Two Ga. lawmakers want drug tests for welfare recipients (homes, find a job)

[neil0311]

The solution here is really simple....

1) Don't want to take a drug test, then don't ask for taxpayer money,

OR

2) Make sure you're not on drugs. If you're not taking drugs, and urinating in a cup is that big of deal to you, refer to option #1

[arjay57]

What's your thought on the idea that they should put in volunteer work, Neil?

I can see the argument for it, but since the employers have already paid for these benefits why not just let people have them for free?

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by RandyWatson13

There is nothing wrong with this and why its not already in place is beyond me. You take drug tests for jobs why not for welfare?

Because when you work an actual job, being on drugs adversely impacts your job performance and potentially creates an unsafe working environment for yourself and your fellow co-workers, all of which affect a company's bottom line. There's no correlation for public assistance recipients. And as I stated before, the drugs consumed by most public assistance recipients are going to be the ones consumed by most of the general population: alcohol and nicotine, both of which are perfectly legal.

If you're going to reform the system, then reform it. But stop with these silly, cost-ineffective moves that don't make a whit of difference overall.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by arjay57

What's your thought on the idea that they should put in volunteer work, Neil?

Well, I think the answer probably can't be a blanket one. I only heard about the potential volunteer provision for unemployment insurance, but I suppose some level of community service might be possible for welfare recipients. The problem is that usually they have small children, and childcare then becomes an issue.

For unemployment recipients, I do think that when you've been out of work for almost 2 years as some have who are on extended benefits, you can actually benefit from doing some level of community service, possibly with training included. That may give you some networking options you never had, some skills to leverage, and something positive to do. What's the alternative....sit around the house all day? We all know that no one is actually out pounding the pavement or the Internet 7x24 to look for a job.

People at different ages and physical capabilities will be able to perform different types of service, but I think it can be one component.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by neil0311

Well, I think the answer probably can't be a blanket one. I only heard about the potential volunteer provision for unemployment insurance, but I suppose some level of community service might be possible for welfare recipients. The problem is that usually they have small children, and childcare then becomes an issue.

For unemployment recipients, I do think that when you've been out of work for almost 2 years as some have who are on extended benefits, you can actually benefit from doing some level of community service, possibly with training included. That may give you some networking options you never had, some skills to leverage, and something positive to do. What's the alternative....sit around the house all day? We all know that no one is actually out pounding the pavement or the Internet 7x24 to look for a job.

People at different ages and physical capabilities will be able to perform different types of service, but I think it can be one component.

I agree with this. Plus volunteer work helps to shorten the gap in your work history on your resume which gives you a better chance of landing a new job.

[Huckleberry3911948]

drug tests, citizenship verification would wipe out most public assistance of any type.
save billions.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by neil0311

Well, I think the answer probably can't be a blanket one. I only heard about the potential volunteer provision for unemployment insurance, but I suppose some level of community service might be possible for welfare recipients. The problem is that usually they have small children, and childcare then becomes an issue.

For unemployment recipients, I do think that when you've been out of work for almost 2 years as some have who are on extended benefits, you can actually benefit from doing some level of community service, possibly with training included. That may give you some networking options you never had, some skills to leverage, and something positive to do. What's the alternative....sit around the house all day? We all know that no one is actually out pounding the pavement or the Internet 7x24 to look for a job.

People at different ages and physical capabilities will be able to perform different types of service, but I think it can be one component.

I agree 100%.

By the way, I didn't mean to put you on the spot -- I just enjoy your balanced perspective.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

drug tests, citizenship verification would wipe out most public assistance of any type.
save billions.

Not really.

Welfare drug-testing yields 2% positive results | TBO.com

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Welfare drug-testing yields 2% positive results | TBO.com

That's good, but is that a cause or effect? Is the deterrent of having to take a drug test reducing the overall number of applicants for assistance?

Originally Posted by arjay57

By the way, I didn't mean to put you on the spot -- I just enjoy your balanced perspective.

LOL...no worries. Always glad to answer a question. Some may not like my answer, but that's another story.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by neil0311

LOL...no worries. Always glad to answer a question. Some may not like my answer, but that's another story.

Heh! Back in the 60s my business partner used to say, "If [external sphincters] could fly, this place would be an airport."