Georgia to require drug tests for welfare benefits

[Midswat]

ATLANTA – Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed legislation that would require thousands of people applying for welfare to pass a drug test before they could receive benefits.

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law over the opposition of Democrats.

Backers say it will ensure that welfare benefits are used for their intended purpose and not to subsidize drug use and criminal activity. Democrats said the measure places an unfair burden on the poor.

Gerry Weber of the Southern Poverty Law Center said the organization is prepared to file a lawsuit over the issue, but not until it is put into practice. It takes effect July 1.

A similar law in Florida took effect last July but was blocked by a federal judge in October.

At least two dozen states have proposed measures this year that would require drug tests for benefits.



Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...drug_tests_for_welfare_benefits#ixzz1sJDjckQQ

 

[Cr122]

It's about time they did something like this. Other states should do it as well.

 

[superpunk]

Every study that is done shows the costs of these programs far outweigh the savings from druggie welfare recipients. But noone seems to care about that, they just start shouting "hurr-durr no druggies get mah tax monies" and then waste money on idiotic programs like this.

Plenty of people getting rich off the "war on drugs", and it's not welfare recipients.

 

[Midswat]

Every study that is done shows the costs of these programs far outweigh the savings from druggie welfare recipients. But noone seems to care about that, they just start shouting "hurr-durr no druggies get mah tax monies" and then waste money on idiotic programs like this.

Plenty of people getting rich off the "war on drugs", and it's not welfare recipients.

Tax dollars are going to be spent regardless. No one is applauding this as a move to save money or reduce taxes.

This is the right thing to do. And as the article states, it's an added measure to ensure that receipients are not abusing the system to support their illegal drug habits.

 

[Cr122]

This is the right thing to do. And as the article states, it's an added measure to ensure that receipients are not abusing the system to support their illegal drug habits.

Bingo.

 

[superpunk]

Tax dollars are going to be spent regardless. No one is applauding this as a move to save money or reduce taxes.

This is the right thing to do. And as the article states, it's an added measure to ensure that receipients are not abusing the system to support their illegal drug habits.

So fuck the logistics...this just makes you feel better because drug addicts aren't getting tax money? You're willing to spend even more just to ensure that this ridiculously small "problem" is taken care of?

Aren't conservatives supposed to oppose pointless government intrusions into our lives? Or does that only apply to the non-destitute? These programs are utterly pointless and not cost-effective. They solve nothing, invade the privacy of citizens (the overwhelming majority of which are not on drugs), and the only people they benefit are the companies who get the testing contract - which is costing the taxpayer more money spent on "welfare".

 

[Midswat]

So fuck the logistics...

Tax dollars going to be spent regardless. I'd rather spend the money on administering these tests than I would supporting drug users.

this just makes you feel better because drug addicts aren't getting tax money?

Yes.

You're willing to spend even more just to ensure that this ridiculously small "problem" is taken care of?

Tax dollars going to be spent regardless. I'd rather spend the money on administering these tests than I would supporting drug users.

Aren't conservatives supposed to oppose pointless government intrusions into our lives?

Two things:

1. I don't align my thinking based on political mantra or group stereotypes.
2. I don't think this is pointless "intrusion."

Or does that only apply to the non-destitute?

Spend less time in the drug trade, and more time trying to become self-sufficient, and perhaps welfare recipients wouldn't be destitute.

These programs are utterly pointless

In your opinion.

and not cost-effective.

Nothing the government does is.

They solve nothing,

Disagree.

invade the privacy of citizens (the overwhelming majority of which are not on drugs),

Surrendering "privacy" is a small sacrifice if you're seeking government assistance.



You've literally got to be a ****** to object to this measure.

 

[superpunk]

Tax dollars are already going to be spent, lets just spend more to invade people's privacy and accomplish absolutely nothing. Just as long as these people are poor. Because who cares about their rights anyway?

"Government is bloated and wasteful. But I applaud this bloated and wasteful program that solves nothing except for intruding on the privacy of the poor for absolutely no reason and costing the taxpayers more money. Yay I'm not poor!"

Fucking hypocrites.

 

[superpunk]

Tax dollars are already going to be spent, lets just spend more to invade people's privacy and accomplish absolutely nothing. Just as long as these people are poor. Because who cares about their rights anyway?

"Government is bloated and wasteful. But I applaud this bloated and wasteful program that solves nothing except for intruding on the privacy of the poor for absolutely no reason and costing the taxpayers more money. Yay I'm not poor!"

Fucking hypocrites.

Meanwhile a singlepayer healthcare system will save Americans money across the board.

"You're not forcing that government socialist death panel crap down MY throat!"

Fucking hypocrites.

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

Sp wants to have his cake and eat it too

 

[Midswat]

I mean... my gosh... those forms you have to fill out to receive welfare!

They ask questions and stuff.

Invasion of privacy!!!!

They even might require you to log on to a website and update what steps you've taken to look for a job!

WHAT IS THIS! 1940'S GERMANY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

You seem to have this picture in your heads of welfare recipients as all Maury guests shitting out kids and getting high. Many veterans who come back are utterly lost about what to do next.

Maybe if OBAMA would stop outsourcing all the jobs

 

[superpunk]

I mean... my gosh... those forms you have to fill out to receive welfare!

They ask questions and stuff.

Invasion of privacy!!!!

They even might require you to log on to a website and update what steps you've taken to look for a job!

WHAT IS THIS! 1940'S GERMANY!!!!!!!!!!!

It absolutely is an invasion of privacy, all drug tests that aren't based on reasonable suspicion of impairment are IMO.

But I think I could even allow for that invasion IF it could be proved that this saves the taxpayers any money. It doesn't. It's just a way to hassle the poor because that plays well with certain people's political sentiments and will get you votes.

It will also get people like Rick Scott rich. For example only about 2% of welfare recipients failed the test in Florida which has the most aggressive testing policy. This is a rate much lower than the general population's percentage of drug users. Saves the state absolutely no money. Who does it make money for? oh....idk...companies like Solantic (governor Rick Scott's company which has the contract for the state's testing program)

When it comes to these topics you're not thinking with your head, you're thinking with your heart. Specifically the part of your heart that thinks it's fun to further degrade poor people who are embarassed enough to be on welfare by having them submit to drug tests that accomplish nothing.

 

[Midswat]

You seem to have this picture in your heads of welfare recipients as all Maury guests shitting out kids and getting high. Many veterans who come back are utterly lost about what to do next.

No, I don't at all.

 

[Jon88]

That's racist!

 

[superpunk]

You seem to have this picture in your heads of welfare recipients as all Maury guests shitting out kids and getting high. Many veterans who come back are utterly lost about what to do next.

That's exactly the problem.

Maybe if OBAMA would stop outsourcing all the jobs

Oh, the city is like a zoo. I mean, traffic jam like you wouldn’t believe. Obama’s got the whole thing congested.
Oh, goddamn it, Mac. I told you there was gonna be traffic, dude.
I forgot about Obama!

 

[Midswat]

It absolutely is an invasion of privacy, all drug tests that aren't based on reasonable suspicion of impairment are IMO.

It's not an invasion of privacy because you're requesting government assistance. The government has requirements in place for welfare recipients to receive assistance. If they add being able to pass a drug test to those requirements, then you must agree to that to receive assistance.

If you don't want to, or can't, then don't expect government assistance.

:sbk92

When it comes to these topics you're not thinking with your head, you're thinking with your heart.

No, I'm thinking with my head. Specifically the "common sense" area of my head.

Specifically the part of your heart that thinks it's fun to further degrade poor people who are embarassed enough to be on welfare by having them submit to drug tests that accomplish nothing.

Pride comes before the fall.

 

[Midswat]

For example only about 2% of welfare recipients failed the test in Florida which has the most aggressive testing policy.

:towel

Hats off to Florida for having such an effective program.

 

[superpunk]

It's not an invasion of privacy because you're requesting government assistance. The government has requirements in place for welfare recipients to receive assistance. If they add being able to pass a drug test to those requirements, then you must agree to that to receive assistance.

If you don't want to, or can't, then don't expect government assistance.

So just keep piling those requirements up if you want the government to do anything for you. Nah, not for us. Just for the poor. Because fuck em, thats why. If the government asks them to stand on their head and pee into their own mouth, well fuck...if they want assistance thats the price they pay. Make me laugh, proles.

No, I'm thinking with my head. Specifically the "common sense" area of my head.

Not even close. If you were you would be worried about the fiscal viability of a plan like this and the corruption that is inherent in the administering of the contracts, as seen in Florida. Instead it's just hurr-durr it feels right because oh rage against poor people getting government assistance.

The plans cost more than they save, are invasions of privacy, have absolutely no redeeming characteristics but they make you feel good because they catch the 2 out of 100 welfare recipients who are on drugs. That's stupid as fuck.

 

[Midswat]

So just keep piling those requirements up if you want the government to do anything for you. Nah, not for us. Just for the poor. Because fuck em, thats why. If the government asks them to stand on their head and pee into their own mouth, well fuck...if they want assistance thats the price they pay. Make me laugh, proles.

Yeah, because a drug test is akin to standing on your head and pee'ing in your mouth.

Derpy derp.