New recommendations for government assistance

It is my opinion that individuals that are receiving state or government assistance should be required by law to submit a urine sample for a drug test before their assistance is issued to them. For the most part the majority of society is subject to this type of responsibility and I don’t see why it should be any different for individuals receiving their check from the government than from an employer.

                I know that in order to get a job just about anywhere I have to submit a urine sample that will be subject to drug testing. I have to pass that test in order to become gainfully employed, in the end resulting in me receiving a check.  So the question remains why then should it be any different for someone getting their income from the federal government or their local state.

                In addition, not only do I have to pass a urine or blood drug screen to get a job, I have to remain “clean” in order to keep that job or take the risk of penalty from my employer or termination.  Knowing that at any time I or any of my co-workers could be called upon to take a drug test is something to always keep in mind.  

I think for the general public, most people value their income.   Knowing the possible consequences of termination makes them consider their decisions before making them. When they take time to weigh it out, providing for themselves and their family is going to be a higher priority.

By making it mandatory that people submit to a drug screen before receiving their financial assistance might help determine that the money they were getting would have a higher likelihood of going toward groceries, clothing and everyday household expenses. There is a lot of money spent on drugs in America every day.  Hopefully this test would result in individuals including their children receiving an improved diet by having more money put toward food instead of drugs. Also, this would help encourage a better home-life for children as well. Having parents that are clean would have to be a step in a positive direction.

 By implementing this new standard it would help those individuals that need a job or that are looking for employment by preparing for the pre-employment process. If they have already been avoiding the use of drugs to receive their assistance, then passing a drug screen for an employer will be one less thing that they have to worry about.

I absolutely am not saying that everyone that receives government or state assistance is buying or consuming drugs. Everyone needs help at one time or another and that is what the help is there for, those times when people need it. I do think for everyone should be held to the same standards and have the same responsibilities.  This is a long way from being the answer to all of our nation’s financial problems, but it might be a way to cut back on some of the waste.  Basically, I have to pass a drug test to get a check, everyone should have to.