Hope it goes viral nationwide.


The Texas Senate passed a bill today that would drug test some welfare applicants and cut off drug users from receiving money. It now goes to the House. The bill passed Wednesday temporarily cuts off benefits to drug users, with a permanent ban after three failed drug tests. Money would still go to an applicant's minor children through a third party.

and 'the war on drugs' continues,,,,

But isn't the bigger issue the money they are spending on drugs, and not the drug use itself?

and 'the war on drugs' continues,,,,

money is usually the more important issue,, yes...

As Long as they are Slaves on the Welfare Plantation (Which Welfare is) Then they Have to Abide by the Rules; I don't want to pay for Someone Else's Drug Use.

Msharmony, I've been keeping out of political forums here, because too often people want a fight, when all I want is to get a grip on others opinions. As one reasonable person to another, I am curious to know your view on this issue. Others too if they can be NICE. So...

Unless I mistook your "'the war on drugs' continues,,,," comment, it sounds as though you dislike Texas' new policy.

What if being cut off welfare once or twice makes a man and/or woman stop buying drugs so his/her/their children don't go without the assistance they need?

What if once he/she/they make that decision, their drug habit takes a back seat to their family and household priorities in the future, allowing them a better chance at gainful employment and self respect, overcoming the need for assistance at all and raising children in an empowering environment instead of a dependent one... not to mention keeping the funds they are currently buying drugs with in the coffers of the State for more important things like education, infrastructure, and highway patrol...all of which create jobs and stimulate the state economy?

Do you not think this policy is capable of producing this effect on some scale?

If not, what do YOU believe will happen with the implementation of drug testing for welfare?

Do you have ideas for how to better insure welfare recipients are spending state and federal funds they receive on oatmeal, bread and milk instead of drugs?

Or do you think this is not the problem they claim it to be and therefore completely unnecessary?

I feel its more of a way to cut off more impoverished people by creating a false image of them to justify their treatment,,,,,,

Okay, I get your viewpoints on everything but this.

Since it would only cut off those who are misappropriating taxpayer funds, isn't it justified? Especially if, as you've stated, there is a means of assisting the children despite the parents who are defrauding the system?

Personally, I don't see it as being much different than prosecuting people who collect unemployment while collecting a paycheck. These people are scamming the system just the same. The only difference to me is that hidden employment does not show up in bodily fluids.

I am all for kids being taken cared for by reponsable parents.
Any parents that use drugs choose the drug over their kids.
Again. First time they test dirty offer probation and tretment. Second time dirty, pull the kids. If they stay clean a year, a judge should decide if the kids should be returned or, if they'd be better off in foster or State care.

i understand , rather pay for a hundred drug tests than for than for one persons drugs,,,,


and at least they arent penalizing the children, though ID be interested in knowing how they will be deciding who to drug test and how the children will still get their needs if they are under the care of the 'drug user'

Totally agree with this. I have trouble believing that a high enough percentage of impoverished have drug habits to make a large commitment to this testing worth state funds.

I would think that only people with a long documented drug record or recent drug related incidences should be targeted for testing. I would also think drug counseling being available would minimize repeat offenders.

I don't know what Texas does, but know that care packages are handed out to children at some schools in other states to supplement welfare packages and make sure the children are eating in the evenings and weekends as well as the breakfast and lunches the schools provide them. This is the only way I can see them helping the children without giving assistance directly to the parents...unless they go as far as to foster the children of the drug positive testers.

I'll be curious to see what happens.

I agree with the idea but would take it further in the spirit of realistic approaches

use of drugs alone does not impede parenting skills, many things matter like the type of drug the frequency ,where it is used etc,,

for instance, I know SEVERAL people who recreationally smoke pot and they are incredibly productive citizens and great parents as much as any person who 'chooses' to use beer or alcohol recreationally,,,,,



I think rigid judgment that affects the parent child relationship should have realistic and purposeful guidelines instead of just spite or labeling, or more incarceration,,,,