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    States Ask for Drug Test Before Offering Help

    By Vonda Menard | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Sun, Jul 10, 2011
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
    Do you have a story to tell? Become a Yahoo! contributor

    COMMENTARY | The saying goes, God helps those that help themselves, or something to that affect. The state of Florida has taken that approach when it comes to their welfare system. This month Gov. Rick Scott approved a law, which requires welfare applicants to pass a drug test before funds are administered. The state reimburses the cost of the test if the tester passes.

    The law will affect a reported 113,000 adults in Florida. Many argue the constitutionality of the law. In fact, Michigan tried the same thing in 1999 but the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit that proved the law was unconstitutional, a verdict upheld in appellate court. While there is some opposition to the new law not everyone is against it.

    Of the 1,600 African Americans polled, 77 percent agreed the government should be able to test for drugs before granting assistance. Employers are able to test employees for drugs, it only makes sense test be administered before free money is given. Welfare recipients aren't the only ones subjected to a new drug test.

    In Indiana, those participating in state job training must take a drug test. Those in the training have one business day to take the test, which costs $35. Like in Florida, the cost of the test is reimbursed for those who pass. Those that flunk have to wait 90 days before reapplying to the program and if they fail a second time, they have a one-year ban.

    As states struggle with budget restraints, they can ill afford to use limited resources on those unable to give them a return on their investment. Many argue these tests are merely an attack on the poor, but I argue it's good economic sense to make sure those receiving help are helping themselves.

    Those with drug addictions will still have access to programs to address their problems and that's the first step to becoming a productive member of society. I think these states are trying to do their due diligence. Whether these tests will work, it didn't in Michigan where only a reported 10 percent of people tested, tested positive, remains to be seen.

    Like most things, time will tell.

     

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