KY bill wants drug testing for welfare recipients

[crackerjack4u2]

http://www.14wfie.com/story/13854384/ky

KY bill wants drug testing for welfare recipients
Posted by Rachel Folz - email
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A Kentucky lawmaker has proposed a bill that would require random drug testing for adults who get food stamps, Medicaid or other state assistance.
Under the bill filed by state Rep. Lonnie Napier, R-Lancaster, those who fail the drug test would lose their benefits.
They could get it back by passing a drug test at a later date determined by the state.
The proposal has the backing of House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, but critics say it would stigmatize welfare recipients and possibly harm their innocent children.
Napier says the goal "is to get people off drugs."
He says there would be exceptions for those who have a prescription for a controlled substance.
--- Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[adgal]

No, the system in the US and Canada are very very similar.  Amounts are about the same.  And I have to be honest, you are coming across as though all those needing help are con artists scamming the system.  I agree some are, but absolutely do not agree that most are. It's the stories that stand out, of course, but does not constitute the majority.  Nor are the majority on drugs.  Most would like nothing more then to be off of the system, and certainly want more for their children.  Sadly, so many have lost hope and don't see a way out.  Once hope is lost it's tough.  I am just asking that you put some thought into how you put that, and maybe research it a bit.  I'm sorry it's what you see, but I promise you that for every scammer you see, there are 5 who truly do need the help they are getting, and are unbelievably ashamed of it because your words are the attitude of many. Poverty is real, and until it is properly addressed, welfare isn't going anywhere.  

[have 2 kids]

It's great that you love these kids and encourage them that they can be better.  BUT you also make it seem like anyone needing help is a disgrace to the human race.  Many people have lost jobs because of the economy, etc.  This doesn't mean they are worthless.   I know many poor families needing help and they are there for their children in school and at home.  Many people work part time jobs because they can't find full time work.  This doesn't make them lazy no good gold diggers getting a handout.   You need to realize that not everyone can make it without some kind of help.  Not everyone is some drugged out alcohol lowlife like you seem to make them out to be.

[ILADVOCATE]

  I do think the issue of anyone who is abusing a system meant for people in need should be addressed. They are doing better than they have in the past because they now have Food Stamps on a benefits card so that it cannot be used to purchase alcohol or the like whereas in the past Food Stamps used to be able to be sold and were used as a commodity where people bought things for other people they should not. I know because my mom worked as a teacher in the same area as well and was concerned about this. I also would think it was wrong that anyone would abuse the system because right now food pantries don't have enough food to give to people who are truly in need. Generally the HRA office is able to note and screen people out who are potentially abusing the system though. Income that is off the books can be detected in ways that people may not be aware of.
    What I do think is wrong (and I am not speaking about particular people here but in general) is when people try to find blame but could help. Once I saw a man point at a homeless man as if to set an example and said "its his choice". I was very upset and I wanted to point out if I did not receive the treatment I did I might end up in that position and that it would be better off to try to help people out of that position than put them down. When I did benefits advocacy I did run into people who were attempting to use the system and I refused to help them (and would be legally obligated to). Further reform of the benefits system may be necessary but steps to insure people don't end up in that position to begin with are just as needed.

[melimeli]

Let me tell you the kids are lucky to have me as a teacher.  I don't teach them to continue the cycle to get a free ride I teach them that they can and will make it.  The can and should do better and that the example they need to follow are the childhood dreams of a future and not the example of hopelessness many parents instill. Yes I am a conservative, I believe in helping but I also believe that we create a systems of learned helplessness and people begin to believe they CAN'T do it because they will be no better then those who came before.  What is it about give a man a fish???  I believe that the welfare state has done much more harm to the black community than good.  And let me tell you I am a GREAT teacher!  not to toot my own horn but I LOVE those kids.  I hug em everyday and tell them I will go to their graduation 10 years from now..  When they move I keep in touch by email and let them know that I BELIEVE in them.  I teach them that the world is WAY bigger than their household.  And that even though they may hate weekends because they have to be with their parents, they have the choice to go anywhere in life if they work hard.  I don't work with the rich kids, I work with the poor kids, the abused kids.  Last year 5 of my kids parents were in jail for abuse.  I go to their basketball games and their programs.  I go because their parents don't.  A teacher at my school coaches them and the teachers go to the games because we know if we didn't then "our" team would have no one in the stands.  So think what you may.  I believe teaching honesty and integrity are a good thing.  I believe that my kids in my room and the kids I have taught over the past 12 years will break the cycle because someone told them that there is more out there and that they are the only ones that can grab it.  Think what you may but when is the last time you were in an inner city school?  When was the last time you gave up your weekends to go to a child's game that you have no relation to?  

ADGAL:  I don't know if Canada is different but here.  My friend had 3 little kids and her and got 650 a month food stamps.  I spend 550 for me my dh, teenage daughter and 8 year old and a baby.  She got way more than she needed and bought food for her mom and sister with it.  I see the people in line paying with food stamps, I see what they wear and what they drive.  I know which parents in my class are on free lunch and breakfast and what they drive, their cell phone number and hear about the big screen tv they got on black friday.  These are people scamming the system.  I know some need help.  Really need it.  But the majority are scamming the system

[have 2 kids]

It worries me to have you be a teacher in a class room.  I certainly hope you aren't teaching your students all this hatred.   Hopefully you never fall on hard times and require any kind of help.

[adgal]

That is exactly what needs to be happening. You are exactly right.  Many of these folks need external motivation though, sadly not everyone has what it takes on the inside.  I think a feeling of hopelessness takes over, then almost an acceptance of this being their lot in life.  And that is truly sad.  Mentoring programs and such can go a very long way.  Giving them the extra push they need to get there.  It's amazing what that can do.  But most of the folks I know feel like losers, so therefor that's what they become.  They just don't see a way out.  And that is what is broken.  Just suddenly cutting off isn't the answer, but showing the way out is.  Making it not to easy to stay on without being cruel about it.  The answer is there, we just need to dig a bit deeper to find it.