Drug testing welfare recipients

Effective July 1, only a few weeks from now, neighboring state Florida begins a new program of drug testing welfare recipients. With South Carolina’s republican governor, can Columbia be far behind?

Conservative leaders around the country are beginning to say, “unfair for taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction” with a recent push toward drug testing welfare recipients. “Under new laws, those applying for public assistance will be responsible for the cost of the drug screening tests. If they qualify for the program, they will recoup the cost of the testing from the program” states a recent About.com article.

Obvious challenges and objections to these new laws have been, 1) how are children affected 2) invasion of privacy and 3) are families receiving Medicaid, state emergency relief, or educational grants and loans next?

In answering some of these complaints, proponents of the legislation have come up with the following; "if someone is applying for assistance for children and they fail the test, they can designate another person to receive the benefits on behalf of their children". A novel idea but abuse of the law may still be possible.

The undocumented driving force behind these conservative positions is the simple fact that many states are having great difficulties balancing state budgets in the current economic environment. Simply put, many states are near bankruptcy and are seeking economic solutions at every turn.

Also, a recent CNN.com article has disclosed a growing new problem of hallucinogenic designer drugs known as "bath salts." "The chemical substances found in 'bath salts' constitute a significant threat to health and public safety. Poison control centers are beginning to report a lot of calls of 'bath salts' abuse." The drugs "are readily available at convenience stores, discount tobacco outlets, gas stations, pawnshops, tattoo parlors, and truck stops, among other locations” reports CNN.

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AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301