Michigan lawmakers back changes to welfare benefits

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

So if a high percentage of these tests come up clean, wouldn't it have the opposite effect? Maybe people would stop labeling them as drug abusing slackers.

The drug test legislation makes headlines in the local papers. The failure and expense of the legislation makes page 3. At least that is what happened here in FL.

Ask yourself: knowing that welfare beneficiaries are less likely to use drugs than general population (there's no reason to believe that beneficiaries have a significantly different profile in this state than others), why is this legislation still being pushed?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I get drug tested by my company whom I work 45-50 hours a week for, What does that do to my perception?

I consented to a drug test prior to taking my last couple of jobs.

[Karee 4,191]

I consented to a drug test prior to taking my last couple of jobs.

Right, so no one forced you to take that drug test. No one is forcing these people to take a drug test. They're just saying if you want these benefits, take a drug test. Just like your employer said if you want this job, take a drug test.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Right, so no one forced you to take that drug test. No one is forcing these people to take a drug test. They're just saying if you want these benefits, take a drug test. Just like your employer said if you want this job, take a drug test.

Makes sense to me.

[Póg mo 1,749]

I don't take illegal drugs, and I don't see why I need to prove my own innocents to any employer, or anybody else for that matter. There are far too many legal drugs, which doctors like to give out like candy children, not to mention alcohol and which is freely available, to make it unfair to target people who aren't a danger to themselves or anybody else with drug tests. If somebody is taking drugs and can't perform their duties, then by all means fire them, but stop going after people who like to smoke the occasional joint.

[GandD 5,966]

I don't take illegal drugs, and I don't see why I need to prove my own innocents to any employer, or anybody else for that matter.

Because some people do take illegal drugs.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I don't take illegal drugs, and I don't see why I need to prove my own innocents to any employer, or anybody else for that matter. There are far too many legal drugs, which doctors like to give out like candy children, not to mention alcohol and which is freely available, to make it unfair to target people who aren't a danger to themselves or anybody else with drug tests. If somebody is taking drugs and can't perform their duties, then by all means fire them, but stop going after people who like to smoke the occasional joint.

You don't need to. Nobody's forcing you. If you don't want to take the drug test, then don't. Just don't be surprised when you don't get the job.

[Póg mo 1,749]

Kicking people off welfare might save a couple of bucks, but if they decide to start a life of crime, the savings on welfare might be very short lived.

[BaBamSam 239]

I don't particularly care about the drug testing bit (it's probably a waste of time and money - just like in Florida - but I don't have emotions towards it). The part that concerns me is holding children accountable and how that could easily backfire. Children from low-income families don't have the same access to medical care, so they get sick more. They might have to help take care of siblings, which distracts them. They don't get the same quality diet or lifestyle that other children get, which can cause a lot of stress on children and has been attributed to lower performance scores. These children already have enough responsibility in many cases - how's it going to be if they get mono or the flu and their family begrudges them for making them lose their money?

I understand the motive behind it - get kids in school, etc. - but what is it doing to actually solve the poverty/unemployment/welfare problems that run much much deeper?

Edited April 22, 2013 by BaBamSam

[Póg mo 1,749]

You don't need to. Nobody's forcing you. If you don't want to take the drug test, then don't. Just don't be surprised when you don't get the job.

What I don't need to earn a living? Sorry, I ain't got no rich uncle prepared to fund my families lifestyle, so I don't really see how I have much of a choice?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I don't take illegal drugs, and I don't see why I need to prove my own innocents to any employer, or anybody else for that matter. There are far too many legal drugs, which doctors like to give out like candy children, not to mention alcohol and which is freely available, to make it unfair to target people who aren't a danger to themselves or anybody else with drug tests. If somebody is taking drugs and can't perform their duties, then by all means fire them, but stop going after people who like to smoke the occasional joint.

Actually I have fired a person for misuse of a prescription drug and for alcohol use.. Try again

[Póg mo 1,749]

I don't particularly care about the drug testing bit (it's probably a waste of time and money - just like in Florida - but I don't have emotions towards it). The part that concerns me is holding children accountable and how that could easily backfire. Children from low-income families don't have the same access to medical care, so they get sick more. They might have to help take care of siblings, which distracts them. They don't get the same quality diet or lifestyle that other children get, which can cause a lot of stress on children and has been attributed to lower performance scores. These children already have enough responsibility in many cases - how's it going to be if they get mono or the flu and their family begrudges them for making them lose their money?

I understand the motive behind it - get kids in school, etc. - but what is it doing to actually solve the poverty/unemployment/welfare problems that run much much deeper?

Short answer, nothing.

Edited April 22, 2013 by InKorea

[GandD 5,966]

What I don't need to earn a living? Sorry, I ain't got no rich uncle prepared to fund my families lifestyle, so I don't really see how I have much of a choice?

I don't like having to remember to lock my door when I leave the house. But if I don't, someone could walk in and steal my stuff. So I have to lock it.

[Póg mo 1,749]

Actually I have fired a person for misuse of a prescription drug and for alcohol use.. Try again

I did say by all means fire them, if they are unable to do their jobs. I just don't like the idea that somebody needs to stick a needle in my arm to just get a job.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I did say by all means fire them, if they are unable to do their jobs. I just don't like the idea that somebody needs to stick a needle in my arm to just get a job.

You pee in a cup.