Should people be required to have drug test while on welfare?

1. 59

   shemiahlposted 11 years ago

   Should people be required to have drug test while on welfare?
   
   The reason why I ask is I work at a Travel Company and I had a customer ask me if we accept EBT (food stamps) I told her we didn't. I noticed that she had an HTC smart phone and her nails were done... Do you think this is fair? I don't like the fact that my tax dollars are going towards things like this and I can't even get my own nails done let alone a HTC smart phone.

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2. 77

   flacoinohioposted 11 years ago

   It would be easy to say yes to requiring a person on public assistance to have a drug test.  It would be expensive though to have every applicant have a drug test.  Then there would be the issue as to how often a drug test should be administered and a creation of rules and regulations for consequences of having a failed drug screen.  Then rehabilitation or detox services would have to be provided to allow the addict the opportunity to get cleaned up or sober.  Then there is the question of whether or not it is ethical or morally right to terminate assitance benefits to an addict who needs the benefits to provide for thier children.  There would be civil litigation for discrimination and litgation holding the state or city accountable for the death of a person especially a child. So no they should not be required to take a drug test.  I do however think that misusing and abusing benefits is intolerable.  The EBT system should be set up to only work at grocery stores such as Walmart or other large food store chains and it should automatically reject payment for non food items.  Recipients should be accountable for their spending and should be required to turn in their food purchase receipts every month.   I agree that it is totally unfair that people can abuse our welfare system.

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   1. 59

      shemiahlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, I've never thought of it like that. It honestly would be very expensive to administer a test to each and every individual!

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3. 56

   Elliefaceposted 11 years ago

   Hey!
   
   You know, this is a tough question for me to answer, and one that I have thought about many times. Personally, I feel that all drugs should be legal for anyone of age to use if they so desire. I don't believe that the government or ANYONE should be able to tell an adult what they can and can not do in regards to their bodies. However, since drugs aren't legal, I personally feel that they should drug test those on all kinds of welfare. If I smoke a blunt and get drug tested at work, I could lose my job. Therefore, the same stipulations should apply (even more so, in my opinion) to those who receive a welfare check of any kind.

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4. 60

   ib radmastersposted 11 years ago

   It is an interesting point that you bring up here.
   It seems that welfare by its implied definition would be  focused on providing the necessities of living for the family. A cell phone is probably necessary today, but it should be a life line emergency level.

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5. 61

   IDONOposted 11 years ago

   Absolutely. Once, at initial interview and possibly any time at random, just like a job. I see people everyday selling their food card for .50 c on the dollar for the ability to buy disallowed items such as alcohol, cigarettes and lottery. The EBT card should also be able to be used as a bus pass. This would make it possible for users to go to a real grocery store instead of the little neighborhood markets that charge double because they know you are walking or are captive audience. It would also make the person think twice about selling their groceries and transportation. It would be more valuable to keep it.
        I agree, it would cost a little to do this, but not as much as you think. When I see some of the account balances on these cards of a person that has a number of kids, and to think it's being abused, it would be an excellent investment.
        I would not pay for rehab. They blew it, they pay. However, they can attend free support groups such as AA or NA and others and they will all sign or stamp verification of your attendance.
        One blown test, you do the above. The second time, lose your card for  month.
   Then with the verifications and a test, reinstate the card. Third time, you're out.

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6. 58

   Michael Ficheraposted 9 years ago

   Well i believe you should get tested because that money is to help you pay bills and buy food you should not have money to buy drugs if your on welfare... but if you need to pass your drug test you can get a detox product from http://www.supremeklean.com/

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