Caught wind of a recent piece of legislation made law in the state of Florida; those applying for welfare money will now be required to pass a drug test. In my opinion, this is a great idea. Gov. Scott makes an excellent point: taxpayers aren’t willing to subsidize drug use. If someone wants to start receiving “free” money from the government–of course it’s not really free because it’s money I provide as a taxpayer–then it’s not too much to ask that the person is not a drug abuser.
I have to take a drug test when I apply for a job–what’s the big deal? This is not too much to ask; it’s not unrealistic that there will be hurdles and the burden of proof is on the recipient before the free money starts flowing. If applicants really aren’t abusing drugs, it should be a non-issue.
Here’s the point I think opponents of this new law are missing. Welfare is suppose to be a bridge for those striving to find work, be self-sufficient, and no longer need government assistance. Tax money spent on drug abusers is a waste, seeing as the drug use self-sabotages the individual from securing employment. That’s why it makes sense to reserve welfare for those who are actually eligible for getting a job.
Sidenote, check out this “objective reporting”–laughable! I usually find CNN to be pretty fair and balanced, but this anchor is putting the man on trial for no good reason (other than he personally doesn’t agree). Shame on you, CNN.
In related news: Welfare recipients get $12,000 from strip club ATMs
