Welfare and Drug Testing Go Hand in Hand

The article “Mandatory Drug Testing To Receive Welfare Benefits” written by Hit or Miss is spot on with my views and opinions behind welfare benefits. I’m glad you posted this topic, you wrote the article very well and have pointed out some validated positions. Welfare is a great system for those who truly need it and want it only as a temporary stepping stone until those people are able to get back on their feet and on the right track. However, welfare itself is controversial. I found this article to be interesting because it is a thought that has crossed my mind from time to time as to the type of regulation the welfare system undergoes. Taxpayers are contributing to a system with little regulation so it certainly raises questions as to why am I responsible for someone who is abusing the system potentially? I’m certain that there are quite a few individuals who abuse the system and/or are on drugs. As stated by Hit or Miss, many people agree with the drug test screening and compare this notion to taking a drug test to gain and maintain employment, then why should welfare recipients be any different. Drug testing will highlight recipients who are wasting taxpayer’s money. I don’t believe that it’s unconstitutional to drug test if the welfare recipient is abusing the program and benefits. Those people need to be rehabilitated and if drug testing is required for employment, again what makes this any different? This type of filtering would create a better living situation and set better examples for kids if they are involved. As stated by Hit or Miss, for those who fail a drug test and become ineligible for assistance, their family will suffer without the help. The blame goes to the parent. Removing a person from receiving benefits because they are using the program to support a bad habit will help reduce the costs to the taxpayers and truly provide the benefits to those who need it. This is a great solution to overlooked area.