By dnice

April 10, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

I do think that people on WELFARE should have to take drug tests. If we have to take drug test to work and pay their bills then they should not be allowed to sit at home and get high and drunk all day!!!!

By detthing

April 10, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

HELL YES they need to be drug tested. I bust my a$$ everyday to make money and support my family. I shouldn’t have to be supporting a bunch of lazy a$$es on welfare playing the system!!! Put a time frame on the allowance of getting welfare also and

By detthing

April 10, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

make them get fixed to stop breeding like rabbits!!!!!

By SCH

April 10, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

I think that people receiving public assistance have no buisness playing the lottery. If they don’t have enough money to feed their family, then they certainly don’t need to waste what the state gave them playing the lottery. That money is to help you in a time of need, not to be used for entertainmentor not gambling.

By Barb

April 10, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

Absolutely! Maybe they should also consider not paying for any lung conditions, medications, or oxygen for people on medicaid who continue to smoke.

By Barb

April 10, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

Absolutely! Maybe they should also consider not paying for any lung conditions, medications, or oxygen for people on medicaid who continue to smoke.

By Marge

April 10, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Drug tests would make sense if some type of rehab opportunities would be available for those who those who flunk.Thought-provoking article.

By Steve

April 10, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

How do you plan on drug testing everyone one on welfare? You’d have to set up an entirely new government office just to handle all those requests, not to mention the additional cost or repeatedly drug testing everyone. These tests have to be administered by registered medical staff, and if it’s our government running it, we all know their are going to be huge margins of error which may/will deny good people the care they need. What is the appeal process going to be? What about the time frames for the appeal process? Meanwhile parents have children starving. Yeah it’s a good idea, but a lot has to be worked out and it has to be almost foolproof for it work correctly, something that isn’t going to happen.

By ELW

April 10, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t think an occasional lottery ticket is going to hurt and if they win they are off welfare! It happened a few years ago to some woman. She had a buck left over and won big. Drug testing?? Yes!!The money is for the children - not you to blow up your nose.

By O No

April 10, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

Steve, when people on probation get drug tested there is no med staff. You whiz in a special cup and it reacts with the chemical that’s in there. Do it when they recertify. Makes perfect sense.

By SCH

April 10, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

If they are allowed to purchase the occasional lottery ticket, if they won, we should all get a pience of it since it was our tax dollarss that allowed them to purchase the ticket in the first place.

By SER

April 10, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Why should people on the welfare be able to dress better, drive a nicer car, than the working people.Give them a drug test

By twfan

April 10, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

I think if you are getting assitance for more then 6months drug testing should be mandatory. Everyone that gets a

By twfan

April 10, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

assitance is not a drug useer somepeople are just down on there luck and need a little help.

By twfan

April 10, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

assitance is not a drug useer somepeople are just down on there luck and need a little help.

By Me

April 10, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

If I don’t have a choice in supporting these people, then they shouldn’t have a choice in being regulated on the assistance they receive. Regulate the heck out of it! Make them go out to find a job within a year and take it away. It should be a one shot deal. Get back on your feet and then work like the rest of us. I understand people come upon bad times, but most of them can do something about their situations. A

By me

April 10, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

Another thing I believe is that welfare is a tool to help get people on their feet, not something to live off of for the rest of their lives. That is why I feel it should be for a year and then taken away. Anyone can go flip burgers or clean restrooms for a living. People just don’t want to do that. I personally would flip burgers if it was the only job I could find.

By me

April 10, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

Oh wait. Why would I flip burgers when the rest of the taxpayers will support me and my many children? I’ll just sit back and live off of the system for a while longer…

By unemployed

April 10, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

Wow, normally I would agree with most of the comments but after being unemployed for months and the unemployment category being included in the “welfare, unemployment, and food stamp” group I am offended. I remember hearing a business owner stating, “they should make all those people that pick up unemployment checks pass a drug test every week before they pick up their check”. Wow, isn’t that even more humiliating than being unemployed in the first place. Working as an engineer for 25 plus years, then being laid off in a mass and continuous reduction in workforce and then peeing in a cup to pick up a few hundred dollars check a week… Wow, I put in 60 plus hours a week to try to find a job and then be humiliated like that. I am speechless.

By sigh

April 11, 2009 5:10 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to answer yes until it comes to your being told what you can and can not do. Our freedoms keep getting whittled down.

By CONCERNED

April 11, 2009 5:56 AM | Link to this

I work full time, go to school part-time and take care of my two children and husband, whom if he worked it would only be to pay for daycare. i applied for food stamps and i am ineligible. i only gross 2k a month. we are struggling. so yes i believee all these jerks who are at home sitting on their asses not even trying should be drug tested. I’m tired of paying all of their medical bills, paying for their food when I can barely afford to feed my own family. i love to help people but only people who are willing to help themselves first.NOT BUMS!!! I say drug test them allsted. their

By Gunther

April 11, 2009 6:09 AM | Link to this

Wow, why arent all of you in office? You seem to have all the answers. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I just wish we could all be as perfect as the rest of you and never need a helping hand. I myself have never used the system but have come very close. Im just glad its in place. It isnt perfect but at least we have it. Go live in one of the 3rd world countries for a while and then complain about America. You self righteous people should all step back and take a long look at yourselves and see how you waste every day of your lives. Maybe instead of moaning and groaning try helping someone who is in need.

By Josh

April 11, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

As long as it applies to white people and black people - “EQUALLY” I’m all for it! As we know…white people in this society have a way of getting around the system, with a wink and a nod.

By white/working/broke

April 11, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

Explain to me how this wink and nod works for white people.. i am white and dont know of the wink/nod system. try dealing with unfortunate circumstance of needing assistance, going thru whole humilating process to be turned down while you see so many people coming in the place in cars people on welfare should not be able to afford

By shellymoe

April 11, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

We qualified for help for years - even with my husband’s salary. So, WE were using OUR tax dollars. Not all who get help are being lazy - I was on disability for 8 years & COULDN’T work. I would’ve agreed to testing if it kept the kids healthy & fed, but as Steve stated, it’d be a lot to do. Punishment would be no assistance, but then what of the innocent kids? Put them into the already struggling foster care system where some abuse them? Gambling addicts are one thing, but dropping a dollar or two isn’t a big deal. If recipients win big, then mandate that a percentage go to system they used or struggling food pantries, etc.

By shellymoe

April 11, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

Josh, I don’t know where you’re seeing white folks getting around the system. In all my years visiting the Job Center, I was made to feel beneath a majority of the staff. I was never treated better & actually felt that I was getting worse customer service BECAUSE I am white. Sad to say, I’m not the only white person I know of that’s been made to feel this way.

By teacher

April 11, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

Drug checks - H**L YES. As long as the poor saps like me that pay for welfare have to stay straight, so shoud all of the welfare queens (and baby daddy), but who we kidding here.

By student

April 11, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

Blacks and the people who love them have bankrupted the country already. Time for a spay/neuter program for welfare queens.

By teacher

April 11, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Not many protesters to the drug checks (ooops, I forgot, they don’t get up ‘til about 4 p.m.)

By Steven

April 11, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

I visit “the projects” convenient stores on a daily basis on business. It is STAGGERING the number of people in $200+ outfits, (male & female) who use their Ohio Direction Card to pay for soda, chips, candy (and at some places even alcohol & cigarettes) yet have TONS of money for lottery. The really scary trend is the number of female children I see ALSO getting gobs of snacks on momma’s borrowed ODC - thus setting themselves up for “the entitlement” mentality. If you could only see what I see.

By taxpayer

April 11, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

I totally agree. Drug testing for welfare benefits and unemployment checks is a great idea. Might be difficult to monitor, but should be done. I pay my taxes, work hard and don’t do drugs. I see the system abused everyday and I am tired of paying taxes to support the deadbeats that will NEVER try to get a job or support themselves in any way. Yes, there are people who are on these programs that need it and will eventually get themselves in a better position In addition, there are a great deal of lazy, unmotivated people who will continue to take the handout as long as they can. And to “Gunther” I do help people in need by volunteering my time to help the hungry and homeless. So at this point I DO have the right to complaqin about the system as it stands Maybe the government should send the welfare clan to a “3rd world country” and help with the support efforts there as a way to work for their benefits. They are the ones that need to see how good they have it here in America. now.dificult r

By offended

April 11, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

I was laid off and had to get assistance. I think drug testing is a good Idea. But lottery no way. my father buys me a ticket for my birthday every year if I win should the state be able to keep it?. Maybe if they would do something to collect my child support I would not have to ask for help. I recieved assistants 10 years ago for 1 year and finnaally 10 years later I started getting child support payments the state kept over $5000 of my child support because of the one year I recieved assistance Now all of my 11 years of arreages that was owed to my children is whiped out and I get nothing because a judge only orderd40 dollars a month child support. So after being a single mom for 15 years I never got a dime of support and never will. because I had to ask for help form the state for 12 months. So If they keep all of your child support why should they get to keep your lottery winnings too? started getting child

By Colonel

April 11, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Paying for this service is actually quite easy and the additional costs would be very slight, as the manpower increase would be negligible and the actual cost for drug testing is not hat great nowadays. Nearly everywhere you turn today you have a take a drug test, so why should social welfare programs be any different. Hear is how you manage it, when some applies for social welfare benefits they have to take a drug test…then on a random basis you could be subject to subsequent testing. If you fail your drug test, you immediately retake the test and a failed retake would disqualify eligibility for benefits for 6 months. A second occurence would disqualify a person for 5 yrs and a 3rd occurence would be bring a ban from receiving benefits for life. Why should those who are providing those benefits be subject to a stricter way of life or different rules to live by? This may appear tough but fail a test at work and you get fired, isn’t that harsh. Why are we really concerned at the cost…we are already paying for them to receive these benefits. If they are going to receive govt help then the govt has every right to put strings on that help. As far the lottery issue it is easily handled as well, everyone who wins the lottery must repay the money provided them in social welfare programs in the past from their winnings up to 75% of the winnings. So if you have a life long welfare recipient that wins say $100,000 in the lottery, the must repay their benefits with that $100K. If repaying the $100K would be more than 75% of the $100K then the most the govt recoups would be $75K. This should apply to everyone, not just current social welfare recipients. There is no humiliation in taking a drug test, thousands take one every day. The humiliation comes when you fail, SO DON’T FAIL. About the kids, honestly if the parent can not themselves stay off drugs then should those kids remain in that environment. As someone who at one time was homeless and unemployed, I understand that it can happen to anyone, but there was no one providing me with help…our system denied me access to social welfare programs because of the color of my skin and gender. I picked myself up and worked hard so that now I have what ever I need…I took low paying jobs to get by and when an opportunity for higher paying jobs presented themselves I went for them. I now have to pay 35-45% of my income to taxes to pay for programs that I was denied from using when I needed some help…is that right.

By chuck

April 11, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Drug testing is a good idea, and it can be really cheaply done. The problem is there are to many ways to cheat at it. I do not have a problem with them buying a lottery ticket, but when they are spending 0ver $5 then this would be a problem. I do not play the lottery myself, but if a person on assistance does, and wins a big amount then they would no longer need to be on it.

By Bart

April 11, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Drug test on welfare? A Ridiculous infringement on the civil and privacy rights of dole reciepients just as much as it is on workers. NO ONE should have to submit to a drug test unless there is “cause” to do so.. Maybe those who think that they should have to because we do are just weeping crocodile tears… You logic is full of holes. The bottom line is that it is an infringment of civil liberties!!

By teacher

April 11, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

To Bart - It’s pretty early for you to be up - or are you just getting in for the night.

By Gary

April 11, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

I do think they should be drug tested,why should they get to sit at home all day and stay high? While we go to work and pay their bills.

By Snuf-E

April 11, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Drug test them all, starting with the Dayton Daily News staff,Amelia!

By teacher

April 11, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

“Ohio lawmakers haven’t picked up on this trend which may come as good news to lottery playing, drug-addicted welfare recipients.” Obviously the Dems remember who their constituants are - and they don’t want to upset them by suggesting that they become even just partially responsible citizens.

By Welfare is bullshit

April 11, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

Anyone who says drug testing for welfare reciepients is unfair are lazy, probably on welfare and dont want to stop smoking weed and receiving money. I worked at Krogers locally and seen everyday people on wellfare using their welfare to pay for food, then using CASH to by magazines, icecream,beer, cigs, cnady, and whatever else they could get their grubby hands on. I have literally seen a welfare person pay with welfare then go out to the parking lot and get in an Cadillac Escalade. Make them pay taxes on what they receive just like I pay taxes on my hard work.

By flipper

April 11, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

welfare abuse has been happening since it started back in the 1960s. These people get away with what they can.

By Wow!

April 11, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

How high and mighty you all are. What drugs should they be tested for…you do realize many people on welfare are abusing prescribed meds, right?

By concerned citizen

April 11, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

YES, YES and YES!!! Many people on welfare know how to work the system to receive benefits from several different agencies at the same time. They are living better than I am. I have worked for a public agency and seen this first hand. If they win a lottery, their pubic benefits would be suspended until they expend the same amount of their lottery winnings in increments matching the amount of their monthly benefits. And as for drug testing (?) absolutely!!!

By Wow!

April 11, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

And by the way many people who receive benefits also work…they are our working poor. Don’t lump them all in one category. I am sad that most of you think you are better than

By jenis75

April 11, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

If welfare reciepients play the lottery, same as child support I would agree that whatever the balance welfare paid, should be paid back. Drug testing everyone could be expensive and then you must have rehab to help them with thier addictions. Otherwise your likely to get a desparate jobless drug crazed person ready to commit more crimes to survive. Crime rates will go up. I recieve benefits and i am disabled and i don’t know what county your talkin about, but at the jobs center here, you won’t be seeing many people getting much assistance there.gether.Likwith with child

By jenis75

April 11, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

Yes it is very degrading to have to turn to welfare, then be judged harshly for it. Many people here has demostrated to true american way here, sticking their noses in everyone else’s butt, passing judgement and even bring whilte and black into this. To many hateers in the world.

By jenis75

April 11, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

I would just like to add, that I have to fight with these idiots at the job center in montgomery co., i am disabled & waiting for open heart surgery. I recieve little child support for my daughter and don’t qualifie for much help at all, what I do get isn’t enough. The government has helped make us suffer. I was boern sick and don’t recieve enough with my ssi and food stamps to feel shelter and clothe my daughter and myself. so i would really like toknow where these ppl are getting all this magic help from welfare?!! please do tell!!

By Kathie

April 11, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

I fully support drug testing for welfare receiptiants, Black or White, I am also tired of Black people playing the race card, that went down the toilet when Obama was elected. It’s seems to me that it’s the white people that are descrimiminated against and that black people feel they are entitled because they are black. what happened to equal rights? If you want equal rights get a job. Oh that’s right you need to be drug tested for that too. I know that most people on welfare eat better than I do and drive a more expensive car. What’s wrong with that picture, and the free health care that they get is priceless, which by the way I can NOT afford. SO GET OVER IT. Us hard working people are tired of of supporting your lazy butts. Welfare was put in place as assistance not a way of Life. So there should also be a time limit on how long you can receive this assistance. It should not be left up to the working class to support them forever. Its’ sad when someone that has worked all their life and living on social security get less to live on then someone on welfare. We Do Need Change, But where is it?

By Edward Corey

April 11, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

I was on probation for 3.5yrs.and was drug-tested all of that time with the threat of going to prison if I failed..Why should they be allowed a lifestyle that rewards them for bad actions?There should be consequences for them!ThrNOT hpay for abuse of the system

By D.A.R.E

April 11, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

Anyone that thinks that holding people asking for a handout (regardless of the circumstances that is what welfare programs are) to less of a standard than the rest of society because they are down on their luck is ignorant. It is true that the majority of welfare recipients are not abusing the system, but that does not mean they should be held at any less a standard. I am not in agreement for any drug testing of anyone, but to say it is ok for your employer to drug test a person, but not ok for taxpayers to require the same for those benefiting from welfare programs is idiotic. Drug testing is not humiliating, nor is it an infringement of a welfare recipient’s rights. They have the choice not to ask for the help, just as they have the choice to JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS.

By King of the Lizard People

April 11, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

Jenis75…sorry for your luck and I do have empathy for your situation, but not sympathy. I know a lot of people who have problems and they don’t turn to welfare programs. I know a lot of people who have children and they have health problems but they don’t turn to welfare. Maybe those with a health condition they were born with should think twice before they procreate, maybe they should wait until they are able to support the child without welfare. Let’s face the facts it is a choice. If it is that humiliating, then get an education, get a job, and get off welfare programs. I understand it is tough, but others have done it, so can you. I to have a major heart condition, had major heart surgery and now I am back working. I had to change how I made my living because of the health challenges but I worked hard to keep from having to rely on others to support myself…maybe you should try to do the same. Especially if you think that the taxpayers don’t have a right to put some strings on the benefits they are providing.

By wormeye

April 11, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

gunther very goodway to put it.the 20 yr engineer was me now .no job after 6 yrs in army no job pretty cold people

By wormeye

April 11, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

gunther very goodway to put it.the 20 yr engineer was me now .no job after 6 yrs in army no job pretty cold people

By jms

April 11, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

If someone on the public dole wins a large (ie, million) lottery pot, they go off the public dole…simple enough. Anything smaller is split with the agency from which they receive assistance. Or perhaps they be required to use the winnings to train for a career which enables them to get off the dole permanantly, if medically able.

By taxpayer

April 11, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Bart, Are you kidding me. It is not infringing on anyones civil liberties to require a drug test for employment Civil liberties allow you to choose where you want to work. Once there you may be asked to “fulfill” certain requirements to work there. We check MVR records since we are a self insured company. Is this infringing on my civil liberties?? NO!!! I am a card carrying libertarian and see no issue with this nor do I see any issue with pre-employmeny drug screens. This isn’t infringing on civil liberties at all. It is a company protecting its interests. Afterall, if you don’t like it, work elsewhere. Clean out the bong and take resposibility for yourself. liberties??

By taxed to death

April 11, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

The WQFO (Welfare Queens for Osama) will never stand for this. After all, “they have their rights”.

By Sassy

April 11, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

Well, my company does random drug testing frequently. Yes, they have found a few incidents and folks have been terminated for the smallest infraction. It will cost alot of money to drug test all those seeking welfare and in Ohio the number will keep growing for a while. you on welfare or not.

By Mike

April 11, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Take away the steaks, beer, cigaretts and make them live like most normal people that work. As long as they have it so easy they will never get off welfare.

By just say no

April 11, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

I agree drug testing should be mandatory. Testing should be done by hair specimens not urine. This would also create jobs.

By gail

April 11, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

i think they should be drug tested. people who work are and those on assiatnce should be tested. I don’t want to pay to hlep them while they are ggetting help. I don’t have a prblem with the lottery as long as they aren’t spending thier whole checks on it. if they win really really big like millions then they need to pay back at least 3/4 of what they got in assistance. if they win like 900 thousand then they could pay back a hundred thousand and the rest be thierl.s gett gettin

By just say no

April 11, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

These people should not be raising their children if they are abusing drugs.

By gail

April 11, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this

yes they need to be tested. why should we support thier drug tests. lottery is fine, as long as they don’t spend thier whole check. if they win big they can pay back some.

By just say no

April 11, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

Alot of people abuse their medical card by going to E.R. and not their family doctors. what do they care what it cost your paying.

By citizen

April 11, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

While there are certainly a great number of people who are on welfare that are abusing the system (i.e. unmarried single mothers, those who refuse to name the fathers of their several children) However there are many people who have been hit with bad times and in the meantime need the assistance of the government. These unfortunate people are the ones the system is designed to help buut in realtiy they are the ones that get the most run around with from Welfare. Most caseworkers only care about the people they see every 3 or 6 months, not the one time down on therir luck worker.

By me2

April 11, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this

If the people on welfare play and win the lottery, no problem,as long as the government takes the largest part or percentage out that covers payments that have been made. Drug testing—absolutely! If they have an objection or refuse—they are removed from the welfare rolls.

By Me

April 11, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

Now welfare, yes, drug test them. For unemployment … I paid half, my former employer paid half … that should not be drug tested. I didn’t choose to get laid off, and I’m trying like hell to find another job plus finishing my Bachelor’s to improve my odds of getting hired and cross-train. That’s FAR from being irresponsible and lazy, and requiring a drug test.

By Violet

April 11, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

I am saddened by many of your misguided and ignorant ideas of those receiving assistance. Not everyone is lazy, sits at home and does drugs!

By Michelle

April 11, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Drug testing is ok, but I think it is completely wrong to deny them lottery winnings or put a small cap on it! How is that FAIR? Just another way to keep the poor people poor.

By Jelane

April 11, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

Drug testing welfare recipients would cost far more than it would save by taking away benefits from the recipients who fail. Think about the beaucracy that would ne needed. Not just the testing, but the appeals process that would have to be in place. By the time all those costs are added up, the program would just cost taxpayers more money. People need to think beyond the gut reaction of testing everyone on welfare. Besides, these people are poor, not criminals.

By so what

April 11, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

gunther have you helped anyone? probably not so to everyone who is upset by everyones responses on here should just leave it alone, you ask if we have done anything, but have you?

By so what

April 11, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

if you cant feed em, dont BREED em!!!!!!!!!

By rob hayslett

April 11, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

THEY SHOULD BE DRUG TESTED IF THEY CAN AFFORD DRUGS NO WELFARE WINNING THE LOTTERY THEY GIVE IT BACK TO THE STATE.I MEAN WELFARE IS TO FEED AND TAKE CARE OF YOU,RE FAMILY NOT BLOW IT ON YOU,RE HABITS.

By ron

April 11, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

I definitely think all on welfare, food stamps and other government assistance should have to take unannounced drug tests to continue receiving teh bennefits

By just say no

April 11, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

after the first child women should be required to receive a birth control injection every 3 mos. to continue to receive benifits.

By just say no

April 11, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

benefits (sorry)

By albert einstein

April 11, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

The only individuals that actually should be opposed to drug testing welfare recipients should be the welfare recipient who would fail the drug tests. If someone receiving welfare is that opposed to drug testing to get their benefits then they can choose to take care of themselves. I am shocked people would even argue differently. Lets just say get a education, get a job and start taking care of yourself…stop the excuses.

By dawgboy21

April 11, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

it is true there are alot of people who play the system having baby after baby after baby in order to get more benefits. some folks who could really use some help .like old folks living on SS .cant get any or very little help at all i have seen the same as a lot of others here …recipients wearing better clothes ,driving nicer cars etc. the problem isnt that some one may need help ,a lot of people have lost jobs or been sick and do need help .trouble with that is .the gov looks at how much you made 6 months prior to base the help you can get on,personally ,when you are out of a job and cant find one .that means you are probably broke now and it may be months before you qualify for any assistance.while i dont really mind immigrants coming to this country .it should be done legally.not the way it has been going.as far as drug screening.well there should be some sort of interaction to stop those who think this system “owes”them something.it is a problem that has been handed down through entire generations of families. that is the real problem ..the ones who have been taught to milk the system .not those who though some misfortune just can’t make a living at the present time. as far as the lottery .sad as it may seem .its sole intention is to bleed the poor the rest of the way dry with the posibility that they may win big. that is the biggest joke of all. you would stand a better chance of being struck by lightning on a sunny day than you ever will winning big in the lottery.doesnt matter that they are taking your so called liberties away by drug screening .lots of companies do that because their insurance costs are lower and that it sometimes saves them from lawsuits when people get injured because they were high while working. you are supposed to like your job enough to stay straight while doing it. if you have to be high to enjoy working .well …find a new job and leave the drugs at home

By hogwild

April 11, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

I think drug testing is a good idea but I also believe they should also test those individuals who also receive SSI benefits as well.

By obama

April 11, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

Offended…sorry about your luck. But if you don’t like it maybe you have made a better decision concerning your baby’s daddy. Why should the taxpayers pay for your mistake?

By Jim

April 11, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

First let me say, I am not on welfare nor do I collect unemployment. What they are talking about here is invading privacy in a very big way. And what about the family of 4 that has 3 good people in it, trying to do the right thing and find a job but a forth person, the Dad or the Mom has the problem and they are the one that fails a drug test. Is it right to make Mom and the kids starve because Dad is weak? No..I can see this going horribly wrong and all you would be doing is inviting MORE government into your lives, not less. Once this is achieved, how long will it be before mandatory drug tests are required for everyone except the rich? Want to get a drivers license? Pass the drug test. Want to get a marriage license? Pass the drug test. Want to shop at the mall? Pass this drug test. Want Internet in your house? Pass this drug test. It’s not right. Since 911 we give up more freedoms on a daily basis then we have at any time in our history. Is it a crappy deal that SOME people do these bad things like do drugs or play the lottery while on welfare? Yes it is. Is it worth the risk to your personal freedom to take such a drastic measure as this? Hell no!

By Ron

April 11, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

It’s not the function of the Federal government to take money from one person (punish productivity) and give it to another (reward un-productivity). All issues should be reserved for the states (constitution 9th and 10th Admen.) unless given to the Federal government by the constitution. If I want to live in a state that endorses social engineering I can do that. If I want to live in a prosperous state, I could do that as well. Government becomes local, as it should be, because centralizing power in DC does nothing but proliferate corruption and leads to the demise this country is setting itself up for.

By just say no

April 11, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this

jim i think you are missing the point. when someone else is paying your bills and feeding you. hell yes you should have a drug test.

By My 2 cents worth

April 11, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

I started working when I was 14.Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I would end up having to use “the system” to take care of me and mines. The process of receiving benefits, is a crock of horse poop as it is. Now I have to take a drug test? My tax dollars as well as yours have been used to support others. I don’t think I should have to go through hoops and over hurdles to receive what I paid into. For those of you who have no idea. There is a 36 month limit on the use of welfare to receive a check. During which time you better be either in school, or doing your “volunteer” hours to get your monthly allotment of cash. If you do not do your hours you are sanctioned. Most of you sound ignorant as hell. You had better pray that in this economy YOU don’t have to go down to the job center and be humiliated as you try to take care of your families. Not everyone on welfare is trying to “buck the system”. Tsk…I so hope you never have to eat your words!

By Ginger

April 11, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

Lottery - yes. Then all benefits rec’d must be repaid before from winnings before awarded. Drug test - ABSOLUTELY! Failed test results in all benefits canceled.

By Amber

July 10, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

Yes some people really do need assistance, but I also see too many people on welfare and doing drugs..I think this is an awesome idea! If you are not on drugs, then take the test and stop complaining! you are getting free money right? so how bout all that free money for peeing in a cup every so often..easiest pay I could imagine! Maybe this will wake these addicts up, hey its either lose the drugs or lose the food for the kids?! why not sit around and do drugs all day when its so easy..you can just live off the government..what is this teaching people?! how bout we get smart and find out the truth, if they really need the assistance then fine…test them and kick them off assistance for a positive drug testing! And leave more benefits for those who actually do need them!

By 4itallbutteyesmoke

September 2, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

i think that drug testing those who receive benefits is a very fair suggestion even though i myself smoke marijuana. however i do not like the fact that everyone assumes that all pot smokers are lazy and wake up at 4 pm. i have two children who are very smart, who have no idea of my activities, which i intend on keeping it that way. i work very hard to pay my bills and benefits for welfare recipients. make no mistake i work hard and i enjoy my smoke when i return home from a long hard days work. but all that aside, do i think they should test welfare recipients? yes!!!! because if i ever lost my job because of what i do outside of work, and was forced to be welfare because of it, i would definitely do what i had to do to earn that welfare. you can always go back to smoking after you get a new job and pass the drug test.. patience people!!! you can’t have your cake and eat it too. either you work hard and reap the benefits, or you get benefits and work it off.