Welfare Drug Testing Debate

Should receiving public assistance be dependent on an individual’s ability to pass a drug test? Florida Gov. Rick Scott thinks so. He recently defended new legislation that requires adults applying for welfare assistance to undergo drug screenings.

"It's not right for taxpayer money to be paying for somebody's drug addiction," Scott told CNN, citing the measure’s ability to provide personal responsibility and accountability while preventing the government and the public from subsidizing people's personal addictions.

Is Welfare Drug Testing Fair?

Not everyone agrees, though. The ACLU of Florida filed suit against Scott over a measure requiring government employees to undergo random drug testing and is likely to sue over this new welfare law as well.

What’s at issue? Critics take issue with the stereotype that welfare recipients are a bunch of drug abusers. Proponents say they just want the money to get those its intended to help -- disadvantaged children.

Scott signed the measure on June 1, 2011, calling it "the right thing for taxpayers." It will take place exactly one month later, and will require the Florida Department of Children and Family Services to conduct the drug tests on adults applying to the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The cost of these screenings will be the responsibility of aid recipients, who would be able to recoup that amount in their assistance if they qualify.

Addiction is a Disease

Substance abuse experts have fought long and hard to get the general public to view addiction as a disease and not a character weakness. This legislation seems to challenge that view, but whether it will have an impact halting welfare money being spent to support addiction remains to be seen.

Drug Treatment

If you or someone you love is in need of drug treatment, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.