better, and most of these Welfare people have worked all their lives and now are just down on their luck to test them is sick. To make a little old lady that has never been arrested and does't use drugs take a humiliating drug test is sick. To make someone with mental disabilities who collects welfare take a test is sick. I'm against drug use and so are most on welfare, a place those people do not want to be. This is a violation of civil liberties, and the ACLU will respond in court. I think also that the Florida Governor (who collects taxpayer money) and the Florida Legislature should be tested. This is a mean and sick law that will not stand.
Don't you all see that the Gov. is just greasing the palms of his corporate buddies in the drug testing business?
The Gov. should be fired and run out of the state for misuse of the office and the law.
So much for reasonable search and seizure. This is totally unconstitutional. I would however consider drug test for anyone who voted for Gov. Scott and still admits it. That would be reasonable.
NOT a good idea. I had to have two back surgeries and during the care of that doctor he stated I should continue to see my other doctor to receive my meds for the migraines I suffer. Imagine getting a phone call from one of his nurses statating in an accusatory manner I tested positive for codeine! I should have as I had a legal prescription from my regular (first) doctor for firoinal w/ codeine plus the medications I took were in my file next to the back doctor's statement that my first doctor was going to retain caring for me in that area. The nurse comments :I'll have to look into your claims and get back to you- you better not be lying." I wasn't upset that she accused me as I had nothing to hide. It was the fact that she didn't take the time to check my chart or ask the doctor. There are too many variables with these tests. Welfare recipients could easily have benefits withheld erroneously for a number of reasons: false positives, misplaced/mislabeled tests, and so on. All Rick Scott is trying to do is pay for the billboards he had his name added to!
Let me get this straight, drug testing for welfare recipients, how about alcohol and drug test for the executive and legislative branches of Fla first. Second after 2 trillion dollars spent on the war on drugs over 38 years it has failed. Another approach is required, as any person with intellect would know.
Why don't just we make drug testing mandatory for a drivers license. Why do we seem to believe all on welfare are on drugs? Politicians aren't tested because of a law, are they not paid from taxpayers money?
I am not done yet,no jail is nothing to them,just turn them down, and let them go on their own, bumming off of people.Forget rehab too. It is nothing, I know I was there 10 years ago and the minute I got out I drank even worse.
Thank You Roger M HInes
Thank God for President Obama's resolve in fighting for the American Automobile bailouts that the Republicans fought to stop. We now see that the bail outs that are now paid off saved the American car companies and made them more efficient. The Republicans also said the same about the stimulus plan the President Obama pushed through(even though George W. Bush asked Obama to do so before he left office FACT) and the stimulus has stopped the free fall from the Bush economy.
2 seconds ago · Like
If you have enough money to get high you dont need money from sociaty or me to help you.
I am amazed at how many people are willing to give up basic liberties. Our bodies belong to us and this is just one more invasion of personal rights. Just me by how I act and what I do, not what substances the government decides is illegal, that are in my body.
The job analogy is different in that the employer is looking for a certain performance result from those tested. The argument being used by Scott is about subsidizing addiction. This argument could also be used for pornography, lottery tickets, cigarettes, caffeine, etc. So which addictions matter?
First I think it sticks that people bet up on the poor to make themselves feel better, and most of these Welfare people have worked all their lives and now are just down on their luck is sick.st down on their luck. To make a little old lady that has never been arrested and does,t use drugs take a humiliating drug test is sick. To make someone with mental disabilities who collect welfare take a test I'm against drug use and so are most on welfare, a place those people do not want to be. This is a violation of civil liberties, and the ACLU will respond in court. I think also that the Florida Governor (who collects taxpayer money) and the Florida Legislature should be tested. This is a mean and sick law that will not stand.
Billions of dollars to fund our war machine! And everyone's upset @ the poor! Wow! The war on poverty is actually a war on the poor! Way to buy into the class war America! Keep up the good work!
I would have to say that a drug test at work is against your constitutional and civil right but America does it anyway. Now that America has imprisoned millions over drugs on tax payer money, Now America wants to starve them same addict so they will have to steal and kill for there living. Florida is the same as the rest of America, value you for what you do for a living instead of just being glad that you are alive, Now the addicts who refuse to quit will have children who are Florida and America's future are going to be starved and punished for what there parents do. As it is, America is on a path to take away any social help unless they are allowed to take away your rights! What happend to the laws of Christian and good morals! Assistance is not a job its a opportunity for all Americans.
This idea is excellent and long overdue!! It is upsetting to know people are receiving help for rent, utilites and food for theirselves and/or their family and are using those funds for drugs instead. I have no problem helping those in need but I don't buy drugs for myself and my tax dollars should not be used to buy drugs illegally.
I also feel those who are able to work/volunteer in some capacity in exchange for those funds should do so. Their work/voluneer duties may even lead to jobs which is a win/win situation for all.
So are we saying here that people on welfare are more likely to be on drugs?
Also, How is the Gov. Going to pay for this? Cut education?
I have to take a drug test to work so I can have money even have a credit and background check. Does this infringe on my privacey? Well if you want the money you have to take the test. GREAT IDEA!!!
Absolutely a GREAT idea! As a matter of fact, it should become Federal Law! Why should we (tax payers) subsidize and enable their drug use?
Why only focus on the poor? Let's make this a stipulation for obtaining or renewing a driver's license. We certainly don't want a bunch of "druggies" driving around. If this is done more people will get involved in the protest. Welfare should be controlled but let's not penalize all because of a few bad apples. Let them keep some of their dignity.
Great idea. But we already test for driver's licenses. In fact, many people have their privileges revoked each year for driving under the influence.
All i all I think that this is an excellent idea,
However, it should be for newer recipients.
Catch people before they become drug addicted. Get the word out there to young people through their families, that they will not get welfare if they take drugs. So, enforce this over time.
As I think for those who are addicted now, it's not quite fair and could cause much hardship.
It is wrong and unconstitutional. Where does this inquiry end? This skewed logic can be applied to every aspect of life where you get a government loan, subsidy, etc. The people who support it are nothing but hypocritical bigots who would be the first ones to complain about government intrusion if they were on the receiving end.
It depends on what drugs there talking about, this will creat more homless and kids as well,. They shoud be doing this for people for being conmvicted for drug sales. Where I live these people live in goverment housing, free housing, and driving in new Escalades???
Do you test for alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs? Mr. Scott has done nothing but hurt our poor members of society. Shame on him!!!
Why stop at drug testing, test for alcohol abuse, prescription drugs, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.. etc... Just let the govt. control everyone of us that recieves bail out money. great ideal !!!!!
rick scott is the anti people anti education anti environment governor. this is no surprise that he is attacking the most vulnerable in our society. i live in florida and have watched as this REPUBLICAN governor has followed the NEW REPUBLICAN VISION for america. this man is pure evil – his history is evidence.
This is a great idea! I wish my state, Maine, would do the same thing. We shouldn't be giving these people benefits to support their drug habits. The testing shouldn't be an initial thing either. They should get random testing through out the year as well. This should be applied to current welfare recipients as well!
Amazing how little America has changed in 400 years—from witch trials to forced drug testing of the down and out. Seems we always need someone to blame for our problems.
absolutely a good idea. might bring the dopers to reality and quit doing drugs. i had to get arrested to finally quit doing drugs. 8 years clean now.
What about checking there immigration status while there at it ,
Yes, it is a good idea to drug test welfare recipients – period.
-Current South Florida Resident
I think drug testing for welfare is great, I think every state should do this. I have to take a drug test to earn my paycheck, so should they.
1000% YES.
im only 21 and growing up in an all minority society i knew people that worked the system to get assistance. I thought they should have done this when i figured this out at age 7. We might as well give the homeless homes and jobs with those funds.
Melissa, I agree with you to an extent; however, everyone you mentioned pay taxes in to the system. Welfare recipients don't. Something just isn't right with this picture.
Is it possible that Governor Scott has some sort of business involving drug testing? Would put this all in perspective!
Yes this is a great idea. It should be national and should cover anyone getting assistance that are "supposed" to be trying to get a job and get back on their feet. Long over due. Ali was also wrong trying to stack the deck and tell people against this to tweet quickly as you are out numbered. I am sure a real poll would show overwhelmingly people like this idea if people are using our tax dollars to buy illegal drugs.
I think it is a great idea, like others have said you get drug tested for just for jobs and have your credit report run. For us that don't get welfare benefits, but have no job and have low credit score because of not working, why not test all persons in that house hold also. Don't test urine but hair the test is better anyway
When I was working I had to pass a drug test to work. I see nothing wrong with requiring someone to be tested for drugs to receive my tax dollars. Isn't this the classic ," what goes around comes around"
?
So is it an invasion of privacy when employed people need to submit to drug screenings? Some employers are even enforcing tobacco screenings when welfare recipients can get away with drugs.
This is the greatest idea from a politican I have heard of in a long time maybe ever. Every state should do this and why hasn't it been done before in our "war against drugs."
drug test for welfare benefits..Hell yes...brilliant!
they should, around here some sell food stamps to other for cash to buy drugs
I think this is the best idea ever. Being a retired NYPD i would arrest people who are high on drugs etc, and low and behold what did they have on them a Food Stamp card. Please NY take this into consideration and make the system fair.
This is a good idea. but only if this man wants to also test all of the government workers and polititians for drugs as well. " Only Fair " to assume they do dope as well!!!
I hope all publicly funded jobs also are given the same drug tests and for the same amount of times. If tax money goes to their pay check, lets make sure it isn't for drugs.
Give me a break! Hell yes it's o.k. You have to pass one to get a job!! It's better then o.k.
It is a good idea only if politicians are also drug tested. Politicians feed off our tax dollars and they make critical decisions. Drug test the politicians, too!
Drug testing is a condition of employment at many companies. So why not make drug testing a condition of receiving welfare benefits?
If people have to be drug tested before getting jobs, then I don't see the problem, welfare is providing income like a job so why not?
HOWEVER, if the FLA Governor is going to use the drug testing as a phony stall tactic by claiming it takes say six months to get the results, then this should be monitored by an outside agency.
I think it's time to drug test anyone who wants to be a lawmaker/politician. Make that mandatory, then let's talk.
Have a nice day! 😀
When you are on welfare that is your pay, as in a job or lack thereof. When you are at work there is the possibility of drug testing, whats fair is fair....................test away!
I think this is just another attempt to stigmatize citizens on welfare, give them a sense of shame and put them in the same class as criminals. Just because a small group misuses their resources doesn't mean the rest should be scrutinized. Lets make your grandmother pee in a cup to recieve her social check or your child to attend public school.
I think we need to start at the top!! Drug Test the President and ALL of congress, govenors, state workers and anyone else who is paid by OUR tax dollars! Throw in alchohol & prescription abuse testing too! Can't do your job right under the influence of anything! They should ALL have to pass!
And I agree with Stacey. I had to go through criminal AND credit background checks in addition to a drug test to get my current job. I'll bet that many welfare recipients would have trouble passing this barrage of qualifications.
I have to live in HUD housing, for which I am very thankful. In Spring Manor Apartments of Ocala, FL there are scores of drug dealers and their ghetto girlfriends breeding and living off of welfare who just live to do and deal drugs. They cause so much harm to society as well as themselves and their children that we have to pay for that in damages too. These amount to only career criminals and the jails are full of them. I say, make these go back to their mammies who only breed to get welfare in the first place and when their kids are too old to get food stamps and welfare living with them, they move them into HUD housing where it's still a free ride PLUS they are free to do and deal drugs living off the government. They just keep on breeding this sort. Something has GOT to be done!
Yes, hope there are more Florida governers around the country like him, I do agree 110% on testing welfare recipient for drugs, Dan I agree with you cause those people will never find a job due they are always testing possitive on drugs besides they don t have to worry about finding a job either, tax payers like you and I and the working force is paying for their buse
about time! many people have to undergo a drug test to get a job and keep it.that's how they earn their pay. t
Where the hell did our constitution go, HELLO INVASION OF PRIVACY ACT.... DO WE NOT CARE ABOUT OUR CONSTITUTION ANYMORE?
Did the Constitution guarantee a free ride? This has nothing to do with privacy. The state requires you to fit a particular profile. These people aren't being forced to take the welfare or drug test. No privacy has been breached.
Heck Ya Im with you !!!! Its totally messed up all there tryin to do is controll everyone and its messed up!!!
I hope this passes, I have been saying this for years. I agree with you Stacey, as a taxpayer I have to be drug-free to hold my job they should too.
Great idea! We need to end the American "Welfare Culture" and this is a good start. Welfare recipients should be getting education to do SOMETHING productive. Not paid to sit around and do nothing, setting a bad example for the next generation. I am a teacher, which means I get paid almost nothing, but I still work my tail off. No free money here! We should also end the "more kids gets you more money" syndrome while we are at it!.
One of my responsibilities is to perform drug test on our employees, if they fail, they are terminated.....
Why would it be wrong to drug test welfare recipients...it wouldn't ! Spending my money to buy illegal drugs...not ok. The ACLU now wants to get involved concerned about "privacy", give me a break. Its called the "real world". Most people who hold a job are drug tested, why shouldn't they? Is there no accountability at all anymore??
My job involves working with many receiving assistance. Not all but many are using drugs. I am angry that funds are being taken from my paycheck to give to these people and this is how they use it. I believe all should receive random testing as long as they are on assistance.
How about they test the ones that there is reason to beleive there doin drugs not just random why should the people who arent doing drugs which would have no signs of it be tested this is an invasion of privacy and unconstutional!!!! People have really seemed to forget about our constitution when making laws now a days.
This should have been a requirement since the begging of welfare. The states have made it easy for those who have drug addictions. In my state Capitol welfare has been misused and abused. When a welfare recipient is able to sell six hundred dollars of food stamps for two hundred dollars of drugs it causes children to go hungry and remain filthy while dealers eat, drink, and take complete advantage of addicts and their families.
Good call FL !! If I have to take a drug test to get a simple minimum wage job, then people should have to drug test to get gov. aid. And for those who have a Medical script for marijuana ...guess you got nothing to worry about because your legal! Beyond this its my opinion that as long as the gov. keeps the use of marijuana illegal ,every gov.worker including and up to the president of the US, all police , firemen,judges,lawyers,dr.'s, nurse's all politicians and anyone who is in the business of making decisions that effect other peoples lives and make money doing it ....should have to test for drugs!!!
Thank You, Rhonda
(((((((YES))))))) Test away
What took so long? Why should we pay them to stoned?
Not only should there be required monthly tests but also random tests. Fail one and your off the system, should go for section 8 and housing projects too. I work hard for my money and am subject to random drug tests it only makes sense that my tax money be given to someone that is held to the same standards. There should also be a time limit as to how long you can live on goverment assistance. Don't get it wrong, I don't mind helping those that need it and deserve it. If you or your child is actually disabled, you are elderly or on a fixed income I'm cool with that.
Yes, all Welfare recipients, as well as recipients of Social Security disability, should be tested. Let be realistic, there is a class that has developed in this Nation that is outside of the law and taxpayers should be protected of throwing good money after bad.
Good Morning,
Many workers need to pass drug tests to get or keep a job. I see nothing wrong with requiring those on Unemployment, Welfare, or other subsistence programs to take periodic drug tests. A benefit is it would actually create more jobs.
Dean
Wisconsin
All that crap talk on the hill their douing there never going to be ablt to fill the job gap. It's just another avenue of missmanagement. YOu always have to pay for your mistakes. This is one America does not want to have to face but will untimately have to bow to in the end. Because it was a trap in the first place allready outlined years previously . there is no way out of it it actually goes against the grain of the governing structure of the country. I guess that's what happens to people that are not actually interenched in the law or laws of the world.
This welfare money is for there children. If they are too stoned or high, how can they be expected to be taking care of thier kids. If they dont do drugs why object?
Absolutely. As a taxpayer, my civil liberties are being violated by paying for junkies who work the system. If you don't have an addiction that keeps you from working, you have no worries.
I think it is a great idea to give welfare rec. drug test. I have to take one every job that I go on. I work union construction and that is my tax dollar's going to pay them. I
Yes, this is a great idea. It should also be done at the Federal level for other benefits.
A Florida representative was outraged saying "It's a waste of taxpayer money to test recipients for drugs"
I disagree!!!!!!!!!
I think it's a good thing, but the should also have to submit to random drug tests while recieving benifits.
I think anybody who is getting free money from our government or state agencies should be tested for drugs to qualify and should have to do random drug testing to continue to getting the aid. The system is so broken right now and this may help stop those who really don't need the assistance, but lie to get it.
If we as tax paying citizens have to be drug tested to secure a job and then agree to random drug test to continue our employment why would we not want the same things for assistance to be given. I think every state and the federal government should adopt this policy. Stop coddling and pampering those who receive assistance.
it is a great idea. i lived in upper michigan many years ago and we talked about michigan doing that. the governor at the time would not even respond to wanting to do that. there are very many people on welfare in michigan as well as other states that get food stamps, wic, etc. that trade for drugs. we have seen it done first hand many times and when they are reported the state case workers will do nothing about it. ALL the states should do drug testing. we lived in tennessee too for several years and it is a big problem there too.
Mabee if we stopped wasting money on ENDLESS WARS there would be more money for state budgets. No jobs no hope,only more gastapo like polititions As long as ALCOHOL is legal why bother with the small stuff.
We have to take a drug tests for most jobs to gain employment and benefits, so I think it is only fair that people be screened for drugs when they apply for welfare!!
This is the best idea I've heard come out of any governers mouth, ever!
Why should our tax dollars go to lazy people who want to lay up and do drugs instead of get out and get a job.
I'll be OK with it when they start testing every politician in Florida for prescription drug abuse (the 2nd leading drug abuse problem in the country). Then I want to see which of them have an alcohol problem. Then I want to see... oh, i could go on and on. It always sounds good when we're picking on the other guy doesn't it? -Jeff @ Sherman oaks, CA
Most people have to pass a drug test to gain employment and receive a paycheck...how is this different?
Drug testing for Welfare recipients? Of course! Why on Earth would we support or condone – on a consistent, long-term basis – the drug user's lifestyle? I'm all for helping Americans when they need it – but to allow drug users – who could be WORKING – to collect Welfare is shameful, wasteful and totally un-American. I applaud Florida's Governor – great job!
-Robin Gilmore, Greater Philly, PA
ABSOLUTELY!!
Yes it is a good idea, as the others are saying if you have to take a drug test for a job or if you are in the military why would it be unfair for you to have to do it to get government benefits? Fair is fair
Yes I do...why should drug addicts have free access to government funds to buy more drugs...We see kids taken out of drug homes all the time..I for one am tired of paying for welfare...It is given to illegals and people who really could use it are overlooked..I say make them all go to work
Good first step - next step would be to make welfare conditional on treatment.
You forgot to mention something. This FL Governor OWNS a drug testing company.
Prior to this he tried to make a law so all state employees to get drug tested.
Pure unadulterated greed on his part.
I completely agree with this. Millions of people have no problem submitting to a drug test for a job. An alarm goes off when someone applying for welfare has a problem with submitting to a drug test.
Find out who owns the drug companies that will be doing the testing – the Governor owned some companies that are now in his wife's name.
Stacey, you are right on. The system is broken.
Let me get this right...we have to take drug tests for jobs that will pay taxes that provide money for people who don't want to take drug tests? Doesn't sound right to me.
I think this is right. Why give someone welfare who is just going to use it for drugs!? If the test comes out positive for drug use give them a big ol denied stamp on the application because they don't deserve the help!
Why not? It's an excellent idea. Think about it for a minute. Most places now, when you are accepted for a job, you must submit to drug screening. Guess what? When you are hired after passing the drug screen, you will pay taxes. Guess who gets to benefit from your hard working taxes paid? The welfare recipients. And the bad part? They don't have to submit to drug screening. That's just plain wrong. Go Governor Scott. It should be a Federal law.