5 U.S. states have passed laws requiring welfare recipients to be tested for drugs. Canada does not currently test welfare recipients for drugs. Proponents argue that testing will prevent public funds from being used to subsidize drugs habits and help get treatment for those that are addicted to drugs. Opponents argue that it is a waste of money since the tests will cost more money than they save.
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@4TWCVGR4yrs4Y
Stop treating drug abuse as a crime and treat it as a disease. Provide therapy that does NOT profit big pharmaceutical companies.
@8JM6B654yrs4Y
Those on welfare should be tested for the use of illegal drugs and terminate benefits when tested positive for illegal drugs in their system. I work as a security officer and have witnessed this benefit system abused time and time again by active drug users. They get their welfare checks and it goes straight to drugs. In a sense, it is enabling them to continue their habits if left unregulated.
@B4FCLSW1wk1W
Yes, also the funds should be dispersed on a refund basis, show receipts for purchases and then be repaid, no more funding just anything, like cell phones and fake nails
@9FM9QN92yrs2Y
Yes, because it will be a large matter if they use drugs.
@95YV2DZ3yrs3Y
No, not only is this a waste of time and money, but it ignores the biopsychosocial reasons for substance use.
@8VS2LZW4yrs4Y
Yes, but instead of cutting someone off from benefits for failing a drug test, the money should go to third party agency to manage and allocate the funds for necessities only.
@8V99D274yrs4Y
No. Means tested social supports have been shown to negatively impact anyone on them, actually creating a viscious circle of continued use due to devalued self-worth and expectations.
@8SCWFQW4yrs4Y
Hell no that is cruel to citizens
@8QD8RJN4yrs4Y
Yes, test anyone receiving money from the government including employees and politicians and provide rehabilitation for hard drugs.
@8PK9ZF34yrs4Y
No, this prevents potential recipients from accessing vital programs
@9548BF83yrs3Y
No, drug users also deserve access to necessities and support.
@8GKYNSM5yrs5Y
yes and provide treatment for those testing positive but if the treatment is unsuccessful revoke welfare privileges
@3CJV6994yrs4Y
Yes but only terminate for hard drugs and provide treatment
@3CK8W454yrs4Y
Welfare checks should be replaced with payment direct to landlords and with food voucher, transit passes or gas cards, and a small amount of cash for communication and other needs. Take the majority of cash out of the equation. Then those on welfare and on drugs either give drugs up or turn to crime and they can be dealt with separately; and people just having hard times have a way to survive.
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