Drug tests for Public Assistance recipients

[tinytim]

A few months ago, I received an email.. one of those forwarded emails that we all HATE.. .but still forward to people we supposedly like... :tongue3:

Any way the gist of the email was that if people who have jobs are required to submit to random drug testing, shouldn't people who we support through Public Assistance.. (food stamps, check, etc) also be tested for drugs...

I thought it was a good idea... and contacted all my representatives... and NOT a one to this day has returned my email or call... (Can anyone say time for new representation!)

Anyway.. I have been thinking about this now for a week.. and am contemplating circulating a petition for this idea.

If I can get the majority of constituents to approve this.. our representatives would have to listen.. I would make so much noise they couldn't avoid it. :laugh:

But before I do this.. I want to bring the idea here...
I would like to hear both pros and cons to the idea.

I can think of some on both sides...
For instance...

A pro... If mom or dad test positive for illegal drugs, assistance would be stopped... This would make sure that the people that are getting assistance from those of us that are working to give it to them are not using the money for drugs...

On the other hand...

a con... If a mom or dad test positive for illegal drugs and assistance would be stopped.. it would hurt the kids who are innocent victims...


On the other hand... (yeah.. 3 hands)... if mom and dad are buying drugs with their welfare check.. the kids are not being helped anyway...

And on the last hand (LOL)... would this enable to allow CPS to move in and remove children from parents addicted to drugs....

OOOOps.. another hand... where would we put the children, since foster parents are rare... (at least here in WV)...

So...

I would appreciate some comments before I decide what to do...

I don't like the idea that people are using my hard earned money for drugs while they are sitting up all night, drinking, partying, and sleeping all day...

But on the other hand.. I want to do what's best for the children.

So... (I can't believe I am asking this... raying: ... Let me have it!!! ) :tonofbricks:

 

[Mexdeaf]

Sounds like a great idea to me. Kids who are left in those situations tend to end up dead, in state care or on drugs themselves anyway.

 

[matt wade]

:thumbs:

Test anyone receiving a handout from the taxpayers. I've believed in this for years!

If they test positive we can help them through a rehab program. If they refuse...no handout for them.

 

[Alcott]

Sounds good. Like they say, "government assistance always comes with strings attached."

 

[SBCPreacher]

I approve (as if you needed my approval). Great idea!

 

[donnA]

When you stop needed assistance kids go hungry,lose homes, medical care.

 

[matt wade]

When you stop needed assistance kids go hungry,lose homes, medical care.

No..if parents are drug users then they should have their kids taken away to begin with. I'd rather see kids in boys and girls homes than in a drug environment.

 

[tinytim]

Ok, thanks for all the responses so far..

I was hoping that some more progressives would give me their input.

So far, Donna is the only one with a con reason.. and it is the same as one of mine...

But I agree with matt... we should be taking the children out of drug environments anyway... But where would we put them? Families willing to be foster parents are few and far between these days.

Another con I could see would be the cost to the state for the tests..
But the saving of money from not assisting drug homes would offset the cost.

This would also help stimulate our economy.. at least the drug testing industry.

I am sure there are other concerns.. I really want to flesh all concerns out by next Wednesday, (3-18)... I would love to make up my mind by then on how to approach this.

BTW... Thanks for ALL responses.. even those who disagree with me.. I need to hear your reasoning.

Also I would like to have some advice on starting petitions.. I have never been involved in anything like this before.

 

[JustChristian]

A few months ago, I received an email.. one of those forwarded emails that we all HATE.. .but still forward to people we supposedly like... :tongue3:

Any way the gist of the email was that if people who have jobs are required to submit to random drug testing, shouldn't people who we support through Public Assistance.. (food stamps, check, etc) also be tested for drugs...

I thought it was a good idea... and contacted all my representatives... and NOT a one to this day has returned my email or call... (Can anyone say time for new representation!)

Anyway.. I have been thinking about this now for a week.. and am contemplating circulating a petition for this idea.

If I can get the majority of constituents to approve this.. our representatives would have to listen.. I would make so much noise they couldn't avoid it. :laugh:

But before I do this.. I want to bring the idea here...
I would like to hear both pros and cons to the idea.

I can think of some on both sides...
For instance...

A pro... If mom or dad test positive for illegal drugs, assistance would be stopped... This would make sure that the people that are getting assistance from those of us that are working to give it to them are not using the money for drugs...

On the other hand...

a con... If a mom or dad test positive for illegal drugs and assistance would be stopped.. it would hurt the kids who are innocent victims...


On the other hand... (yeah.. 3 hands)... if mom and dad are buying drugs with their welfare check.. the kids are not being helped anyway...

And on the last hand (LOL)... would this enable to allow CPS to move in and remove children from parents addicted to drugs....

OOOOps.. another hand... where would we put the children, since foster parents are rare... (at least here in WV)...

So...

I would appreciate some comments before I decide what to do...

I don't like the idea that people are using my hard earned money for drugs while they are sitting up all night, drinking, partying, and sleeping all day...

But on the other hand.. I want to do what's best for the children.

So... (I can't believe I am asking this... raying: ... Let me have it!!! ) :tonofbricks:

Why not everybody in America? Show me your papers please.

 

[matt wade]

Why not everybody in America? Show me your papers please.

Because not everyone in America is trying to claim that they aren't able to support themselves and that they need the taxpayers of this country to give them free money.

There are already requirements on getting welfare from the government. By your line of thinking, why should be check to see if a person is really needy? Why do income verification? We should just hand out money to anyone that asks for it, huh?

 

[just-want-peace]

Why not everybody in America? Show me your papers please.

Surely you don't mean 'zactly what you are saying, do you?

A little clarification would be in order I think.

 

[Salty]

In theory, petitions are nice, but I really wonder about their effectiveness. ( I would probably still sign though)

Get organized with others in your area and speak with one voice. Present the ideal to your county or state officials. I think it would be best to have a paid membership - then the elected officials will know that those involved are putting their money where there mouth is.
In addition every individual should write a letter to their congressman and state or commonwealth legislature's. Be sure to write individual letters. Form letters do not carry much weight.

The most effecting action would be for individuals to run for public office - with that as a platform. Even if you ran in a primary. Suppose you recd 20% of the vote. Your opponent (of the same party) might be inclined to make that part of his platform - for the general election.

Also get on talk radio shows to present this great ideal. Better yet, buy air time on a local station - and do your own talk show.

I am going to pass this on to an organization I am involved in - the PATRIOT LEAGUE

All we need now is a good name - any suggestions?

Salty

PS, I also contend that a hard copy petition is better than on from the internet

 

[chuck2336]

I do think this is a good idea, BUT CPS is already so over loaded with cases that some really needed cases never get fully investigated. So this would be adding more to an already overflowing system.

I think more thought needs to be done on behalf of the children than just to say if parents pop positive then take the kids.

I do not have an answer to this problem, but it is still a huge issue already without this added to it

 

[JustChristian]

Because not everyone in America is trying to claim that they aren't able to support themselves and that they need the taxpayers of this country to give them free money.

There are already requirements on getting welfare from the government. By your line of thinking, why should be check to see if a person is really needy? Why do income verification? We should just hand out money to anyone that asks for it, huh?

I agree that we should do income verification. Reaching into their private lives is no more supportable than doing that for everyone. Do you know anyone on public assistance? I do and they are truly needy.

 

[tinytim]

I do think this is a good idea, BUT CPS is already so over loaded with cases that some really needed cases never get fully investigated. So this would be adding more to an already overflowing system.

I think more thought needs to be done on behalf of the children than just to say if parents pop positive then take the kids.

I do not have an answer to this problem, but it is still a huge issue already without this added to it

Never thought of that aspect as well...
So what would be a suitable alternative to just CPS removing them?

 

[matt wade]

I agree that we should do income verification. Reaching into their private lives is no more supportable than doing that for everyone. Do you know anyone on public assistance? I do and they are truly needy.

Yes..I know people that get taxpayer handouts. They are needy. They also aren't on drugs. If you can afford to do drugs, then you don't need a handout. If you stop doing drugs and still need help, then let's talk.

 

[tinytim]

I agree that we should do income verification. Reaching into their private lives is no more supportable than doing that for everyone. Do you know anyone on public assistance? I do and they are truly needy.

I am not following you...
Most people that work that are not druggies would not have a problem submitting to random drug tests....

I would... No problem... why? Because I don't do drugs...

Now, if my money is going to a family that is in need.. Hallelujah! We used to be on PA.. I even worked for the state of WV.. and the wages were so low, we needed food stamps, and WIC. Now that is sad.. I was full time.. and still qualified for assistance.. would I have objected to drug tests? NO...

I knew a few families that are addicted to Meth.. but got assistance.
They used the foodstamp card to buy food in order to trade for the meth.
Same thing with the Milk, Juice and cereal they got on WIC.

Now.. the assistance was going to help the children.. but the parent used the assistance to further the drug trade...

I DON'T LIKE MY TAX DOLLARS USED THAT WAY.

And I am sure this is a common occurance through out America.
Look at the money we would save.
Look at the money we would keep out of Drug dealer's hands...

This money could go to even help MORE people on PA... possibly even give more out in assistance to the truly needy.

If people can take their stamps and buy drugs.. they don't NEED stamps.

NOW....

That said...
I don't want to hurt the innocent children who are victims to their parent's addictions...

So, that is why I need advice on what should be done.. and I appreciate the comments...

 

[tinytim]

In theory, petitions are nice, but I really wonder about their effectiveness. ( I would probably still sign though)

Get organized with others in your area and speak with one voice. Present the ideal to your county or state officials. I think it would be best to have a paid membership - then the elected officials will know that those involved are putting their money where there mouth is.
In addition every individual should write a letter to their congressman and state or commonwealth legislature's. Be sure to write individual letters. Form letters do not carry much weight.

The most effecting action would be for individuals to run for public office - with that as a platform. Even if you ran in a primary. Suppose you recd 20% of the vote. Your opponent (of the same party) might be inclined to make that part of his platform - for the general election.

Also get on talk radio shows to present this great ideal. Better yet, buy air time on a local station - and do your own talk show.

I am going to pass this on to an organization I am involved in - the PATRIOT LEAGUE

All we need now is a good name - any suggestions?

Salty

PS, I also contend that a hard copy petition is better than on from the internet

Good stuff there.. thanks...

I am wondering if this should be a state inititive or federal?
What level should I start at?

I would think getting this law passed in WV would be easier than at the fed. level.
But would it also need to be taken up at the federal level?

What saddens me is the fact that none of my reps have responded... it is like they don't care...

 

[LeBuick]

When you stop needed assistance kids go hungry,lose homes, medical care.

AMEN Sister... The kids will be the only one to suffer since you get kicked off the system if you don't have kids.

 

[tinytim]

Lebuick, how are the kids benefitting now if their parents are doing drugs?
How are they benefitting if the parents are taking the assistance that was supposed to go to the kids.. and using it to get Meth?

That is actually welfare fraud.. if we come down to it..

All I am doing is wanting to increase the arsenal against welfare fraud.
I feel the state should have the right to do random drug tests for people who receive assistance.
This would weed out those that commit fraud.. .because if you can afford drugs.. you don't need assistance.

Is there a way we can punish the parents without injuring the kids?