Should welfare recipients be drug tested?

The Missouri General Assembly has moved closer to requiring federal welfare recipients be drug tested.  The first round of the proposed bill passed by an overwhelming majority vote of 121-37.  Missouri has joined three other states (Kentucky, Nebraska and Oregon are the others) that want to use the results of drug testing as a method of determining eligibility for public assistance.  The bill's sponsor, Representative Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, said that allowing drug abusers to receive government money would defeat the purpose of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. That purpose, according to Brandom is for recipients to "learn personal responsibility" and prepare for jobs.  The bill's language requires that people be tested only if there is reason to believe that a recipient is using drugs.   That language in particular and the bill in general raises many questions.

One obvious question: under what circumstances would there be a reason to believe that a recipient is using drugs?  Of course, if a recipient appears to be under the influence of a mind altering substance while in the person of a case worker, that would be an obvious circumstance where a recipient would be required to take a drug test.  Outside of a scenario like that, what other circumstances would require the drug testing?  The testing requirement would appear to be completely subjective beyond an obvious circumstance. 

Representative Brandom is a Republican.  The legislation would appear to fly in the face of the conservative mantra of SMALLER and LESS INTRUSIVE government.  It also appears to fly in the face of the conservative desire to cut government spending.  The state of Missouri, like many states, is operating under a budget deficit.  Assuming that all welfare recipients in Missouri would be drug tested, it would cost the state $2 million. 

Of course, this proposed legislation has many opponents.  The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)questions the constitutionality of warrantless drug testing.  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the American Public Health Association and the National Welfare Rights Union are some of the myriad of opponents of this proposed legislation.   The ACLU released a comprehensive report that outlines in detail why such legislation would not reach its desired affect.

What if such legislation became a national law?  With between 25 to 28 million Americans currently unemployed, a great number of those Americans either have applied for or will soon be applying for public assistance.  The cost of a drug test is approximately $42.00.  To test the MILLIONS of Americans who are either receiving or will be applying for public assistance would be staggering.  With the United States operating under a $14 trillion national debt, one would have to wonder if it would be worth it to drug test all the people who could possibly be required to take a drug test.

Well, America: WOULD it be WORTH it?

Peace, peace ...

Craig Riggins

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