Welfare Drug Testing in the U.S.-Should it be Required?

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The idea of helping others is not a new concept. There are always individuals who need a little extra help every now and then to get by. The main concept of welfare in the United States has been around since the 1800’s for that very reason, to assist the needy. During the past 5 years or so, many have recognized a trend in welfare recipients and they want answers. Legislation has been submitted left and right regarding the issue of whether or not individuals receiving welfare should be drug tested in order to receive benefits from welfare assistance programs.
In 2014, this particular issue has taken more precedence over many other issues that are plaguing the United States. Many feel that drug testing recipients is unconstitutional while others feel that it is not any different than getting a job. As the state’s proposed legislation has shown, the majority of citizens feel they are being taken advantage of by the recipients and they want justification. Thus, the United States government should require drug testing for individuals applying for welfare assistance for the purpose of preventing fraud against taxpaying citizens.

Welfare History
The history of welfare assistance and its existence have dated back to the early 1800’s. The idea of assisting others who were unable to work came to the colonies of the United States from the British Poor Laws. These laws assisted individuals and families who were struggling to pay their bills and put food on their tables. Generally, the assistance only lasted until the individual or family could come up with a solution to their issues or until one of them was able bodied enough to get a job. This type of assistance lasted until the 1930’s, when the Great Depression hit the economy and new l...

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... day come in here and buy groceries with their food stamp cards. I struggle as a single mother. I drive an old car and can barely make ends meet. I can’t receive food stamps because they said I make too much money but how is that possible when the people I sell groceries to, drive up in almost new cars and buy carts full of expensive food with their food stamp cards? Some of them take the cash back option too.”
Many states have implemented systems in which people can report welfare abuse. Whistleblower laws have been enacted to protect individuals who report the abuse and in some cases the whistleblower could receive an award for their efforts. According to the testimony of Elizabeth Stelle, these types of programs could help cut the cost of people taking advantage of the system and could ultimately save the state and Federal government a lot of money. (Stelle)

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