This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
House approves drug tests for welfare recipients, elected officials
I'd like to hear more of the bully argument. I'm not sure about how requiring someone to be drug-free to get taxpayer dollars for assitance is bullying them. I am seriously concerned, however, about how this will impact children. I know that not all children (not nearly as many as people think) of drug-using parents are removed from the home. If the parents are no longer eligible for TANF or food stamps, how will these children be provided for?
YES! The Law of Unintended Consequences is now hovering around Missouri legislators. I wonder how many who support this legislation are currently users, and likely to be hoisted upon their own petards? {I used a French word!}
Now, let's get this going at the Federal level - legislators, judiciary, executives - all elected and appointed positions.
A year is a long time in terms of drug use. What about get clean and have a series of clean UA's for 3 months? Are we trying to help people get back on their feet and become productive citizens (and get off TANF and food stamps) or are we trying to punish them?
And yes, would be interesting to see the entire group of Washington insiders take the same round of drug tests!
I'd like to hear more of the bully argument. I'm not sure about how requiring someone to be drug-free to get taxpayer dollars for assitance is bullying them. I am seriously concerned, however, about how this will impact children. I know that not all children (not nearly as many as people think) of drug-using parents are removed from the home. If the parents are no longer eligible for TANF or food stamps, how will these children be provided for?
ReplyDeleteYES! The Law of Unintended Consequences is now hovering around Missouri legislators. I wonder how many who support this legislation are currently users, and likely to be hoisted upon their own petards? {I used a French word!}
ReplyDeleteNow, let's get this going at the Federal level - legislators, judiciary, executives - all elected and appointed positions.
A year is a long time in terms of drug use. What about get clean and have a series of clean UA's for 3 months? Are we trying to help people get back on their feet and become productive citizens (and get off TANF and food stamps) or are we trying to punish them?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, would be interesting to see the entire group of Washington insiders take the same round of drug tests!