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Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs law requiring welfare recipients to take drug test, ACLU objects
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/06/01/2011-06-01_florida_gov_rick_scott_signs_law_requiring_welfare_recipients_to_take_drug_test_.html
If Floridians want welfare, they better make sure they are drug-free.
Republican Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill on Tuesday that requires benefit recipients to undergo drug testing.
Applicants for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program who test positive for illicit substances won't be eligible for the funds for a year, or until they undergo treatment.
Those who fail a second time would be banned from receiving the funds for three years.
"While there are certainly legitimate needs for public assistance, it is unfair for Florida taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction," Scott said. "This new law will encourage personal accountability and will help to prevent the misuse of tax dollars."
If welfare candidates pass the drug screening, they'll be reimbursed for the test.
The legislation instantly came under a barrage of criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and several of the Sunshine State's Democrats. They argued the bill is an invasion of privacy.
Gov. Scott. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
"The wasteful program created by this law subjects Floridians who are impacted by the economic downturn, as well as their families, to a humiliating search of their urine and body fluids without cause or even suspicion of drug abuse," said Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.
"Searching the bodily fluids of those in need of assistance is a scientifically, fiscally, and constitutionally unsound policy. Today, that unsound policy is Florida law."
The law, which will be enacted July 1, is likely to be challenged. A similar bill was ruled unconstitutional by a federal court in Michigan in 2003.
If Floridians want welfare, they better make sure they are drug-free.
Republican Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill on Tuesday that requires benefit recipients to undergo drug testing.
Applicants for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program who test positive for illicit substances won't be eligible for the funds for a year, or until they undergo treatment.
Those who fail a second time would be banned from receiving the funds for three years.
"While there are certainly legitimate needs for public assistance, it is unfair for Florida taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction," Scott said. "This new law will encourage personal accountability and will help to prevent the misuse of tax dollars."
If welfare candidates pass the drug screening, they'll be reimbursed for the test.
The legislation instantly came under a barrage of criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and several of the Sunshine State's Democrats. They argued the bill is an invasion of privacy.
Gov. Scott. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
"The wasteful program created by this law subjects Floridians who are impacted by the economic downturn, as well as their families, to a humiliating search of their urine and body fluids without cause or even suspicion of drug abuse," said Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.
"Searching the bodily fluids of those in need of assistance is a scientifically, fiscally, and constitutionally unsound policy. Today, that unsound policy is Florida law."
The law, which will be enacted July 1, is likely to be challenged. A similar bill was ruled unconstitutional by a federal court in Michigan in 2003.
I still have to wonder as well where the line will be drawn. So we have illegal drugs, abuse of legal drugs, those who use alcohol with no problems, those who become addicted, smokers, gamblers and who knows? Maybe those that buy food not on some approved list or something? I know no one agrees with me on the legalizing drugs, and although I still think it would help, I know it's a bit of an "out there" thought. But still, what about all these other legal things. I mean, alot of the folks I work with are alcoholics..why is that different then drug use? It's still the same end result. Sorry, I still cannot find a positive in this law.
It would not matter what my political affiliation is -- scum hoppers like Rick Scott will always find a way to come out on top, but back to the original subject.......
I don't think drugs should be legalized, but I don't think this law is going to work, either. If parents are on drugs and don't get the $, of course, children will suffer I completely agree with teko, that caseworkers need to followup and make sure welfare $ are going to the people they are intended for -- mainly the children. But then, you also have to consider those parents who are not on drugs and have no money, then have to spring for the drug test - come on, think about it; I don't know how much a drug test costs, but most everything else in medical world, I'm sure it's not cheap; if they have money for the drug test, they'd probably have money for groceries and other necessities......
Yes, there are doctors who pass out scripts for narcotics, like candy; likewise, there are people who "doctor shop" (going from one doctor to another to get the scripts). These are "legal" drugs and still abused/stolen/sold illegally. What happens if a welfare recipient tests positive for these drugs? Even if they have a valid script, they could be addicted and/or abusing them, which in turn would make their children suffer.
I don't think drugs should be legalized, but I don't think this law is going to work, either. If parents are on drugs and don't get the $, of course, children will suffer I completely agree with teko, that caseworkers need to followup and make sure welfare $ are going to the people they are intended for -- mainly the children. But then, you also have to consider those parents who are not on drugs and have no money, then have to spring for the drug test - come on, think about it; I don't know how much a drug test costs, but most everything else in medical world, I'm sure it's not cheap; if they have money for the drug test, they'd probably have money for groceries and other necessities......
Yes, there are doctors who pass out scripts for narcotics, like candy; likewise, there are people who "doctor shop" (going from one doctor to another to get the scripts). These are "legal" drugs and still abused/stolen/sold illegally. What happens if a welfare recipient tests positive for these drugs? Even if they have a valid script, they could be addicted and/or abusing them, which in turn would make their children suffer.
hahahahah well you made a good point teko I will say that ...No I didnt know that the Doctors in Florida are that useless.I also believe like you that case workers are lax in following up especially for children's sake,its the same here in CA especially as there is no money to fund anything...
I will name oneof the most obvious margy. I dont know if you know anything about florida at all but it is well known that other states people comes to florida to go to the doctors here to get prescriptions for things like oxycodone and then they take it back to your state or any other state and sell the crap. In other words, doctors hand out scripts like candy here so under this new law if a doc prescibes it and you can prove it, it will not keep you from getting benefits at all. It is comical when you think about the fact that several doctors are under investigation for this and the situationis outof hand, and then they pass something this stupid in THIS state with this going on. Oh but we can raise revenue thru drug testing right? In the meantime while they are working thru all this, the children suffer. I say, the case workers need to start following up on their cases like they are paid to do and make sure the money is going to care for the kids. Now that is just one option. But you are more than welcome to your opinion, but quit referring to wings. I dont wear any! I told you I have a halo!!!! missed me eh?
again...... the program states the drug addict would get his money if he/she undergoes treatment so you are saying that the drug addict does not have to undergo treatment but be given the American taxpayers money, may I ask your reasoning ?
You said: and lest we forget hes a Republican ......would you be saying the same had he been left wing ?
If my memory serves me right, Barb is republican, flmagi I think is independent? and so am I. Nice try. Looks more like a shared opinion among educated adults. I dont have wings, I have a halo.....
If my memory serves me right, Barb is republican, flmagi I think is independent? and so am I. Nice try. Looks more like a shared opinion among educated adults. I dont have wings, I have a halo.....
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