The Welfare System For Government Aid - 1704 Words

If you have a job and pay taxes, do you ever wonder where your hard earned money ends up? You probably would think that it goes to someone on welfare, who is trying to succeed in their life, trying to make ends meet and might need a little financial help. In other words, someone who really needs it, but unfortunately it usually ends up in the hands of people who take advantage of the welfare system, and takes the opportunity to purchase drugs and/or drug paraphernalia. To avoid situations like this, welfare recipients should be tested monthly for drugs to make sure they are not cheating the welfare system for government aid. â€Å"The testing is meant to assure taxpayers their money isn t being wasted on the less desirable, those who†¦show more content†¦It is unconstitutional to test for drugs, yes it is true that welfare recipients are no more likely to use drugs than the rest of the full time/ part time employed population. â€Å"According to the U.S. Department of Heal th and Human Services, a urine drug screen costs between $25 and $44 dollars each† (Overman 2013). Also in the state of Florida, during a trial-run, everyone that was applying for TANF had to pay for his or her own drug test, however it was reimbursed 100% if they passed the drug screening. So in the long run, if you don t abuse drugs, and to make sure you can keep your benefits, than you really have nothing to lose, other than the cost of the test. Adding to what is mentioned above, back in 2011 welfare recipients in Florida had to undergo a screening for illegal drug use, a law Gov. Rick Scott said it would â€Å"increase personal accountability and prevent Florida s tax dollars from subsidizing drug addiction(Scott 2011). However, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida) threatened to sue to block the measure, claimed it gave the name ugly legitimacy to stereotypes of welfare recipients. Adding to the facts above, the Florida Department of Children and Family Services required drug