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Welfare recipients will take drug tests in Florida

JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
edited April 2011 in A Moving Train
...
I was surprised that (if this passes) there are only two states in the U.S. doing this.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state ... 65506.html


"Florida would become the second state in the nation to approve such an undertaking, something Gov. Rick Scott campaigned on last year.

A federal court in Michigan has struck down a similar law there, ruling that universal drug testing without suspicion of drug abuse was unconstitutional.

Proponents of the bill say the tests could help force drug-addicted welfare recipients to go straight. Opponents object that the measure would force the poorest of Floridians to fork out money they can't afford to get cash assistance for their families.

"If the state is going to go down the road of moving from a presumption of innocence standard to the presumption of guilt for only the poorest among us, it should at least bear the cost," argued Rep. Jeff Brandes, D-St. Petersburg.

But the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jimmie T. Smith, R-Inverness, said the measure is necessary to ensure that state and federal dollars are being spent on families who truly deserve the aid and that those who receive the money don't spend it on drugs. And, he argued, student athletes, many private employees and soldiers have to submit to the tests."
Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
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Comments

  • maj4emaj4e Posts: 605
    Only if everyone who receives ANY public money has to be tested. State employees, kids in public schools. Politicians etc.
  • CH156378CH156378 Posts: 1,539
    i think it would be wise to look into the goveners financial gains in regards to health clinics and drug testing. you will be surprised. i think you will see his real motives.
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,158
    I would add a condition that if they fail, they can still receive welfare as long as they have documented proof they are attending weekly rehab and support groups to quit.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    CH156378 wrote:
    i think it would be wise to look into the goveners financial gains in regards to health clinics and drug testing. you will be surprised. i think you will see his real motives.

    yes, I am aware he has a shady past. I can't even believe the people of FL elected him.
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    maj4e wrote:
    Only if everyone who receives ANY public money has to be tested. State employees, kids in public schools. Politicians etc.
    ???? whats your reasoning for that??? They are PAYING back into the system (tax) welfare recipients are not, they are given money not working for it.
    Why is it the gov. job to drug test kids??? That is what we have PARENTS for, thats their job. Its not the gov. job to be PARENTS.
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    Jason P wrote:
    I would add a condition that if they fail, they can still receive welfare as long as they have documented proof they are attending weekly rehab and support groups to quit.
    Then what is the incentive for them to stop doing dugs. Rehad is not treated as a consequence. You can't make somone quit if they don't want to. Throwing more and more money into social programs is clearly not the answer. Make there be an incentive to get off and a dis-incentive to go on.
  • CH156378CH156378 Posts: 1,539
    wont it cost alot of money to drug test all the welfare recipients.
  • JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    CH156378 wrote:
    wont it cost alot of money to drug test all the welfare recipients.

    Yes, that is where there is some controversy. They are requiring the applicant to pay for the testing. They say it will be between $10-70.
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,158
    Blockhead wrote:
    Jason P wrote:
    I would add a condition that if they fail, they can still receive welfare as long as they have documented proof they are attending weekly rehab and support groups to quit.
    Then what is the incentive for them to stop doing dugs. Rehad is not treated as a consequence. You can't make somone quit if they don't want to. Throwing more and more money into social programs is clearly not the answer. Make there be an incentive to get off and a dis-incentive to go on.
    I'm not a big fan of social programs but I'm offering a compromised solution. Maybe you put a time limit on it for them to get clean.

    But people that are hooked on drugs can't just stop on a dime. And maybe they are not interested in quiting. But maybe a forced turn into rehab will allow them to open their eyes and get clean.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    funny how the cost of all of this testing will most likely be incurred by the government. lab testing is not cheap. i would be willing to bet that the testing itself would cost almost as much as the assistance being paid out.

    so the proponets of this bill, presumably conservatives who want to cut spending, are willing to let the government pay for and run this testing, while at the same time NOT giving FOOD money to people who need it? or even if the recipient has to pay for the testing, that is still taking food money out of their pockets to pay for testing..

    it is ironic to me how the government should pay for testing, isn't this an expansion of government and just as big of a drain on the system??
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Jason P wrote:
    Blockhead wrote:
    Then what is the incentive for them to stop doing dugs. Rehad is not treated as a consequence. You can't make somone quit if they don't want to. Throwing more and more money into social programs is clearly not the answer. Make there be an incentive to get off and a dis-incentive to go on.
    I'm not a big fan of social programs but I'm offering a compromised solution. Maybe you put a time limit on it for them to get clean.

    But people that are hooked on drugs can't just stop on a dime. And maybe they are not interested in quiting. But maybe a forced turn into rehab will allow them to open their eyes and get clean.

    A time limit, maybe. But there would have to be a consequence to failing a drug test. Rehab and still failing drug tests and still receiving money is definitely not a consequence.
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    CH156378 wrote:
    wont it cost alot of money to drug test all the welfare recipients.

    why not withhold the amount for testing from what they get?
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,158
    EmBleve wrote:
    A time limit, maybe. But there would have to be a consequence to failing a drug test. Rehab and still failing drug tests and still receiving money is definitely not a consequence.
    We could hire someone to give them an indian burn each time they fail.

    In the end, it's all just theory we are discussing because even if it passes, the courts will block it.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Jason P wrote:
    EmBleve wrote:
    A time limit, maybe. But there would have to be a consequence to failing a drug test. Rehab and still failing drug tests and still receiving money is definitely not a consequence.
    We could hire someone to give them an indian burn each time they fail.

    In the end, it's all just theory we are discussing because even if it passes, the courts will block it.
    yes, true. Theoretically, though, there would have to be a realistic consequence, otherwise there wouldn't be a point in doing it.
  • BinauralJamBinauralJam Posts: 14,158
    This is Bullshit :D
  • __ Posts: 6,651
    WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY LATELY???? Who are these dumbfucks we have in office?? :roll:
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Blockhead wrote:
    maj4e wrote:
    Only if everyone who receives ANY public money has to be tested. State employees, kids in public schools. Politicians etc.
    ???? whats your reasoning for that??? They are PAYING back into the system (tax) welfare recipients are not, they are given money not working for it.
    Why is it the gov. job to drug test kids??? That is what we have PARENTS for, thats their job. Its not the gov. job to be PARENTS.
    What about those receiving farm subsidies? Should they be tested?
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    Doesn't the military have to take drug tests? I thought they did.. :?
  • __ Posts: 6,651
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?

    How about military dependents? My tax dollars pay for their housing & healthcare. Plus, military salaries that buy food for dependents indirectly support those dependents' drug habits. (Isn't that pretty much the argument that is being made by the federal government in their attempt to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving government funding?)

    What about small children who use public libraries? Or anyone who uses police or fire services. Yes, I definitely think the houses of anyone who does drugs should be left to burn down, whether or not their families live there as well. And I don't want my tax dollars going to protect anyone who ever uses drugs from rape or assault! :roll:
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    You are drug tested when your in the miltary...
    They are also paid in Tax dollars doing a job (service)
    Welfare are being paid for nothing... They are not contributing anything back into the system in which they take from...
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    _ wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?

    How about military dependents? My tax dollars pay for their housing & healthcare. Plus, military salaries that buy food for dependents indirectly support those dependents' drug habits. (Isn't that pretty much the argument that is being made by the federal government in their attempt to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving government funding?)

    What about small children who use public libraries? Or anyone who uses police or fire services. Yes, I definitely think the houses of anyone who does drugs should be left to burn down, whether or not their families live there as well. And I don't want my tax dollars going to protect anyone who ever uses drugs from rape or assault! :roll:
    What the hell are you talking about???
    How about just not pay them to do drugs???
    No one said don't help them... Cutting them checks is clearly a problem solver :roll:
    Instead of drug test and checks... Everything should be on vouchers.
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    Blockhead wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    You are drug tested when your in the miltary...
    They are also paid in Tax dollars doing a job (service)
    Welfare are being paid for nothing... They are not contributing anything back into the system in which they take from...
    military is tested? really? even when deployed in a theater of war? what about these murders in the "kill team"? they were known to take every drug they could get their hands on.

    and welfare recipients do contribute through sales tax and they contribute to the economy by buying things as well. stop with your generalizations please.
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    and blockhead, what are your thoughts on the government paying for these tests while witholding food money? are you ok with it because these people are worth less to the state and unworthy of human dignity simply because they do not have a job?
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • Godfather.Godfather. Posts: 12,504
    LMFO !!!!! there are a lot of people trading their food cards and using their welfare money for drugs
    and you can't compare them to our military men and women.
    but anyway this shit is just too funny, if you are clean then a piss test shouldn't be an issue and if you want to get high then find a way to earn your drug money.


    Godfather.
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    Godfather. wrote:
    LMFO !!!!! there are a lot of people trading their food cards and using their welfare money for drugs
    and you can't compare them to our military men and women.
    but anyway this shit is just too funny, if you are clean then a piss test shouldn't be an issue and if you want to get high then find a way to earn your drug money.


    Godfather.
    you are missing the point. the point is they are trying to single out an entire population based on the actions of a few people. and the government is going to foot the bill for the testing. either that, or they are going to make the recipient pay for the testing with money that they do not have. it is taking food money out of their pockets. why not just pay for their food? it is a budget neutral move. all it is is taking food money away, granting the government more power, and spending tax dollars on testing instead of helping people eat.
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Blockhead wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    You are drug tested when your in the miltary...
    They are also paid in Tax dollars doing a job (service)
    Welfare are being paid for nothing... They are not contributing anything back into the system in which they take from...
    What about farm-subsidies? I didn't see you answer that. Couldn't they be using their subsidy money for drugs? Or Corvettes?
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,158
    keeponrockin wrote:
    Blockhead wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    or how about all government employees who are paid in tax dollars, should they be tested as well?
    what about our military and our soldiers?
    You are drug tested when your in the miltary...
    They are also paid in Tax dollars doing a job (service)
    Welfare are being paid for nothing... They are not contributing anything back into the system in which they take from...
    What about farm-subsidies? I didn't see you answer that. Couldn't they be using their subsidy money for drugs? Or Corvettes?
    Better yet, it can be used to grow drugs!

    But at least Uncle Sam gets a return on investment w/ farm subsidies.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    Godfather. wrote:
    LMFO !!!!! there are a lot of people trading their food cards and using their welfare money for drugs
    and you can't compare them to our military men and women.
    but anyway this shit is just too funny, if you are clean then a piss test shouldn't be an issue and if you want to get high then find a way to earn your drug money.


    Godfather.
    you are missing the point. the point is they are trying to single out an entire population based on the actions of a few people. and the government is going to foot the bill for the testing. either that, or they are going to make the recipient pay for the testing with money that they do not have. it is taking food money out of their pockets. why not just pay for their food? it is a budget neutral move. all it is is taking food money away, granting the government more power, and spending tax dollars on testing instead of helping people eat.
    Dude, you always miss the point on this subject... The gov. is paying for their lifestyle, raising/clothing/feeding them and their kids they are allowed to single them out and put restriction/regulations that they see fit. Just like how my employer (who is paying me) is allowed to set regulations/restrictions on what I do even if only a few people are guilty of it. If I don't like it then I can quit. If welfare recipients don't like it, then can go get a job.
    Also its not taking away food money, if its implemented correctly there can be monitary consequences for failing the drug test. That money would go right back into the system. I would gladly pay more taxes to help social welfare programs if there was any sort of consequences and pro-active measures being take to quit the continual abuse of the system.
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Blockhead wrote:
    The gov. is paying for their lifestyle, raising/clothing/feeding them and their kids they are allowed to single them out and put restriction/regulations that they see fit. Just like how my employer (who is paying me) is allowed to set regulations/restrictions on what I do even if only a few people are guilty of it. If I don't like it then I can quit. If welfare recipients don't like it, then can go get a job.

    I totally agree with this point. It is a fantastic analogy.
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