Florida Gov. Rick Scott is defending recent legislation that requires adults in the state applying for welfare assistance to undergo drug screenings, saying the law provides "personal accountability."
"It's not right for taxpayer money to be paying for somebody's drug addiction," Scott said on CNN on Sunday. "On top of that, this is going to increase personal responsibility, personal accountability. We shouldn't be subsidizing people's addiction."
But the ACLU of Florida disagrees. It has already filed suit against Scott over a measure requiring government employees to undergo random drug testing. It says it may sue over the welfare law as well.
"What (Scott) is doing is giving ugly legitimacy to an unfortunate stereotype that has been in this country for a couple of decades – that all welfare recipients are a bunch of drug abusers," said Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.
Scott told CNN he wants to ensure that welfare funds go to their primary target – to disadvantaged children – and provide people with an incentive not to use drugs. He signed the measure on June 1, calling it "the right thing for taxpayers."
Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, the Florida Department of Children and Family Services will be required to conduct the drug tests on adults applying to the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The aid recipients would be responsible for the cost of the screening, which they would recoup in their assistance if they qualify.
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Kelli Then they get the drug test before the money is transferred to the card. Did you really find it necessary to comment if someone made a mistake on how they collect their welfare ? called them ignorant and dick head. For your information those of us who do not collect welfare but work for a living have no clue how they pay it. You seem to be well aware of how they get the money. Are you worried about taking the test to keep the check coming ? Makes one wonder.
I agree...If you want to borrow money from Government then on should take a drug test. They are too many people living off welfare just sitting at home watching T.V. on their big screen TV. he is obviously doing something that he /she had no business doing it in the first place.
Hey maybe we should check to see if they have cell phones, lexury car or nice 100 dollar sneakers. The bottom line is children always lose out when a parent is on drugs, despite money or not these children will always struggle with or without the money since the parent/s are irresponsible and really dont know how to be a parent. I am tired of working hard for my money, pay my taxes to see others who have no real desire to become better. I am for people who actively apply for jobs, go to school and work on a regular basis to help them, but whats even more irratiing is that a new low income housing complex opened near me and they an amenity center with a pool. I dont think that my tax money should be giving them perks like that. Its nice to have a pool but its not a necessity. Spend the extra money on programs for the children or parents to become educated, skill courses etc. When you receive something for free you should not gripe about it, be courteous and make better of yourself. I also think that people should have a limit on how long they can be on it. If they are not holding a job down or improving educationally then no money. When my mother was laid off the unemplyment office made her go to classes to get a secetarial certification otherwise she would not receieve unemployment benefits . good thing for her she was able to get a good paying jobin a hosiptal all at the age of 50.
I agree with what your saying. I also think this will help to widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
I am all for temporarily helping someone in need. And all should pass some prudent requirements to receive it. The welfare system needs reformation to be a system of assistance to help ANY person get back on their feet and not a way of living.
I am confused, I thought this was a commentary about the Florida government doing drug tests?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????What does this have to do with Casey Anthony? Post elsewhere
Please, please, please stop posting about Casey Anthony. Not only is it completely off topic from an otherwise interesting conversation, but its nothing short of spam and you're not helping anyone by doing this. The poor girl is dead and everyone knows who did it. The system is a wreck and Casey should have been punished, but spamming this conversation won't change a thing, unfortunately, and all you're doing is helping promote her name. The best thing we can do is let Casey Anthony die forgotten.
Maggy
I am confused, I thought this was a commentary about the Florida government doing drug tests????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????What does this have to do with Casey Anthony? Post elsewhere
ANTHONYS CASE POSTS
I think you should look at yourself in the mirror-you sound like a narcissist yourself. Maybe this is why you are so fascinated and obsessed with Casey-you can identify with her. Now go away
WOMAN ENOUGH ALREADY WITH THE CASEY ANTHONY POSTS
Poster you need an appointment with sparky but of a different kind-it's called electroshock therapy. Did you take you medication today?
what does having a half black relative have ANYTHING to do with the subject at hand? complete idiot!
Nice little troll you are.
youre an idiot what does color have to do with it. I refuse to have tax dollars being paid to drug addicts of any color
Way to be a stereotype there.
AMEN SISTER