Judge strikes down Florida law mandating drug tests for welfare
December 31, 2013|Reuters
Summary:
On July 2011 in Florida a law went into effect to drug test parents who applied for temperate assistance for needy families. The person taking the test was the one who had to pay the fee ranging form $25 to $45. If the person passed the were reimbursed the money and free to collect the benefit which they need. The parents who fail the drug test are denied benefit for a year. In October 2011 the testing stopped after the American Civil Liberties Union sued, saying that the testing was in violation with the 4th amendment rights. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Orlando for Luis Lebron, a Navy veteran, college student and single father who had full custody of his then-5-year-old son. He refused to take the test saying, "The new law assumes that everyone who needs a little help has a drug problem". Supports of the law argued that people who received welfare needed to be drug-free in preparation for jobs.. They also said that businesses require similar tests and have been for years. They also stated that government should do the same to ensure that taxpayer money wasn't used to buy illegal drugs. During this time 2.6% of people on welfare or applying for welfare tested positive for drugs where as 8.7% of the general population has used drugs in the last month. The judge said that the test violated these people's constitutional right and could no longer be performed. The governor wants to appeal the case.
My opinion:
I personally like the idea of welfare drug testing. I don't believe that people feel that everyone on welfare uses drug, it just ensures that the money the get goes to good use. I feel that though it may violate the 4th amendment it is a good policy. I think that in the case of government assistance that as far as the drug testing the 4th amendment right should be compromised. It should be compromised with the understanding that this is government money and drugs are illegal. This agreement should be made in writing before the person can receive their check. I do have to say I am impressed that such a small number failed the drug test especially when compared to the general population. This goes to show we shouldn't stereotype. Not everyone on welfare is lazy, some people genuinely need the help and benefits so I think that others should stop being so critical when they hear the term welfare.
