Welfare Drug Testing: A Violation of Privacy? Welfare was implemented to help struggling people afford food and other needs. It has been one of the most debated topics of all time. Those who are against the drug testing of welfare recipients point out that in the state of Utah, where drug testing potential recipients has been mandated, only 12 people tested positive in a whole year. Those who are for the drug testing, point to the fact that the state of Utah saved over $350,000 dollars in the first year. The opposition is one of the more appealing arguments to me.
Millions of people receive welfare from the government. Many use the financial help to buy groceries and other essentials for their family. Some people use the money to buy illegal …show more content…
It was brought into place during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, a countrywide economic downturn. The Depression left many people in poverty and needing help. Congress passed the Social Security Act in 1935. The Social Security Act is a program that hands out pensions to the elderly and unemployed. In 1964, Congress passed the Food Stamp Act, which helped the unemployed and poor buy groceries. The Food Stamps Act was renamed SNAP, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in 2008. Food stamps help an estimated 50 million Americans. Many of the people who opposed the new act said that it encourages dependency of recipients. The supporters of the act argued that it helped those in need and that it would help drive the unemployed to find jobs. Supporters of drug testing for welfare have pointed out, “We don 't want parents on welfare using their money for drugs. Although drug abuse by anyone can endanger life and livelihoods, drug abuse by mothers and fathers may endanger their children. Who is caring for the kids when adults are under the influence” (Bodie). So in conclusion, drug testing welfare recipients has proven to be a waste of money and valuable time of the workers who have to administer these tests. They have yet to prove that they are worth the time and effort put into administering these tests. They have yet to prevent the purchase of illegal drugs with welfare money. They exclude those who need the welfare money for groceries and other essentials but also have a history or current drug issue. This kind of exclusion is unnecessary and a violation of these peoples rights and
Millions of people receive welfare from the government. Many use the financial help to buy groceries and other essentials for their family. Some people use the money to buy illegal …show more content…
It was brought into place during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, a countrywide economic downturn. The Depression left many people in poverty and needing help. Congress passed the Social Security Act in 1935. The Social Security Act is a program that hands out pensions to the elderly and unemployed. In 1964, Congress passed the Food Stamp Act, which helped the unemployed and poor buy groceries. The Food Stamps Act was renamed SNAP, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in 2008. Food stamps help an estimated 50 million Americans. Many of the people who opposed the new act said that it encourages dependency of recipients. The supporters of the act argued that it helped those in need and that it would help drive the unemployed to find jobs. Supporters of drug testing for welfare have pointed out, “We don 't want parents on welfare using their money for drugs. Although drug abuse by anyone can endanger life and livelihoods, drug abuse by mothers and fathers may endanger their children. Who is caring for the kids when adults are under the influence” (Bodie). So in conclusion, drug testing welfare recipients has proven to be a waste of money and valuable time of the workers who have to administer these tests. They have yet to prove that they are worth the time and effort put into administering these tests. They have yet to prevent the purchase of illegal drugs with welfare money. They exclude those who need the welfare money for groceries and other essentials but also have a history or current drug issue. This kind of exclusion is unnecessary and a violation of these peoples rights and