1. Kate Colella LEGALIZING DRUG TESTING FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS

2.  Created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 as part of the New Deal.  Programs resulted from the Great Depression and stock market crash in 1929.  Created to help the poor who couldn’t control the predicament they were in.  Welfare programs are funded by the federal and state governments.  “Welfare Reform” has taken place over the last 60 years with Congress implementing changes. WELFARE HISTORY

3.  12.8 million Americans receive welfare benefits.  This is about 4.1% of the population.  $131.9 billion is spent every year on the benefits not including food stamps and unemployment.  In 39 state people receiving welfare receive the equivalent of more than an $8.00 an hour job. CURRENT WELFARE STATISTICS

4.  States began proposing drug testing of those applying for welfare or already receiving benefits in 1996.  Citizens and lawmakers proposed the idea to make sure money isn’t being spent on drugs.  Supporters think drug testing will give those dealing with substance abuse incentive to better their lives.  Americans should not be forced to support illegal habits since they work hard for money. BEGINNING OF DRUG TESTING LEGISLATION

5.  People don’t work to earn the money, therefore they need to prove they aren’t using money for drugs instead of necessities.  A majority of employed citizens are required to pass a drug test so welfare should have same requirements.  Drug use would decrease and result in a more productive society.  Make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t spent on drugs.  Help children in families live in a safe environment.  Give recipients incentive to stop doing drugs in order to receive support money. PROS OF WELFARE DRUG TESTING

6.  Some argue drug testing violates the fourth amendment against unreasonable search and seizure without probable cause.  Opposition argues that if a parent fails a drug test they won’t receive the benefits, therefore negatively affecting the children.  Welfare agencies have the power to take kids out of drug infested environments, so don’t make the kids suffer more by not giving them assistance.  Claim testing targets the poor from society’s point of view as being drug addicts or parasites.  It would cost more money to conduct tests rather than saving money on the program. CONS OF WELFARE DRUG TESTING

7.  In Utah, applicants for the program are required to complete a questionnaire about substance abuse.  Those who show a high possibility for abuse are tested.  If they fail the drug test they are required to enter a substance abuse program to receive treatment.  Saves money on drug tests and for the welfare program.  250 people in Utah failed drug screenings and weren’t allowed to receive benefits for three months.  The money in the three months these people would have received amounted to $350,000 which could have been spent on illegal substances. PROCESS FOR DRUG TESTING

8.  9 states passed legislation to perform drug tests on applicants and those receive benefits. They include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah.  29 states proposed legislation in 2013 with Kansas and North Carolina following through with the passage. STATES PROPOSING & PASSING LEGISLATION