Welfare Drug Testing
By Kendrick Greenwood
Should people receiving welfare be drug tested? There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this heated debate within the past few years, specifically in Wisconsin. Governor Scott Walker has been pushing towards “applicants for food stamps, unemployment benefits, or Medicaid would all be required to pass a drug test under Walker’s coming budget proposal” (rhrealitycheck.org, Wilson). Although this seems like a fair proposal to reduce the likelihood that the money taken away from taxpayers and received from the applicants are being put to good use and being used to help them get back on their feet, versus being used for habits that possibly got them in that position in the first place.
Despite the hard efforts of Scott Walker to push for a drug testing policy, there are others who believe that it is a waste of time to drug test all applicants. Some researchers believe that drug testing would be a waste of time because in Florida, only “2.6% of applicants tested positive”, which is indeed a small number (Time.com, Cunha). But looking at the big picture, “Florida has an illegal drug use rate of 8%,” mathematically speaking which means that that “small” 2.6%, is in actuality over a third of the total illegal drug users in the entire state. And it is guaranteed that there were some applicants who tested negative by either being lucky or cheated the system. There are others who also feel that it would be a waste of money to drug test all welfare applicants, but isn’t it a waste of money giving money to someone to purchase drugs? I’d much rather prefer my money goes to drug tests to prevent this kind of exploitation, instead of letting someone expect to do nothing with their lives and get free money from the government, in which they then use to get into habits they obviously can not afford.
In Economics, there is a term that is taught which describes that a person can make a choice, but in return they lose the opportunity of the alternative. This is commonly known as “Opportunity cost”. This strongly applies to welfare drug testing, due to if a person chooses to take the opportunity to receive financial aid, then they give up the luxury of being able to spend on things that they want than what they need. Perhaps the reason a person even needs to apply for welfare was due to drugs, so why would the government give an addict free money, that’s like giving a dog a bone and expecting him to not chew it, just illogical reasoning. To ensure that the individual plans to actually use the money to help them out the hole they dug themselves into, all they must do is simply pass drug tests. That’s it, not asking for something irrational. As a taxpayer: would you rather have welfare recipients spend all of “their” money freely or see that all welfare recipients passed their drug testing and are spending money for legitimate purposes?
Work Cited
Couwels, John. "Federal Judge Temporarily Bars Florida's Welfare Drug-test Law - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, 25 Oct. 2011. Web. 27 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/25/us/florida-welfare-drug-tests/>.
Cunha, Darlena. "Why Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Is a Waste of Taxpayer Money." Time. Time, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 26 Jan. 2015. <http://time.com/3117361/welfare-recipients-drug-testing/>.
Rector, Robert, and Katherine Bradley. "Reforming the Food Stamp Program." The Heritage Foundation. 25 July 2012. Web. 27 Jan. 2015. <http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/07/reforming-the-food-stamp-program>.
Wilson, Teddy. "Scott Walker: Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Is a Jobs Measure." RH Reality Check. 23 Jan. 2015. Web. 26 Jan. 2015. <http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2015/01/23/scott-walker-drug-testing-welfare-recipients-jobs-measure/>.
I thought this was really interesting to read, and I like how you clearly show both sides of the argument. What is your proposal for how we fix the problem? How do we work with the problem of people cheating the system? I think that maybe along with just the money, maybe we give people something else as well. I don't know exactly how welfare works, but maybe if we provided people with more resources (food/clothes), we would give them less money to potentially spend in an illegitimate way. Overall I agree with your point though: the drug test is a small price to pay for the "free" money those on welfare would be receiving.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there is a purpose behind the drug testing for those on Welfare. I believe that our tax dollars should go to those who are in need. Those who are in need also are most commonly those who are addicted and need help. But what are we going to be after they test positive? Are we just going to take them off Welfare? I think after they do test positive we put them in programs and AA meetings that are designed to help them defeat this addiction and teach them to live a life within normal means.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea. I don't really understand the controversy about this, because of all the things we spend money on this is actually productive to an extant. If we give someone free money through welfare we should know for fact that it is for the right purpose because that's the point, to help people get back on their feet. Unfortunately people don't always spend it on the right things.
ReplyDeleteDrug testing welfare recipients is indeed a good way to make sure that the recipients are making good decisions, but I do see some flaws. Where is the money for the drug testing coming from? If it's the tax money, would the tax payers have to pay more or would the welfare recipients get less? Those that actually need the money may not get the money they need with this method. Instead of using the drug testing on all welfare recipients, the ones that seem suspicious should be the ones that are tested.
ReplyDeleteHey Kendrick! I agree with what you said and you had some good points about drug testing. I think it's beneficial to find those that are using their welfare money for illegal substances. That way they are motivated to find a job or find other means to support themselves and not spend money on drugs. Simply getting money from the government gives them no incentive to be productive and then they find ways to abuse the money they are given. I think this proposal will really be effective in the future. I also like how you connected this to opportunity cost and how they have to give up drugs or other unnecessary things if they want to be supported by the government.
ReplyDeleteI was quite interested by the subject that you chose. Good job strengthening your piece with research data and rhetorical questions. I also liked how you broke down the statistics in Florida to open our eyes to the more realistic data. I found a couple grammatical errors, but that is no big deal. How do you think that the government can control this issue? Should welfare recipients be given the supplies they need instead of money?
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job stating the main argument for both sides and then analyzing them. I feel this would be a good idea but that the marginal cost of drug testing each person using welfare is why other states haven't begun to implement this. In order for it to be successful the marginal cost would have to be much greater than that of marginal gain. The marginal cost being the amount of money needed to test everyone on welfare versus the marginal gain of potential profit of not having so many people using welfare on drugs or other unhealthy habits. This could be the case in Wisconsin possibly. I think idea should be run as a trial in a certain county before being applied state wide.
ReplyDeleteThis article brought up a very interesting point about drug testing that I had never thought about before. When people are looking to hire people for jobs, their intention is to hire only the best people out there who would do a good job at whatever they are doing to help the company grow. People are not looking for people who are doing drugs, and the best way to solve this is to do drug testing to avoid hiring those people. I completely agree with your point of not wanting those people who do drugs to get money from the jobs. I would also want everyone to get drug tested even if it is a little expensive. Also, your graph was really helpful in showing that the unemployed use more illegal drugs than the employed which shows that drug testing is actually helping.
ReplyDeleteYou stated that it is guaranteed that people cheated or got lucky how did they do this? With the testing itself are they testing for common drugs or are they testing for all types. Are some people who are testing positive on legal medication and the government is missing it or ignoring it completely.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article and thought that it was really interesting. I really liked how you proposed both sides of the argument, so the reader could pick a side and see if they agree with the author at the end. Do you think that giving the drug tests will fix their drug problem? As you said that their was 2.6% of people who had drugs in their system with welfare and many could have cheated the system. So how do you know that with giving these drug tests they will not cheat out of the system again? Overall I agree with your point that they should issue a drug test for welfare recipients.
ReplyDeleteThis article brought up a very interesting point about drug testing that I had never thought about before. When people are looking to hire people for jobs, their intention is to hire only the best people out there who would do a good job at whatever they are doing to help the company grow. People are not looking for people who are doing drugs, and the best way to solve this is to do drug testing to avoid hiring those people. I completely agree with your point of not wanting those people who do drugs to get money from the jobs. I would also want everyone to get drug tested even if it is a little expensive. Also, your graph was really helpful in showing that the unemployed use more illegal drugs than the employed which shows that drug testing is actually helping.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting topic to read about, a large amount of companies around the world drug test looking for the best and most responsible employees they can get. The government could easily do this to people who live off of welfare so that they know none of the money they can get their hands on will be spent on drugs. Although, even if a person fails the drug test I still think they should be given a chance at welfare just with careful monitoring on what the money is spent on just because it's their only source of money.
ReplyDeleteI was really interested in this topic because I do highly agree. If people need to get money off of taxes because they just got laid off or can't get a job or don't have time with a new born baby or something, they defiantly shouldn't have time to do drugs. Having to take a drug test will reassure that you really do need this type of help. I really enjoyed the graph in this article you wrote too it brought in my attention and made me really put together this article!
ReplyDeleteI fully understand what you're trying to say, but why give them money in the first place so they can dig themselves into debt some more. Isn't it reasonable to have them go to rehab before letting them go on the state and get welfare. It doesn't make sense to drug test them if you know they're doing drugs in the first place. If they went on the program doing drugs then what will stop them from repeating the same actions. Its more reasonable to get them help and then give them welfare. Why waste money on drug tests if we already know they're using?
ReplyDeleteWhile the idea behind the drug testing those who are or are applying for welfare has a strong message behind it, the overall fact of the matter is that with the debt we have going (upwards of 18 billion dollars) it is simply too expensive for the united states to test thousands upon thousands of civilians for the use of illegal drugs. Even in the case that this were to pass, those who do drugs will continue to do such drugs whether they take a hiatus from the substances for the period of time before testing or simply find a way to skew the data.
ReplyDeleteDrug testing for benefits such as those you listed would indeed help lower the abuse of the system. Since it is a "free" resource to those who use the provided benefits, it would be beneficial to verify the integrity of their own usage. However, this issue isn't going to stop with drug testing, no. It is a step in the right direction I suppose, but it lacks a solution to the problem at whole: the abuse of the benefits system.It won't go away until a solution that starts at the source is found. But yes, this is a good way to help prevent excessive abuse of government funds.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you chose a topic that most likely has a lot of debate to it. It was also helpful that you inserted a picture with your post to show how many adults are using illegal drugs and breaking down the users in Florida. I'd have to agree with you that taxpayers prefer someone on welfare getting drug tested rather than the money they are receiving going to purchasing drugs. Furthermore it was a great choice to incorporate opportunity cost because it helped me understand your point of view and that people receiving it give up spending their money else where.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good idea to do because then people will stop doing things that only worsen their health. It would have been a good idea if you included not just Wisconsin and Florida but the entire US. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to point out some of the statistics from Colorado as well because it would not be surprising if people just cashed their welfare checks and used it to buy marijuana.
ReplyDeleteIf it is found that someone on welfare has been using drugs, what should the penalty be? Should they simply be denied welfare benefits? I don't think so. If welfare recipients are found to be using drugs, they should not be denied welfare, because their life would only become worse. Drug addicts don't need to be cast away, they need help. Welfare drug testing might be a good idea, but the consequences of testing positive for drug use need to be further defined.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally on board with Dylan on the idea of healing rather than ostracizing and digging the hole of unemployment and failure bigger and deeper.
DeleteI agree with you that it is more than okay to drug test those applying for Welfare. The money that the government is giving to citizens should go to food, mortgage, clothing, ect. If the applicants were wasting their money on drugs then they are wasting tax payers money. To stop this I think drug testing is necessary. If that means that we have to pay a little more in taxes for the test, so be it. I would rather know that tax money is going to good use than it being wasted on drugs. I felt you did a great job showing this by bringing up statistics from Florida, to strengthen your argument as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with nearly everything about this plan. I feel like it would be efficient in bringing down the amount of addicts using welfare. I think it is a great idea to stop the people from getting our money that will use it on bad wants; things that aren't even a necessity and things that will possibly ruin their lives. The only reason I couldn't see this succeeding is due to the fact that many would cheat the system. Therefore it has to be looked at very closely and carefully, making sure each person is clean. Aside from that, great blog post and I agree completely.
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ReplyDeleteWelfare is big right now and drug testing those people would help out with the abuse of the governments money. The drug tests do seem to cost money and the opportunity cost would be time and money, which I think out weighs the opportunity cost of not having a drug test. The opportunity cost of not having those people drug tested is exploration of the governments money and the possibility for more illegal acts with the governments money. So I agree with you 100% I would rather not have people spending money on drugs but spending money on drug testing so we can stop helping people buy drugs. I know that this is an expensive idea, but now that Obama is trying to get everyone to pay equal taxes and making the wealthy pay. We might get enough money for all the drug test.
ReplyDeleteThe debate between whether we should drug test those on welfare is one that will probably never end. Both sides have their merit as drug testing every individual would cost a lot of money, maybe even more than giving money to those using drugs, but we are also wasting a lot of money on those wasting welfare through the purchase of drugs and alcohol. Although I do think that we could be spending extra money to test those on welfare, I think it could be beneficial to drug test those receiving welfare. Not only could we eliminate most of those who do not use welfare checks wisely, but we could also eliminate some drug and alcohol use in the poor because many of them need the welfare checks to survive. Because of this, I believe it could be beneficial to drug test those on welfare.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Diedrick
ReplyDeleteIndeed testing those on welfare would be a great idea to help eliminate drug and alcohol use in the poor;however, with the money spent on drug testing will that mean that less money will be available for them as well? Nonetheless I think that those on welfare should be drug tested to help fight the possible drug war, because the government wants to thwart the drug dealers for making their illegal businesses stronger, not help them.
Kendrick, I thought that your topic was very interesting and very controversial and I am not sure that you will ever reach a conclusion in which a majority favor a certain proposal. I tend to agree with out that the people who are using welfare should use it for the right things and productively, in an attempt to better themselves and continue to be successful and eventually get out of poverty or needing welfare. I think that trade-offs also plays a big role in this idea, with all the money and time that governments (either federal or state) would put into drug testing every welfare recipient, there are many other ways in which these people can spend their time and money. But clearly if such a large amount of people are abusing the money that they are given provided by taxpayers there needs to be some sort of reform and structure in order to ensure that people do not continue to abuse the privilege of welfare. I was also shocked by the data that you gave out of Florida, and that shows that our system is definitely flawed so there needs to be a change. In what ways do you suggest that we do that?
ReplyDeleteThe idea that we should drug test those who receive social welfare has been hotly contested in the media lately. It makes sense that we should make sure that the individuals who are receiving money from the government to pay for basic human needs, should be able to pass a drug test in order to get that money. The graph that you showed raised a good point, as the number of people who use illegal drugs rises as their amount of employment decreases, and does give reason to believe that there is a higher chance that those who are unemployed are using drugs. That way we can ensure that they are most likely using it for the right reasons and not using it to continue habits that got them into that situation. Although there are a number of problems with it. For instance, the logistics of it is quite complicated. We would need to either have people report every month or week to an agency for testing or send people to recipients houses to administer the drug test. This could cause problems in safety for the people administering it and it could also cause a problem if people habitually don't show up for their tests and we have to deny them of their right to receive money to live. There's also a cost for the testing, these people would not be able to afford their own tests, and the state I'm sure is not looking to pay for an expensive drug test either. In total, the idea is one that has credibility and weight, although it may have to be tweaked in some way so that it's more feasible for the government to actually implement.
ReplyDeleteThe ongoing debate of drug testing welfare applicants is a prominent problem. I am very surprised to see that Florida only had 2.5% of its welfare candidates testing positive to illegal drugs. Though we should still test all applicants before they are given our tax dollars. A one time drug test for a person that costs no more than 50$ is much better than giving them almost 1000$ a month if they don't deserve it. If walkers Idea becomes reality this would save millions of dollars, because looking at the graph 17.5% of unemployed adults use illegal drugs, so we could cut the unemployment payout by 17.5%. Because of these things, I think that we should drug test all individuals seeking welfare for financial help.
ReplyDeleteI agree the people applying for Welfare should be required to take a drug test. Welfare is an issue right now with people using and abusing the money they get from the government. Drug testing them will insure that they really need the money and they are not just using it to buy more drugs, which put them in the place to need welfare in the first place. However, the other side of the debate does have some good points, we have to think of the trade offs of drug testing people. Like is it worth the amount of money for the small amount of people that are doing drugs. When it comes down to it I think the benefits outweigh the cost and the drug testing should be done to fix the problem with welfare.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on this. I think that these drug test should be done. Our tax money should be going towards reasonable and helpful things like food, clothing, etc. But if someone is wasting this tax money on things like drugs, then they should not get this benefit as they are abusing it. If this means that we need to pay a slightly higher cost in taxes to pay for these drug test, then this should be the case. I think most people would also agree with this. Only people who really need the government money, should get it and use it wisely.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic because there are pros and cons to both. On one hand, you could test the people and that would prevent a lot of welfare money going to buying drugs, but that would cost money to do all of that testing. 2.6% of the applicants is not very many people so if just that number is examined, it seems like the testing might not be worth it. However, seeing that 2.6% is about ⅓ of all illegal drug users makes a big difference. I think that overall it would be worth it to drug test the applicants. It would cost a lot to test them all, but it’s better than some of it going to illegal drugs, because when that happens it’s a waste of money and the people are also just worsening their lives. It’s obvious that if we knew who the drug users were, the government wouldn’t give them any money, and since drug testing is the only way to find out, I think that it’s worth it.
ReplyDeleteYes I believe people who are on welfare should be drug tested. Drugs are thwart drugs prevent people from achieving their goals in life. Most people who are on welfare use or have used drugs so if we enforce a mandatory drug test it will force people to stop using and start climbing out of the hole they have put themselves into.
ReplyDeleteThis should happen for sure because when we are the people that are tax payers and our money is taken from us to go to the government we want to know that it is being used correctly. We do not want our own money that we work hard for to give it to the unemployed so they can use it for drugs. More people would be okay with it if our money would be going to people who actually needed it and couldn't support their family. The money that we "give" should be spent on necessary resources to provide for a family. I agree that everyone wanting welfare should get drug tested in order to receive it. Yes it would be a lot of money to drug test people but if that means the taxpayers could actually save money because people were abusing what they were doing it, I think people would all be in agreement to go forth on this. Too many people abuse their rights to welfare so there needs to be a stop.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty regardless if others deem this as a waste of money this should be required for all applicants applying for welfare or who are on welfare. This would obviously reduce the amount of people on welfare thus allowing tax payers money to be allocated to other things, such as repairing economic security.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact that welfare users should take a drug test. If the money is being taxed from hardworking people it should be given to someone who needs it, because they simply can't make enough or they have lost their jobs. Not the people collecting the money just to spend it on drugs that might have gotten them there in the first place.
ReplyDeleteThe debate of whether or not to drug test welfare applicants is very interesting from an economic standpoint. On one side you have drug users that could be using government aid to continue buying and using drugs and on the other side you have to spend taxpayer money to drug test all welfare applicants. I agree that welfare applicants should be drug tested because the cost of drug testing would be more justifiable than continuing to pay for drug users to live off of the rest of society.
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ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I agree, if it's going to cost more than what it's worth what is the point. As it said in the post when they tested originally there was only a small amount that actually tested positive. So what is the point in fixing a problem that barely exist. If anything people should just be chosen at random for a drug testing but not all of them.
ReplyDeleteYou brought up a lot of good points Kendrick. I've personally heard about people I know selling their food stamps at a lower price of what they can actually spend in order to buy drugs. So that is kind of like saying "I don't need the food, but want the drugs". Drug testing reciepiants of welfare of any kind should be drug tested. I'm 100% for it! The main question that comes up is: Why should the majority of the country have to work their tails off to get by while paying the taxes for welfare that goes towards welfare when some don't even use it for what it is intended for. I think there will be a rude awakening in this country for not only welfare recipients but tax payers as well in that they will realize there are probably more abusers then they think.
ReplyDeleteThe debate about drug testing in order to receive welfare is an interesting one. One side of the debate says that it’s pointless and a waste of money, and the other side says that testing is valuable to make sure that the money is going toward what it’s meant to be used for. I agree with the latter side of the debate. When my family is paying for taxes, I want to make sure that the money for welfare is going toward necessary items like food and rent, not drugs. Drug testing will help make sure this is true. The statistics about drug use in Florida used in the article also help with this side of the argument, for drug testing with welfare.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your main argument for this controversial issue. When money is scarce, it is important for those receiving welfare to prioritize financially. Some recipients may want to buy drugs, even though they need to use the money for basic essentials such as food, medical care, and housing. Ultimately, people who are struggling financially must make a trade-off. Giving up drugs/narcotics in order to gain better, more substantial benefits is the smartest, most rational decision. Drug test requirements in this situation is not only rational, but it also encourages people to be proactive and possibly choose a healthier lifestyle. I believe drug tests should be enforced for those applying for welfare, but I do think that the government should come up with some kind of plan for those who test positive. Do we simply leave them with their unhealthy habit/addiction to fend for themselves? Maybe the government could provide simple goods & services to those who tested positive, rather than monthly welfare checks. Food stamps to receive that basic need, and required drug abuse counseling to receive that helpful public service, could be possible options for drug users. Yes, these services will cost money to provide, but drug abusers will receive the help they need to recover & eventually get a job so they can make their own money. The government could even make these people into human capitol, investing in recovery services so they can gain the experience & skills they need to get a job and play a functional role in society. Overall, I agree with the notion to drug test welfare recipients so our tax money goes to the right people, but I also think we should come up with some type of service for those who do abuse drugs.
ReplyDeleteRequiring welfare recipients to be randomly drug tested seems cruel, to many, but is overall justified. The rate of illegal drug use is higher for unemployed people than unemployed, thus it seems reasonable to test them before they receive transfer payments and food stamps from the federal government. Because the demand for food stamps is relatively inelastic, this testing won;t result in a significant decrease in the effect of this program. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the whole debate comes down to opportunity costs. It will appease the taxypayers that they know that their money is not just being spent giving addicts more drugs and actually goes to a useful purpose, which is helping honest people in need. Additionally, the government must decide whether it would be more costly to administer all these drug tests than to actually catch the addicts receiving the benefits.
ReplyDeleteI think that you brought up a very controversial topic, that I believe should be put into use as soon as possible. True, it’s essential that if these people are to receive such money, it should be put to good use, not to further a possible addiction. A question that I am wondering is what if they fail the drug test? Would they then end up not receiving any money? Wouldn’t that just push them deeper into poverty? It’s weird to think about, but in the end a very interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteKendrick, this is a very interesting and relevant post. Theoretically, I think that drug testing people on welfare is a good idea, for it will somewhat ensure that the money provided by welfare is going towards legitimate needs. However, will the marginal benefit of decreasing drug use be great enough to overcome the marginal costs of providing these drug tests? Overall, I think with good, strategic planning, this could benefit society in more ways than hurt, as it would increase our general well-being.
ReplyDeleteKendrick, this is a very interesting yet controversial topic. I think that drug testing people on welfare is a good idea to ensure that the money provided to them by welfare is going towards legitimate needs like food and and cleaning supplies stuff like that, and not drugs and alcohol. However Zoe also brings up a good point do you think that the marginal benefit of decreasing drug use would outweigh the marginal costs of providing the actual test, or in other words do you think that spending money on the paying for the test and the administers will outway the cost of reducing drug use when they could be using that money so we could give people on welfare more money to hopefully get them off of it sooner. However with that said I do believe that the drug testing is a good idea and will largely benefit society.
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