Georgia to require drug tests for welfare benefits

[lovedforaday]

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed legislation that would require thousands of people applying for welfare to pass a drug test before they could receive benefits.

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law over the opposition of Democrats.

Backers say it will ensure that welfare benefits are used for their intended purpose and not to

Comments

[violentviolet09]

So alla us on Food Stamps is okay?

Hoo boy!

[ellonwye]

Ah yes because no rich folk touch the stuff

[kitanabychoice]

I had a debate about this on facebook the other day and it just devolved into "well if *I* have to do it to get a job, they should have to do it too if they're gonna be taking my money!!!!"

[lux_roark]

I used to work in a pharmacy as a tech and I never had to do a drug test, but I had to do one to work at Nine West in the mall at 17.

[kitanabychoice]

Same. I've only had to drug test for lower paying jobs. Both of the higher paying jobs I've had didn't require a drug test, only a cursory background check.

[queenweasley]

I worked at a juvenile detention center for awhile and they NEVER drug tested any of the staff. I could have spent a day at work doing intakes on kids who violated their probation by failing their drug tests, and then I could have gone home and toked it up if I wanted. I found it sort of ironic.

[peace_piper]

*groan*

Also, two DOZEN states? What the fuck is going on lately??

[the_axel]

It's a great way to move money from tax payers to people that own the companies that do the drug testing.

Companies like Florida Governor Rick Scott's Solantic.

[captain_emily]

Republicans are losing their damned minds.

[londonsquare]

I'm probably going to get completely flamed for this -but I sort of agree. I realize that it's invasive, but the people who are applying for welfare and take a drug test and the test comes out clean have nothing to worry about.

I mean, some people have to take drug tests for jobs (I did...for a two week seasonal job at Tiffany & Co. seriously), and you can decline the test, you just don't get the job or the welfare in that case.

[shadwrayvn]

I agree with you! I know its invasive & I work in health care & drug testing is common for employees hell most jobs I have work drug tested people pretty frequently so the idea of testing doesn't bother me.

[illusivevenstar]

I work in health care as well, and I think it's shitty to deny people food because they are addicted to drugs. That's cold.

[arabian]

I agree with you; I was on unemployment for a year and I would have had no problem taking a drug test because I was in genuine need of the aid, and had done nothing wrong other than being stuck in a bad economy.

I mean, some people have to take drug tests for jobs, and you can decline the test, you just don't get the job or the welfare in that case.

Exactly.