Mandatory Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

I have stated it before and I will state it again! I consider drug testing or screening as a prerequisite to receiving welfare benefits to be an unreasonable search by the government which is protected against in the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution and therefore unconstitutional.

That opening statement is my lead-in to that which follows.

• Conservative Patriots of America assert, "Drug Free: Mandatory Drug Screening before Welfare!" ref: Conservative Patriots of America: Kish mir en toches!, Roland Hansen Commentary, July 4, 2012.

• "Most Americans, even my fellow fiscal conservatives, see the legitimate need for benefit programs for those who are struggling and need to get back on their feet. However, it is fiscally irresponsible for public monies to subsidize the use of illegal drugs. Taxpayers should not be in the business of funding the lifestyles of those who are addicted to drugs, thereby condoning illegal behavior." ref: Opposing view: No drug test, no welfare, Kimberly Yee, USA TODAY, Updated 3/18/2012 7:33 PM.

• "Conservatives who say welfare recipients should have to pass a drug test to receive government assistance ... Nearly two dozen states are considering measures that would make drug testing mandatory for welfare recipients ... Recent federal statistics indicate that welfare recipients are no more likely than the general population to abuse drugs. ..." ref: Growing Support for Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients, by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, The New York Times, Published: February 25, 2012.

NOW! Go to the following embedded links for some reading that reinforces and substantiates my perspectiv that I stated in my opening, specifically, "I consider drug testing or screening as a prerequisite to receiving welfare benefits to be an unreasonable search by the government which is protected against in the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution and therefore unconstitutional."

• Judge strikes down Florida law mandating drug tests for welfare, Reuters, Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:42pm EST.
• Judge: No drug tests for Fla. welfare applicants, Politico, By ASSOCIATED PRESS, 1/1/14 10:16 AM EST Updated: 1/2/14 6:19 AM EST.
• Judge Strikes Down Florida's Drug Tests for Welfare Law, By Mark Joseph Stern, The Slatest, JAN. 1 2014 12:55 PM.
• Drug-test policies end in failure, By Steve Benen, MSNBC, 01/02/14 09:00 AM—UPDATED 01/02/14 09:53 AM.
• Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients, Claim: Various states have passed laws requiring that public assistance recipients pass a drug testing program., Snopes.com.