Essay On Welfare Drug Testing

The idea that children would lose their own benefits has also been a controversial topic that has been defied by the third-party tactic put-forth by these states. Despite intensive research, Florida and Oklahoma were the only states that allotted information discerning how they chose to pay for the welfare drug tests. Both states had differing payment methods which leads to the conclusion that each state has their own individual plan of action to cover these costs. Just as each state may or may not have their own payment tactic, each state does have their own views and conclusions about how drug testing welfare recipients has affected them. Oklahoma 's Rep. Guy Liebmann said "If we as taxpayers are basically employing the recipients of welfare,

In the beginning, welfare was intended to help those suffering from an economic collapse during the Great Depression, but has since turned into a long term commitment for some (Besonen). In similar terms to Rep. Liebmann, Robert Rector, a Senior Search Fellow in Domestic Policy at the Heritage Foundation said, “Taxpayers should provide support to those in need; recipients, in return, should engage in responsible and constructive behavior as a condition of receiving aid.” It should be reasonable to expect the recipients to take pride in their earning instead of not understanding the standards set before them (Besonen). Drug tests have been set forth to uphold the responsible behavior of those receiving financial assistance (Besonen). While drug tests will probably be argued for many years to come, they are fair (Besonen). Working individuals are required to perform these drug tests in order to maintain employee standards for their given company (Besonen). Professional sports teams, the military, and many other institutions enforce drug testing to their employees (Besonen). In theory welfare recipients are basically employees of the state government in terms that they receive their funds, so the standards have reasonable regards to back them up

Because Florida has had drug testing implemented the longest, their results are better documented and more available for public usage. Welfare and drug testing have been around since the 1900’s, and over time the government took two vastly different programs and combined them to create a greater good for the nation. Although the 4th Amendment was largely at question for numerous years, the Supreme Court ruled in favor with the states at the concept that the program is fair and reasonable. Cost efficiency has been proven and many states who enforce these laws have had beneficial, money saving, results. As I mentioned in previous paragraphs, no nationwide tactic is used to pay for the individual tests, but states have evidentially chosen their own course. For example, Florida does not punish those who return positive tests; however, they require those who fail to not only lose benefits, but they are not reimbursed for the test they paid for. While only a select few states have implemented drug testing for their welfare recipients, the program is evidentially catching on throughout the nation. Over the past 20 years, 15 states have introduced these tests and as results as publicized, it is only a matter of time before others join in on this money saving tactic. As Oklahoma 's Rep. John Bennet said, "It is now undeniable that drug-testing