Drug testing for benefits

What do using drugs and being on unemployment have to go with each other? This will only make things worse, when we clearly need things to be better.

So let's spend more money to fight drugs. When are we going to start addressing the addiction mentality of Americans. This will create less demand and that is cheaper than fighting this endless war against drugs. Besides, doctors and drug companies are bigger 'pushers'than the 'illegal' dealer. Let's start by getting our priorities straight, what will it take for Americans to learn?

DUH! Good grief, Ryan, do you read what you post? It's a suggestion for ANYONE getting a government check to drug test before benefits will be doled out. I think it should be taken one step further ~~ anyone working for the government, and receiving a government paycheck should also be tested. Just an idea.

I'm sure also, that it would be hard to implement. "Some" folks would simply use someone else's urine.

I would support any bill to require testing for Drugs before any form of public assistance is doled out. Most businesses require potential employees to be tested for drugs and if they are found using drugs their application is dismissed. Why not the same with those receieving public money. Money the employed pay into the Gov't as taxes used for these pregrams. I am not for reducing any public assistance including unemployment insurance but. It would certainly save State and the Fed's a lot of money in Hand Outs to those using drugsand it might help to curtail the use of illegal drugs.

I would also support a bill that would require drug testing before benefits, or should we say "handouts" are given to anyone. The working public are required to do this before gaining employment with most companies, so why should we be expected to help support someone who chooses to sit around and "get high"??

Drug Addisction is a DISEASE... So let me see if I got this right.. Instead of offering assistance to these people they want to make it so that they cant eat or pay there electric bill? This will only make things worse such as crime going up.
So why not do the same to ppl who have cancer as thats a disease also. Go find something more productive to do with your time Mr and Mrs Politicians.. STOP wasting our money and get to the real problems .. this will not make any difference it will only makes things worse.

When all elected officials have too- then maybe.

Right to privacy – gone.

Why should we use our hard earned tax dollars to support people's drug habits!? I say, let's do it!

So what do you catch? Pot smokers. The lightest and most benign of any substance used by man to relax.

Alcohol, heroin, cocaine, they are out of your system within a day or so.
Pot is about 30.

Get it through your redneck heads that pot isn't the problem. Insane laws equating weed with heroin are!

Let's daily test these fat cats for alcohol use on the job. Testing done after lunch! Who's the bigger threat?

Most jobs out there now require drug screenings to begin with. Government jobs, private companies, and public giving drug tests and extensive background tests are the norm! I personally do not want my tax dollars to go support someone's habbit. Why should someone get to sit around and get high using my money while I am working hard? The bottom line is that drugs ARE ILLEGAL and they shouldn't be doing them anyway. Why should we reward illegal and bad behavior? They can spend their own money THEY EARN on getting high, but not mine.

This is insane! Do they realize how many children will go hungry?!
There is no compasion left in this country. It is also a violation of peoples rights.

I believe that drug testing people in public housing, getting welfare benefits should be tested. It will as a deterrent for people to get out of these situation and off the public dole. Drug addiction is NOT a disease – PUH-LEEZE. People choose to take drugs or not to take drugs. What did that crack addict "catch" his addiction from someone. While chemical dependancy is a TERRIBLE thing no amount of "treatment" or counciling will save a person. People have to make a DECISON to clean up and get on with life. Social Services can help a person make this change but not until they are ready. Testing welfare receipants may help them decide to get off the drugs or at a minimum get off the dole to they can continue to "hit the bong".

That said unemployment is another story. I do not see the connection to testing unemployment receipants. Unemployment is not Welfare. If you have worked long enough to get benefits (even if you worked under the influence of drugs) you should not be denied them.

just my .02

If someone is truly dealing with an addiction then that should be identified and treated in kind, and that person should be treated with the same respect and receive the same rights as anyone else.

HOWEVER — someone who is collecting unemployment and/or welfare benefits and using drugs as recreation should not be tolerated. If an individual has reached a point in their life where they need to cash assistance checks but still have money to purchase drugs for recreational use they have no business collecting assistance. They should not only be tested before receiving benefits but also randomly, and if caught using be required to pay back any assistance they received.

Assistance to drug addicts does exist- in the form of publicly funded rehab programs. And you're, right, it is a disease. It's something that people can't help. So why would you put money in the hands of an addict who can't help but go spend it on drugs? Personally I don't see any reason for my hard earned money to go straight into the hands of drug addicts. They should do on-site hair or blood testing to avoid people bringing in their friends' urine. This is a friggin' GREAT idea!

I think the idea of drug testing is a good idea. If someone tests positive, they should enrolled in mandatory rehab. As long as they make progress in kicking their addiction, the welfare/unemployment/food stamps should continue. Failure to progress would result in a loss of benefits, possible prosecution, and finally the possibility their children would become wards of the state.

A VERY smakk fraction of our spending goes toward unemployment and welfare. Adding drug testing will increase spending and place a burden on underserving people to catch , what a few underserving. Geez, can't we worry about corporate greed? Besides most people receiving benefits are white children. Research shows that the same percentage of people use drugs whether employed or not,. Get over it, this is simply a scapegoat for the high and moral to find ways to legally rip off people and divert attention from the really evil things that our tax dollars go to.

Let's seem them start with testing bailed out bankers who got $18 billion in bonuses in 2008, per the NY Comptroller's office (as reported in Vanity Fair). Add in the AIG execs who got their bonuses. The media should be tested because they must be on drugs for failing to report on the bankers's bonuses (all we hear about is AIG and their mere $165 million in bonuses). And let's test Obama while we're at it – he admitted to using coke when he was younger. The entire Congress should be tested – they must have been stoned when they failed to read the so-called stimulus package. Or maybe they were drunk with glee when they approved 9000 of their earmarks.

Maybe we should test them for cigarettes and alcohol too. A person can EASILY spend $100/week on these items. Oh wait, but it's not illegal, so that makes it okay.

Calling drug addiction a disease only serves to enable those who are addicted. "I can't help it, it's a disease."

There is no congenital defect that causes you to shoot up. There is no involuntary reflex that makes people snort cocaine. And I'm pretty suire no one has ever had an outbreak of pot.

The sooner people learn to take responsibility for their actions, the sooner they'll break free of the "disease."

This will not solve the problem, plus it undermines the very principals our nation is founded upon. So now these people won’t have unemployment benefits or food stamps – so they’ll use other means to get the money they need to live on. Get real and get a better idea!

To many people in American work the system and the only problem is that they can't get clean. Drug testing should be required for any assistance. Apparently some people haven't met the worse of the worse. People that will sell their food stamps to buy drugs.

Who are these stupid @#&*@# IDIOTS that are comming up this communistic bull????!!!! I think we need to start drug -testing all of these stupid politicians and then after about a week we probably will not hear another word about it !! What tripe!!!

I totally agree. I have to work my tail off...taking constant randoms while I see the endless people where i am from getting all those free checks..and guess what? They also sale drugs. I'm tired of hearing the "disease" thing as an excuse. If you are dependent-go get help like other "diseased" people do. I seriously doubt funding your habit is going to help you. I believe NA teaches you that using your disease as a "crutch" is a no-no. I think they should have done this years ago. Believe it or not – some of your "fellow americans" are worthless.

I agree with the bill. Why should people getting assistance be allowed to sit on their couch and smoke a joint and collect money? Is that considered a job? I come to work everyday so that I can earn my paycheck while others sit back and spend the money that they do not deserve. If I were to go on unemployment due to leaving a job then I would not be against taking a drug test in order to get that check that I need to pay bills. Why would a person who is using the assistance now be against this? Possibly because they are the drug users and if they have to take a drug test then they themselves might get their free ride taken away from them?

If we are truly interested in having a "free" country, we should always err on the side of freedom. This is just more of the same right wing ideology that has got us to where we are today. If we are going to "send a message", let's send the message that we want our freedom from these kinds of right wing "messages" that are clearly meant to punish people instead of helping them.

They absolutely should have to take a drug test and pass BEFORE receiving a single DIME from government aid. I know so many people (from High school, etc.) that are drug addicted and leach off of the system. They will get clean and sober and attempt to get jobs, but it's so easy to fall back to their old ways when they know someone else will pay for their food and help care(day care vouchers)/pay for their children. I think it's outrageous that these people will go cash their unemployment checks and immediately purchase drugs with the money.

I am all for people who have lost their job due to unforunate circumstances or people who are trying their best but just don't make enough money to survive receiving government aid. But I do not want to continue to pay taxes that ultimately enable drug addicts, when I'm struggling to pay my own bills.

Whats next - you will have to go to church to get your unemployement or welfare check? You can't work while you are drunk so I guess they should test for that too. Don't forget about tobacco, its illegal to smoke that in public as well now so should test for that. But wait, there are lobbyist to feed the pockets of the lawmakers for those two. I would rather give tax money to someone who smokes marijuana in their home than a drunk or smoker who puts my life in danger in public

I have to take a drug test to work at my job and people who "live" on welfare and the tax dollars my job provides can get that money with no strings....it just doesn't make sense. If they can afford the drugs, they do not need federal or state assistance!

ABSOLUTELY they should be drug tested. Also, LEP has a fantastic point. All elected officials should be drug tested too, Period. Like many other people, my job has random drug screenings at anytime. Elected officials should have the SAME POLICY as the people who voted for them! Would you want a president who is on drugs? NO!

I think they should legalize marijuana and the other non-addictive drugs. Keep hard drugs like extasy, heroin, coke, crack, pills, etc scheduled as they are. With that being said, I think drug testing is a GREAT idea for people trying to claim benefits like unemployment and food stamps. People need to learn how to be responsible again!

I can understand both sides of the story. Drug addiction is a disease. But one with treatment. I've work with the comminity for years and have seen people trade food stamp money for drugs while thier children strave. Did no one notice that if the test was postive that they would be given aid for 60 days and then tested again. We should help those who are addicted but not by paying thier bills. The government should have more programs to help people cope with addiction. When my family member needed rehab it was too expensive.....We were on our own. All the while we were trying to get enought money for rehab He was receiving foodstamps. They should have been cut off because he was choosing to buy beer instead of food.

i think if you belong to republican party, you must take a drug test, maybe that why they keep came out with stupid bills. maybe they are drungs themselves.. you my consired that idea.

I AGREE THAT SOME PEOPLE THINK IT MAY GET WORSE AS FAR AS CRIME GOES BUT I THINK IT IS REDICULIOUS THAT I WORK 2 JOBS AND KNOW PEOPLE THAT MAKE MORE MONEY THAN I DO AND SIT ON THERE A** ALLDAY AND DO DRUGS!!
I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SUPPORT LAZY PEOPLE!~ ITS HARD ENOUGH TO SUPPORT MYSELF~ I THOUGHT THEY SHOULD DO THAT A LONG TIME AGO!!
I HOPE THEY DO IT!!
IF PEOPLE HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THAT BUT I THINK MORE THAN HALF JUST LIKE SITTING BACK WAITING FOR THERE CHECKS EVERY MONTH~

Yes, drug testing should be required for ANY government check, just like the one the Congressman cashes when HE gets paid. So long as all members of the House and Senate agree to be tested I'm fine with that, if he's jus ttrying to pass legislation that applies to "those people" then to heck with him.

This is long over due. It is past time that the general populace stopped seeing these handouts from working Americans as a right and as teh priveledge that it is. While I am sympathetic to the people that have lst their jobs, the company I work for had to do layoffs, and I can say it was not the best employees that were let go.

I will tell you what Bob, How in heck are our tax dollars supporting peoples drug habits??You are like all these other idiots that want to do nothing more than rape the constitution!!

I agree with David's post...March 31st, 9:18 AM.
Is this an April Fool's joke? Guess what...if we started testing for drugs before benefits can be released–there would be no benefits released!
Yes because this is America-the land of opportunity! When will the government back off of micro managing Americans lives? The ones who need support right now MORE THAN EVER have maybe turned to some sort of sedation for the first time in their lives!
Mr. Republican of West Virginia-whose side are you on?
I might suggest that you get evaluated for an imbalance in your brain chemistry..your cognitive is falling short...if you legalize the lesser drugs-you take the taboo out of the picture. Don't know if there is enough of a collective enlightened mind set for this to happen in my lifetime...but I still have hope!

I agree. However, It would have to be blood/hair test. People would just use someone elses urine. Yes, those tests are more expensive then the latter. However, they would lower costs by not giving so many druggies a free ride. And to those who say its a Disease. If they where to check into a drug detox facility they would be fed there while getting assistance. So they wouldn't need much assistance in that area unless there are kids involved. In that case DHS should be involved in making sure those kids are being taken care of. If the parent cant take care of themselves they don't need to be trying to take care of little ones.

well if they are using drugs and they dont have jobs then they must not be spending their money wisely... and my tax dollers arnt going to pay for other peoples addictions... i gotta pay for my own addictions let them do the same

sorry and i meant DFS.

Yes drug addiction is a disease it is also illegal. Comparing drug use and cancer is not even right, you can’t say yes or no to cancer. The state offers so much money to help these people get back on their feet and they don’t want to, why should we have to pay for people to sit home and not work, and pay their bills when they can work. Who cares about your privacy, STOP USING DRUGS and work. Mr and Mrs Politicians? So tell everyone what is the real problem? I hope it gets passed; it will be expensive at first but cheaper for all in the long run.

It's my money that I've paid into the system. If I need it there should be no strings attached.

While well intentioned, this is rediculous. Unemployment INSURANCE is not a handout, it is INSURANCE that all taxpayers pay including working drug users, in the even they become unemployed, just as all taxpayers pay into Social Security and Medicare . Are we also going to require drug tests in order to collect on Social Security benefits or Medicare? Why don't private insurers also require drug tests before they pay out on your auto or health insurance policies? Afterall, the members covered by those policies pay rates based on risk and claims. I'll bet that would be popular.

I'm not a drug user, but the whole idea of restircting beneits to someone after they have paid into the system is contrary to the intention of the system. I'm no fan of government regulated socialism as I have paid far more into it that I will ever receive, but you don't go changing the rules after the game has started.

Yet another way of avoiding the real problem than attempting to resolve the real issue. Drug abuse has been an ongoing problem ever since man discovered that he could get "high." Just because someone is down on their luck because they lost their job means that they are going to get hooked on drugs? So "big brother" is going to try to drug test them before they go spend it on getting high? Give me a break! I would support this bill if they had lost their job due to drugs but then again, whats to stop them then too! If someone is hooked on drugs, they don't need the governments unemployment check, or food stamps to get high. They will find a way to somehow. Please start to think reasonably by attempting to resolve the real issue of addiction from the root cause rather than trying to cut down the whole tree!

I think that random drug testing for benefits is a wonderful idea. When I was Active Duty AF I had to do the infamous "squat and pee".....and honorable citizens of this country that HAVE jobs that are REQUIRED to random drug test. Heck....I DO! And I work for a very high profile security company! Why should potential low lifes get benefits that up-standing citizens have worked hard to receive??? This country has become a country of "hand-outs' and I think it's about time we let all the druggies know that if you are going to be part of OUR country, you HAVE to prove that you are willing to GIVE if you are going to TAKE........

Let me get this straight, I have to take a drug test to get and keep the job so that the government may tax me to give to those who take drugs and receive the benefits. That seems a little bit backwards to me. We should require drug tests for benefits. Our tax dollars should be spent helping those who need it for food, not drugs.

You have to be drug tested when you apply for a job. What is the difference? If you are getting food stamps you should not have enough money to buy drugs. Makes sense to me.

Legalize pot and then we could afford to pay these benefits, fix health care, fix our infrastructure, get assistance for those who want to get off drugs, and on and on and on...

Bravo! What a great idea. Why should our hard-earned tax dollars go to support those with drug habits. Can't afford groceries, but they can find a way to buy drugs? Come on! We have to stop enabling. People need to be held accountable for their actions. Bottom line.

Of course they should be tested. If they resist then no state aid. Why should I pay to continue someone's drug addiction? Those that argue against this have some questionable morals and personally, I am tired of paying for people to be scum.

The government should decriminalize Pot and tax it. Studies have shown that it would generate over 10Billion per year. Making it illegal only fosters crime.

Do it!

This idea has no negative side except for drug users and addicts. In fact, recipients of this aid money will benefit because they will have a better public image. (Let's face it, it's embarrassing to take this aid)

The testing should include everyone though – not just people on unemployment benefits, but all people benefiting from tax dollars, such as the AIG executive management team, federal employees and elected officials paid a salary.

This could go a long way toward drying up demand for drugs in this country. Sure, it wouldn't completely solve the problem, but it would put a big dent in it.

It would even have effects on the violence in Mexico, as cartels' sources of funding would be reduced.

Do it now!

This is ALMOST a good solution. I'm all for right to privacy, and don't think companies and government should have a say in what I do with my free time at home; HOWEVER drugs cost money, and we are giving these people money, therefore we are buying drugs with taxpayer money and that is unacceptable. The real solution would be to implement this, but then take the money that they would normally turn around and buy drugs with, and mandate that it be put toward a stay at a treatment facility. If all that's found is marijuana or psychedelics (drugs that don't really warrant a "treatment"), then maybe a one-month suspension to recoup the cost of whatever was spent in their acquisition just to be fair to the American people, and make them think twice about doing it again.

Of course, drug tests are not hard to beat unless someone actually watches the discharge like a military or parole officer, which would be an incredible invasion of privacy to the average joe on welfare.

I am all for this idea. So many employers today drug test as part of the hiring process. If a person on unemployment is using drugs it lessen their chance of getting a job and getting off unemployment. It isn't fair that those of us who are working, paying taxes, and not doing drugs have our tax dollars pay for someone else to buy and use drugs.

Let's see, you just got laid off. Now your elected official want to kick you while you are down by having you take a drug test to prove you don't use them. Why is this even being discussed? This is just a smoke screen from a politician trying to place blame on the poor guy who lost his job. How low can people go to destroy anyone who may find themselves in financial trouble. This type of over kill makes me sick.

Who is going to pay for it? Will you also have to be tested for alcohol use? There are far more drunks than drug abusers. No one seems to want to test them. Maybe we should label drug addiction a disease like the insurance companies forced on us for drunks so that they can jack their premiums up even further.

I am in favor of people being responsible but this is just to much of an intrusion. This is worse than drug testing for a ob

What we are talking about here is the difference between addicts and users...a user knows that Drugs/alcohol/cigs are a luxury items and quit when the money runs out and because they know the test to get rehired is coming. If you are an addict you are an addict and need to get help not welfare. Why should the good honest working people have to pay for someones addiction. I say test us before you pay us a TEMPORARY BENEFIT. No more handouts to to addicts and loser looking for a free life.

It's difficult to attach boundaries to this sort of thing as the definition of 'drug' starts to get less defined with every passing day. The suggestion by a previous poster that drug addiction is a 'disease' is a perfect example of how unclear peoples' notions of pathology or natural affliction really are. In my opinion, labelling a chemical dependency a disease is just as accurate as suggesting that getting fat from eating too much fast food or failing to pass a test in school as a result of not studying is not as a result of the choices an individual makes and was instead unwillingly forced upon them through some natural and external force.

Admittedly, this whole concept isn't as clear cut as some people may believe it to be. For example, desperation fuels crime and violence so those that can not collect government money will try and find alternative means to fund their habits. Still, funds saved from ineligible people could be put into law enforcement programs providing others with jobs in turn. There's always a potential solution to the problems that arise. We just need to have enough forethought to consider these issues and come up with a reasonable and potentially viable solution before engaging in knee-jerk reactions to problems that are currently in our face.

Ultimately, our society places far too much value on the notion of being 'humane' and being compassionate of others' circumstances regardless of what actions brought them to that point. The 'right' to live is a notion that I do not support. A manufacturing worker whose only fault was to get laid off as a result of economic pressure deserves to have the blow cushioned by the government while they search for a solution. An addict that spends all of their money on cocaine does not. Proving that social welfare payments are not being put towards narcotics does not seem unreasonable. Alcohol and drugs are not required to find a job. Vice is not required to be happy.

Put the onus back on the individual to guide their life to better things. The government is not a substitute for mommy and daddy.

And once the druggies have zero income whre will they turn for money? They'll stick a gun in your face or mine and ask us for our wallets, I'd prefer they get their handouts from the Gov.

I think it is great! I have been taking drug tests for years at multiple jobs. Why should anyone get my tax money that isn't even fit get a job? I think it has been too long that people using drugs have been receiving these benefits!!!

I think it's a great Idea, but let's implement mandatory drug testing (and publication of results) for all the Congress and Senate. Hell we have a right to know what are elected officials are using.

I think it is a great idea! (especially in NY state) If I have to have a drug test to be employed then anyone who recieves benefits should as well. I think this should exclude employment benefits because those benefits are not forever as welfare and food stamps are. What I don't understand is why everybody thinks it would be a cost burden to administer. The savings from lifetime welfare/foodstamp recipients that are chronic users and collect these benefits (and I know there are thousands in Buffalo alone) would far outweigh any costs that they feel are incurred.

It's pretty simple, if you do illegal drugs then you shouldn't get the benefits. If you test positive for a prescription drug then you should have a prescription for that drug. This isn't a privacy issue, it's about what is right and what is wrong!

This is crazy....

If you want this type of testing then I want all Americans to be tested. This includes elected officials in all 3 branches of the government that get tax payer entitlements, like there Golden parachute benefits
Anyone receiveing tax payer monies with the stimulus program should be drug tested and not just for the illegal drugs but for the prescription drugs that they use. Alcohol and nictoine too.
This guy saying to make people job ready. Well guess what there are alot of people out there right now that are job ready and lots of kids out of college that are job ready.
But there are no jobs... Does this guy have any understanding of whats going on here in this country? How did this guy get elected?
Wake of American people... These are the people we keep electing to office. Clueless to whats really happening...

First, unemployment insurance is not "doled out public assistance". It is an insurance program which has already been paid through the company payroll when the employee was still working.

Although I fundamentally believe that those accepting other forms of public assistance have no right to squander monies on illegal drugs, my fear is that any children involved will be even more negatively affected if their parent(s) are unable to receive foodstamps, etc.

Anymore, it is almost impossible to get a decent job without passing a drug test. It stands to reason that those who would fail a random test in order to get benefits/assistance would be considered unemployable.

Considering all the privacy issues and what not, there's got to be a better solution than this. An innocent drug-free person can conceivably fail a drug test depending on thier own body chemistry, diet, any legal medications they take or even by passive inhalation (think about a concert atmosphere).

I think it's a great Idea. I have to take a drug test before I get paid, I think if you want to get paid with my tax dollars then you need to take one too.

Drugs and unemployment go together HAND IN HAND. If unemployed people have nothing to be ashamed of, then they should have no problem submitting to a drug test . Privacy gone? Come on... tax payer money should not be spent on drugs... If anything, still give them food stamps but not cash.

all those who support this measure are asking for more and more gov't controll over their lives. So what if the person does drugs, does that mean they have no right to eat? 60 days to clean up and retest is not long enough, even long term pot smokers COULD still have THC in their systems after 60 days. Then you look at all the other harder drugs out there, some of which can be found in trace amounts in users blood for a much longer period of time. This bill is poorly thought out, much like most of the ones we see today, a cogressman has a district with RAMPANT meth use and he wants to attach the whole country to his problem. you want it sponsor it on a state level, for your crack and meth addled virginians. I dont want it where i live, and i guarantee people who live in medical marijuana states, some of whom use marijuana while on disability to increase quality of life, how will their disabilty payments be affected. Unemployment insurance is as the man above stated, insurance, i have it because i contributed to it, it should not be able to have contingincies put upon it in particular. you wanna save money on welfare, go after the nadya sulemans of this world, whos 14 kids will be subsidized for a period of 18+years. the people who relentlessly take on foster children because the more they have, the more money the gov't sends them in the mail. your picking on the wrong people....gap toothed meth addicted west virginians, I have lived in 14 states, among them West Virginia:( and Hawaii:) both of these had BY FAR the largest "hard drug" problem. so i see it as logical these people would jump on (though it will never go through in hawaii) the bandwagon, but to lump the rest of the us in there is uncalled for. fix your state before you worry about the country.

This is a brilliant idea. I'm sure there will be a lot of people complaining about personal freedom and rights, but what a concept. Holding back taxpayer money from people who are spending money on illegal substances. ..

Someone else suggested that more money and effort should be put into drug enforcement. How much more can the government spend? Eliminate the demand for drugs and you won't need the expense for enforement.

This is a great idea that will force some people to get help.

This appears to be yet another attempt to violate Amendments IV and V of the Constitution of the United States of America, in regards to unreasonable search and due process.

What consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home should be of no interest to the government.

Random drug tests for those who receive aid is a great idea, but who is going to foot the bill? Those of us who still have a job will have to. I already barely make enough each month to cover costs as a student, at this point I really think we need to get everyone a job first then start trying to "fix" the system.

Many of those on food stamps either work at low paying jobs or did work and paid taxes too. Those on umemployment paid for it. So to call it a "hand out" is not right. If you want to call it a hand out then what do you call the billions of dollars that's going to the already rich. I agree with Angie, then drug test ( correction – randomly) drug test all those who received part of the stimulus package! I'm more worried about all the billions of dollars being pocketed by the CEO's and politicians than the scraps the poorest get.
People with money can be drug addicts too.

Sure, Marijuana is benign, but if you're unemployed you shouldn't be smoking it, you should be looking for a job!

Give up, you won't hammer citizens into submission with your "war on drugs"... it doesn't work. If you want to solve the problem, fund the treatment required for those who are addicted and want the help. You people have pissed away billions fighting something that you cannot win... take the criminal element out of it and you will solve a pile of your other crime related issues.... oh, but no, you would rather build more prisons. Not gonna help...

what about the people who have a prescription for medical marijuana will they be denied food also

if you are on food stamps you only get food not money why should they deny food to anyone who needs it

god forbid that any of you need help someday

Its ridicoulus the amount of punches the poor have to take I say NO drug testing,if you wanna drug test some people how about all the Wall St people who have screwed this country!!!

Yes. I have to drug test ever so often to keep my job. Everyone requesting government hand outs should drug test and pass before recieving any money.

Hard drugs, fine. But in my opinion, marijuana is not a drug. Are they going to test for alcohol next?

Maybe if the free lunch wasn't free, people would try a little harder to go back to work. This would keep them more honest than not testing, although there are always ways to beat the test...

Test them for alcohol and tobacco while your at it!

Yes, please test people before providing benefits. The state of Oregon is enabling my daughter to buy drugs and neglect her child by not testing her for substance abuse. My daughter receives benefits for her child, yet they are homeless, living with whomever will take them in for a few days. The money she gets goes straight to drugs. She relies on food stamps and WIC for baby formula, etc and one of her sisters feels sorry for the baby and helps her out. If she was denied benefits she would likley give the baby over to family members who could provide a healthy, safe environment. Who knows? Maybe my daughter would get help if her supply of free money came to an end? At any rate, I am sure she would let the baby go if she wasn't gettig any money for her.

Who are we to tell ANYONE how to spend their money? Get off your high horses and check in with reality people.

um,I wonder how many children will go hungry when food stamps are not provided to their mother who just smoked a joint? I work every day & pay tax's , I don<.t think this is the answer

Absolutely – you should also be required to pass a drug test as part of the approval process for government subsidized housing.

many jobs currently require pre-employment drug screening. If you are doing drugs, you have made yourself inelligible for these occupations ....if you don't have the personal responsibilty to quit doing drugs and get a job then the gubmint shouldn't keep subsizing your behavior. period.

um,I wonder how many children will go hungry when food stamps are not provided to their mother who just smoked a joint? I work every day & pay tax's , I do not think this is the answer

This is a great idea if people had to take a drug test for welfare and unemployment then there would be a lot less abuse of the system and more money saved.

What a stupid idea. We've wasted entirely too much money on the War on Drugs.

Legalize pot and we'll have more money from tax revenues than we know what to do with.

Also, these drug tests will ONLY hamper benefits for pot smokers.
That stays in your urine for up to a month.

Everything else is two weeks or less.

Cocaine – 2 to 4 days...

Opiates – 24 hours to 2 days

You're only messing with potheads with a law like this and these people aren't criminals....just passive, calm folks who like junk food and TV.

I am unemployed and getting benifts that by the way I have earned...who cares if I'm on drugs...does wine count. To be looking for work in this economy should have extras tagged on to the check for medication to help you just get up in the morning and face the day. And as for Congress, let's random check them on drugs, paying taxes, prostitution, etc...they are so perfect aren't they.

Well, maybe I can get a job in this new "testing for drugs" division. Where do I apply.

I agree with ryan, what does testing people for drugs have to do with unemployment benefits? Isn't it the government that gives methadone to recovering addicts? This is absolutely idiotic, they'll spend more money testing these people than they would just giving them money, and what will the jobless "users" do after they lose their benefits, live on the streets, beg for change, commit a crime and be committed to a jail, where guess what, they live on taxpayers dime... at a whooping $22,650 per year!

Do you drug test people when they pay TAXES so they can collect unemployment when laid off?? NO, you don't. Right...so now you don't want to pay unemployment benefits to those who paid TAXES for it... Typical Corporate, Insurance co. and Goverment BS rules. YOU PAY FOR IT BUT, NEVER COLLECT FOR WHAT YOU PAID FOR!
I've paid Taxes for almost 40 years now, How about you? You think you'll retire someday? Only if you were a Senator, Congressman, or President. The rest of us will die trying!

Do these lawmakers take drug tests? We could save so much more money, if that is the concern testing these nut jobs

If you do drug testing you would get about 95% of people off welfare, they would stop having unwanted children and would be responsible (maybe) citizens. Most people on welfare had a child just to get free money and food and we all know it is true, admit it!, poor unwanted offspring, makes me wanna puke!. I say just end welfare of anykind and go back to the 1800's, to hell with our complacency with our freedom.

I agree witk LEP. Seems like a bad way to spend funds. Spend it on drug abuse prevention. While we are drug testing those unforunate enough to have lost their jobs we better drug test all the retirees recieving social security too. Better yet why not drug test every American citizen that way we know no government money goes to someone who uses drugs. By the way if you are a hardcore drug addict you probably cant hold a job long enough to qualify for unemployment compensation so whats the worry. Keep in mind that the government has no problem taking money from recrerational drug users in the form of taxes from their paychecks. What happened to privacy. Ridiculous!

I think every member of Congress should be tested for drugs. As an empirical observer of the mess Congress has created they must be on something. Every Police Officer, Mayor and citizen should be drug tested so as not to discriminate against the poor or the unemployed. 99% of the unemployed were not responsible for the failure of the Auto Companies to "get a clue" that they should produce cheaper, more gas efficient vehicles 20 years ago. The unemployed Bank & Loan "rank and file" had nothing to do with Wall Street's collapse. Drug test the CEO's and Management of our failing monetary institutions. Let those who are responsible be resposible. And lastly, Drug Test those who would advocate mandatory drug testing opon others. There are so many Americans "hooked" on prescription drugs it's unbelievable. If you're rich you can be addicted without consequence, if you're poor your addiction is a "crime against society". Drug prevention is vital to a healthy society but not in the form of selective discrimination.

How many AIG ,,,Bank of America...GM.....need I go on? CEO and employees get tested?

i am a former addict.i am currently on medcations for bi-polar,no would that count? come on lets specify "which" drugs we want to get tests for!

If drug addiction is a disease, which I don't think it is, it is one that is volunteered for. I go to work every day clean of any substances or drugs. I see no reason that everyone else can't o the same. I agree with this proposed bill. It should've been done long ago. If you need government assistance, then you should be willing to do whatever is needed to get it. The monies that would be denied to constant abusers that refuse to change their habits so they can eat and pay their power bill, would be able to pay for care for their children that suffer due to those habits. People have to want to help themselves and work for what they get. Stop standing there with your hand out and a sad look on your face and do something to improve your life yourself!

Not for unemployment. For free handouts yes. Food stamps and wellfare are not a given right for all you that think it's a right. And for all you bleeding hearts that say it will only make kids go hungry. To bad, the parents need to get their stuff together.

Hey Mark, don't go giving up your guns and you will be fine, don't be afraid to protect yourself, that is your right, we'll kill the lousy humans off. Be a man, what kind of a comment was that. get some testicular fortitude before it's too late!

You are missing the point. If they can test you for drugs, what else can they do. Where does it STOP. I thought we needed less GOV intervention...Now all the Republican's on this blog are screaming for the GOV to now pay for drug screening to attempt to stop spending.

Wake up!!!! Get the GOV out of out of our private lives.

If we do this, I think we need to have the Gov do random spot checks on gun owners.

And maybe the cops should stop you for no reason

This is simply another attempt by the right wing to wrest the benefits out of the hands of those that need them the most. It is absolutely absurd. Does not anyone else see this as being fraught with not only extremism, but ADA proscription? Haven't we as a society determined that Drug Addiction and Alcoholism are, indeed, a disease?

if you have money to buy drugs then you don't need money from the govt to support you.

seen it all to many times, neighbor coming by wanting to borrow a bit of cash to buy food for his kids.

should have bought them food first then if you have anything left bought your marlboros and coors lite.

April 1st, 2009 1:58 pm ET

It’s difficult to attach boundaries to this sort of thing as the definition of ‘drug’ starts to get less defined with every passing day. The suggestion by a previous poster that drug addiction is a ‘disease’ is a perfect example of how unclear peoples’ notions of pathology or natural affliction really are. In my opinion, labelling a chemical dependency a disease is just as accurate as suggesting that getting fat from eating too much fast food or failing to pass a test in school as a result of not studying is not as a result of the choices an individual makes and was instead unwillingly forced upon them through some natural and external force.

tipical anti addict talk! have you,ever been an "addict" no so maybe you should'nt comment on something you have nothing but an opinion about! i am a drug addict(in recovery) and firmly believe it to be a disease. its not like not studying for a test"!!!

I'm about to lose my job due to funding cuts. I've worked at this institution 15+ years. Personnel told me I qualified for unemployment because it's not my fault I'm losing my job. I'm 54 and barely drink, much less use drugs. Why should I be subjected to a drug test to get benefits my taxes have paid for for years?!?

Best idea I've heard in a long time. DO IT!

I Think that is total "BS"!!! I work everyday and the goverment gets there taxes out of my pay check, Just becouse i smoke pot for anxiety does that make me a drug addict? NO! This is wrong we have no more freedom in this counrty. If i need goverment help i can't get it becouse of some $#@!% politian thinks he has a good idea look where Bush's good idea's got us! Decriminalize marijuana and start acting like a norml society.This is "NOT" right!!!

So my company goes out of business and I get laid off . Now I have to get drug tested too just to get my benefits??? Screw that !!! Why doesn't the goverment just make money ILLEGAL...that way NO ONE can use it for drugs or alcohol or tobacco or anything else that might one day be considered "detrimental to society"

Not to mention, most of the wellfare recipients are single mothers that are trying to care for their children while the DEAD BEAT DADs are at the bars acting like they are single with no kids. Maybe, instead of treating these mothers even worse than society already has, maybe the money that it would cost for drug tests would be better spent actually going after these dead beat dads! These mothers have to jump thru hoops to get little help while the fathers don't have to do anything for their children to get help from the system. These mothers aren't living in luxary either, while the CEO's from AIG sure are!!!
Why don't we test the CSEA workers that don't seem to be able to collect from all these men.
This is just a distraction from the fact that billions of our tax dollars has gone to the rich!

I work for government and randomly get drug tested. There is a zero tolerance policy. You fail once and you're out. There is no second chance. I am all for helping people who need assisstance but if you want to buy drugs then buy them with your OWN hard earned money. Not taxpayers dollars! Maybe once these drug abusers get off welfare and are working for a living, they won't want to spend thier paychecks on weed and crack.

I support this idea wholeheartedly, and I did not realize that no such testing was currently in place.

Anyone who finds the money to buy drugs clearly doesn't need help buying groceries, purchasing healthcare, or paying rent.

I won't quarrel with a personal private decision to snort a line instead of eating breakfast (well, maybe I will a little). Your body, your choice. But don't expect me to finance your addiction by paying for your meal.

absolutely, and I work for SSA

While we're at it, let's drug test law makers. They have done some really stupid things over the years. Soberity is most important in people creating legislation. If it's good enough for the masses, it should be good enough for them. Put that in your bowl and smoke it!

Haven’t we as a society determined that Drug Addiction and Alcoholism are, indeed, a disease? There is no question that genetics plays heavily into whether an individual is inclined to suffer from an addiction. This is 2009...such statutory exclusion will take us back to the days of the Scarlet Letter.

You can't get unemployment unless you've already HAD a job, and since as several people have pointed out most jobs drug test anyway it makes this idea redundant. You can't even get unemployment if you were fired in most cases (not laid off – two different things), so what's the point of doing this?

Welfare and unemployment are also two different things, and a lot of the people that have never worked are on SSI which I believe already performs random screenings.

Also, who wants to pay for the testing? 'Cause believe it or not it costs money. Lots of money...

Another example of big brother getting in your face on an issue they have NO right to. For those saying it's "my tax money", why do you think people pay unemployment in their paychecks every week?? So that when they lose their jobs they can get support for a short while!

Get over yourselves!

This proposal is a prime example of someone who is completely clueless. First of all, I am a recent unemployed person who has passed EVERY drug test given. And that is the point, people who have lost their jobs have been drug tested, randomly drug tested, that is why they were employed in the first place, putting money into the system just in case they became unemployed.!! Most people on public assistance are not the bleary eyed dug user Blair and others of his ilk make them out to be.
This is an individual who should be thrown out of office because he does not have any credible answers to solve our nations problems. This is another do-nothing knee jerk response we see over and over again from a bunch of jerks in office and I'm sick and tired of it!! So I tell you what Blair and the others who so desperately want this bill passed. The requirement for you and the others who support this bill is to have all of you undergo MANDATORY drug testing everyday FOR THE REST OF YOUR MISERABLE LIVES!! If you and your supporters submit to that then I'll support the bill.

As for the invasion of privacy, if you want privacy, then don't ask for help. If you want help, you must forgo the right of privacy to get that help in order to put a stop to drug users getting a check for nothing but having children and getting high.

NO!! I want the government out of my mind, my home and my body. I will do as I please with all of them as guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence – "...Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...". It goes without saying that the above should be allowed as long as you are not hurting anyone else. And take your whining about destruction of families, homes, etc. somewhere else. The violence and destruction mentioned are all due to the prohibition of drugs, not the usage. When drugs are legal and regulated and people know that they are pure and come with instructions for how much to use you will see all the negative aspects of drug use fall by the wayside. How do I know? Because it's hard to believe the the current situation could get any worse. Throwing more money away by instituting widespread drug testing is NOT how I want my tax dollars spent.

I absolutely agree with this policy. The purpose of welfare and unemployment benefits is to help people get back on their feet so they can contribute to the economy again.

Why should we be giving our hard earned money to people so they can waste it on illegal drugs?

The benefits of this plan may not be immediately visible, but in the long run, as Obama is so supportive of, I think it will be beneficial both to the economy as well as encouraging people to get off their couch and do something for the greater good.

i think its good idea, if you have a job and you want to buy drugs then great thats your choice its your own money that you worked hard for but i dont think i should have to pay for your drug money, this money is supposes to be given on a short-term basis but in most cases its not because wouldnt everyone stay at home and just do drugs if you could get free money every month we are giving ppl fish instead of teaching them to fish, maybe this will help

This is an awesome idea!!!!!!!!!! I f***ing love it.

WHY DON'T WE JUST TEST EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN THE WHOLE US of A .. NOT ONLY IN SCHOOLS, OR AT WORK, LET'S DO IT IN THAT HOME... OR IN THAT CAR...OR IN THAT CHURCH, OR THAT DUDE WALKING DOWN THE STREET OR RIDING A BIKE ON PUBLIC ROADS...HECK ANY ROAD!

EVERYONE IS BAD, EVERYONE IS SUSPECT.

WE DON'T TRUST YOU...WE GOTTA INSPECT YOU!!!

RIGHTS? NOT ANY MORE.

Yes we should test. If we have to be tested to work at our jobs...they shoud too. What makes them exempt? I don't feel like paying for someone to have a good time on my hard earned dollar. Same goes for anyone receiveing a "Bail Out", test them too.

I couldnt agree more that this statement from Jason:

Calling drug addiction a disease only serves to enable those who are addicted. “I can’t help it, it’s a disease.”

There is no congenital defect that causes you to shoot up. There is no involuntary reflex that makes people snort cocaine. And I’m pretty suire no one has ever had an outbreak of pot.

The sooner people learn to take responsibility for their actions, the sooner they’ll break free of the “disease.”

This is a fantastic idea. In NYC, public assistance is a handout, not a hand up as it should be. Kids are fed breakfast, lunch and dinner by the public schools (even during winter/ summer breaks), as lazy mamma who won't cook collects food stamps. She sells, say $100 worth of food stamps for $50 cash, then uses the cash for things like drugs.
For jobless benefits, who cares – get tested. If you don't use drugs then you have anything to hide or worry about.
For welfare, etc, you should aALSO be given a physical. If you are able bodied, be put to work, even if it's to mop the floors of the housing project you live in. The local governments would save a bundle of taxpayer dollars to put to better use like improving our school systems (which would hopefully reduce the amount of people on the toll in the furture.)

Only when ALL recipients of government money are tested. Everyone at AIG, Merrill Lynch, GM...

How about we ask EVERY member of Congress to also prove that they are drug free?

I wonder what the real reason for this is. If it is because some of the programs are tax funded I may see some reasoning. However, shouldn't all monies given out that are tax dollars be tied in to drug testing as well? Shouldn't all people getting tax dollars be tested? This should include all cops, city/state/federal employee, elected individuals, teachers, the whole bunch.

Wow.

Not terribly difficult to identify drug users by their posts. I think this idea is a good start. It is irrelevant how many "babies will go hungry" and it is certainly not a violation of these individuals' civil rights. They chose to break federal law when they began using illegal narcotics. They have no rights. Random drug testing will act as an amazing deterrent to drug use. Further to this, I think that if someone tests positive, they should be tried according to the possession or usage laws of their states. I am not an ignorant redneck; I am not cold hearted. I simply believe that people should obey the law. If a man or woman is supporting their children based off of unemployment benefits or welfare, they should certainly not have enough money to afford an expensive drug habit.

Despite Thoreau's doubtless drug induced musings, it is not up to us to choose which laws we obey. The laws exist for a reason, and, like them or not, I obey every one and I think every one else should as well. Let me reiterate, if a person violates the law in so flagrant a fashion, they are undeserving of any legal rights. To break the law and then hide behind it is a double standard. That is unacceptable.

Finally, if ANYONE ever tries by force to take my hard earned money to support an illegal habit, I will tear off their arm and beat them to death with it. I am not using hyperbole. If Drug use was more severely punished and not glorified by different media, (id est, some TV and movies) then perhaps it wouldn't be such an epidemic. Americans need to grow up and take responsibility for their actions, as opposed to looking for a handout and complaining when the United States tries to enforce its laws to their detriment.

Seriously people, it is not that hard to not get high or drunk or smoke your salary away. Get a job, and stop complaining. If you can't find a job, join the Army.

God bless America.

I have been talking about this for years! I work in a place of business where the mothers on benefits are drug addicted and tend to take advantage of the system. Never mind the kids are underfed...her drug screen is positive. It has to stop somewhere and I believe this is the perfect place to start.

Everyone needs some motivator in their lives to get themselves off drugs. A lot of people wait until they hit rock bottom and realize getting clean is the only option. Maybe having to get clean to make rent, or realizing if you don't get clean you will lose the source of income (welfare) you use to buy your drugs will motivate some people to get themselves clean, get their lives turned around, and start giving back to society instead of being a drain on it.

GOOD JOB.. I am tired of working every day , just so the government can take my money and give it to people who DON'T work . just sit home and make babies, run to the club, and get high all day....( WITH OUR MONEY.)

West Virginia a state full of Christian revivialist, snake handlers, and bible toting right wingers. So what can one expect of the state legislature that substitutes the bible for the constitution, and christianity for democracy.

I AM FOR MANDATORY DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OF BLAIR AND ANYONE ELSE WHO SUPPORTS THIS SILLY BILL. IF THEY DON'T SUBMIT TO THE TESTING EVERY SINGLE DAY, THEN NO DEAL. IT IS TIME FOR THESE PHONY POLITICIANS TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP!!!

Lori,

You state that drug addiction is a disease. I would like to point that one could NEVER become a drug addict without making the CHOICE to do drugs. it's pretty simple!!

For example, I have chosen NOT to smoke crack. Based on my CHOICE to not smoke crack, I save myself from the risk of becoming a crack addict. If one chooses to smoke crack, then they CHOOSE to place themselves at risk of adiction. Addiction is a "disease" (notice I put that in quotes) that is 100% preventable,; dont do drugs and you wont be a drug addict. Saying drug addiction is a disease allows drug users to abandon responsibility for their choices. Drug adiction is a result of choice, it is not the result of a disease!!

Although, I do agree that drug testing before recieving any type of assistance should be necessary, it frightens me to think of the children that may go huingry because their parents WILL spend money on their habit before buying groceries. It has been a crutch for many years to many addicts or users. However, the scare of regular ( I do think they should be done regularly and on surprise) might help some people clean up their act.
Who all should get drug testing? That is the big question. Are we gonna test the 85 year old woman in the nursing home that recieves disanilty? Where do we draw the line on cutting tax dollars for this?
If you get medicaid or diability, lets make sure that your prescription drugs are cleared on those test.
We all know there are RX abusers, so how are we going to keep up with all those doctors prescriptions and dosages. That would be alot of information thath the government doesnt need to kow about myself. What my doctors prescribes me is my business, but if it will keep users from abusing the system, I guess we all must make sacrifices. After all, that is what this is all about.

Listen up liberals,....it's not against privacy rights or civil liberties and it’s not a disease either, it’s a choice to be on drugs. I have a right to know if my tax dollars are going to people who have enough money to buy drugs but not enough to pay their own bills. My tax dollars should not be wasted on people who get wasted with other people’s money. Period. This is common sense which is why you don't understand it.

If there are unintended consequences then so be it. I would also take it a step further and say no more buying Doritos, soda pop, or candy with food stamps. If you and your kids are truly needy then you need bread, milk, and eggs. …..Sorry,.....when you get off the public dole then you can buy your own potato chips and pot. In fact, I see this all the time. People go down to the public assistance office with their Hondas with 24 inch rims, children in tow with cell phones, game boys, and nice clothes and walk out with money to pay the rent, food stamps, utility assistance etc….I want to know if any of these people are on drugs. Yes!....gov’t workers and politician need testing too…For those of you saying it will make things worse, go fly a kite. You can give your hard earned money to these sub-human leaches. You people are morons. Your bleeding heart postings give new meaning to the statement “criminals have more rights and benefits than you do” I mean listen to yourselves. You can pay your taxes, go to church, work really hard, and at the end of the day, a crack head…according to these people….are entitled to your hard earned money…RUBISH!! This is the most ignorant, repugnant, mucked up thing I have heard of and it needs to stop!. I recoil from this type of thinking.

To the people that are protesting that this is a violation of privacy and people's rights: IF ONE IS ABUSING THE RIGHT TO BE HERE, ARE YOU STILL ENTITLED TO PRIVACY???? And to call DRUG ADDICTION A DISEASE? WTF??? How do you even get such a distorted idea? Get your heads out of your asses. Your ignorance, let alone the topic of discussion, just boils my blood. That's ludicrous! If the law should enable any employer to drug test anyone, how is it any different for the government to require testing in lieu of receiving taxpayer dollars in the form of free benefits? This country has become so extreme and bent on “helping the people” that we have lost what it means to even be called ‘we the people’. The government needs to weigh the needs here. Take away all this excess privacy that everyone has become so bent on to the point of ABUSE and maybe people will start holding themselves accountable dammit! No sympathy from me… nope.

I am not sure about unemployment, but i do believe that if you are on welfare that you should be tested.

I would support this as well. There is not one logical reason not to do this. I think we seem to give out to much money to help people that the taxpayers can't keep up with so we borrow from China. Rather see that this money is not wasted on meth addicts and crackheads. Drug use is a choice, unfortunately paying taxes isn't but these drug users raen't paying taxes just trying to reep the benefits from the sweat of hard working americans. If somebody is holding a job, not asking for goverment help and doing drugs, well that is their porogative but at least I'm not paying for them.

If I have to be drug tested to get a job then those collecting unemloyment benefits should be tested as well

I'll support this when a similiar measure is past requiring all politicians to do the same.
"Yes congressman, just pee in this cup and then you can be seated in the house, provided you pass."

What's the big deal. You have nothing to fear if you don't take drugs. The program needs to be tied in with an immediate admission to a rehab program. I rather have a world of working ex-drug users rather than one filled with the havoc that is caused by illicit drug-taking individuals. It's about time.

i think its a great idea.

Yeah, and if you're not Christian you shouldn't get money too becuase that would be funding terrorists. We'll give em a test to see if they know the 12 days of Christmas and if they fail, they 2 weeks to learn it and become Christian.

Yeah, and if you don't like country music you shouldn't get money too because that's just unAmerican. We'll give em a test to see how many NASCAR drivers they can name. If they fail, they have one month to learn them.

Yeah, and if you have all your teeth, you don't get any money beause you must be from out of state.

Yeah, and if your sister.......

You get my point.

***I’d prefer they get their handouts from the Gov.****

The problem is that the government is us, the hardworking people who pay taxes so the lazy, uneducated, welfare lifestyle is allowed to continue.

I'd prefer they get jobs and support themselves, just like I do so I dont have to support myself and them! GET A JOB

(Before people get into an uproar, I KNOW that there are people who are prevented from working due to illness, injury, or disability, and I WANT them to have acces to beneifts. That is different than thsoe who choose to live that way as a life style, or those who are being supported in their abandonment of employment thorugh their choice to do drugs instead of work. There are DESERVING poor and there are the UNDESERVING poor. If you choose to smoke crack instead of choosing to work, I should not have to support that by my hard work that generates tax dollars that are then freely given to crack heads! Again, one could not ever be a crack head without making the choice to smoke crack.

every day at work i am faced with the possibilty of a drug test therefore ;i stay clean and drug employers arte the ones who contribute to the unemployment benefits in most states it only makes sense people filing claims should stay drug free also instead of not working 'drawing a check' and sitting around getting high at taxpayer expense i say zero tolerance test them all

Um hello? Many jobs require a drug test, so if one is getting hand outs from the gov (and therefore NOT WORKING) they should be held the same standards as those that are no matter the cause (health, injury, laid off, etc.)

It cost money to test first of all and also i wonder why nobody give me tests when i pay my taxes when i work but as soon as it time to give me back 1/1000 of what i pay they will spend money on testing and not on helping me.... politicians trying to save money by spending it again. what a stupid idea.

yes, I think EVERYONE who applies for government benefits/funding should be drug tested. There are too many of us out there working day to day to support these people who just lie around doing drugs and living off our tax dollars. Something needs to be done in order to stop them.

For government benefits, okay.

But unemployment INSURANCE is not a government benefit, it's insurance, and should not and can not be made conditional after-the-fact.

Extended unemployment takes effect when the insurance runs out, and is a government benefit, so I could go along with making that conditional.

If they can afford cigarettes now ($50 a carton), they can afford food..
I quit smoking cos it got too expensive for me last year and I didnt get a hand-out to help with food so i could buy them. Why should my tax money support ANY addiction,whether it be drugs,alcohol or tobacco??
I think NOT!!!!!

So you've worked at a job for 20 to 30 years, you get laid off because your employer is going bankrupt, and you are in your 50's or 60's. Now to get your unemployment benefits (which you can not live on) you have to pee in to a cup. Wow, I hope "those people" who want drug testing never lose their jobs and have the indigity of going through the unemployment system and have to pee in a cup just to get a third of what they use to get.

As a fully employed recreational drug user for the past 30 years and never missed a day of work, does this mean that I do not have to pay into the "system" since I will be denied benefits owed? Fair is fair.

While we're at it why not cut off funds to smokers,those that are obese,and folks that have other lifestyle diseases like type II diabetis. Come on Craig let's get real.

I think that our elected officials need to be subjected to drug testing.
They are getting our tax dollars too.

Some of you would change your tune if you were to be laid off and
have to collect unemployment, wouldn't you?

Just to add, I think it's incredibly sad the way some people come off here with this "all about me" attitude. MY TAX DOLLARS! MY COMMUNITY! ME ME ME ME ME!

You act as if a person smokes pot at a party on the weekend they don't deserve their GOD GIVEN rights as an American. People can waste just as much money on booze as they can on any type of illegal drug, and do more damage to themselves and their families in the process.

It's a truly, truly pathetic attitude and I feel sorry if you're that much of a selfish and simple minded person.

I'm also one for drug testing prior to receiving government benefits, as this comes out my MY tax dollars and as a member of the public I have interest in making sure it doesn't go to further a habit. There have to be consequences to running a habit while on my dime. I also agree that there has to be adequate support to break habits offered along with reduced or denied benefits, or this will not work.

No. Have you never heard of invasion of privacy? No big surprise he's a republican. Haven't they ruined the country enough already?

Hallelujah!! It's about time someone openly said that welfare is going to buy people more drugs. I've said for years that we should start drug testing before handing out government assistance. The welfare system in this country is horribly misaligned! People need to be responsible for their actions; if they can't get a job because they're on drugs than why should I pay for them?? I say YES, please start testing people for drugs before handing them any assistance. Those that truly need it will pass, and those that are merely abusing the system will soon learn that nothing is free!

Thank you Sir, I commend You!

Of course they should. I thought they were doing this already. I don't want my tax money going to pay for someone's drug habit. I've seen too many people buying beer with food stamps in my day!

The question is "Should there be drug testing to obtain benefits?" You have all written too long of an explanation. The easy and correct answer is unequivocally YES. Period. Right on Amanda. From a retired U.S. Naval Officer.

I agree with David, up there, on the fact that Americans are completely ignorning the addiction mentality that exists. We've forgotten how to accept responsibility and take blame for ourselves. Americans also seem to love to stick their noses into other people's business–rather than tending to their own. I'm an American, and I like to mind my own business, not tell someone else what to do in their private time.

This is just ridiculous, this suggestion to drug test for unemployment–for any type of government benefits. I took a drug test for one job as an adult, one, and after that, I decided it was just too big an invasion of privacy–I do not use street drugs, but it's the principle of the thing. After that, I would only work for companies who would take me on my business reputation and skill, not on my urine.

We have to draw a line somewhere and say, "No more!" And mean it.

I agree 100% on the drug testing , if I had to take one to get my job the people appling for unemployment and food stamps need to do the samethiing I'm a taxpayer since the age of 16 years old I don't need to be supporting someone who is using illegal drugs with my tax money. Use my tax money to help the homeless kids and not to provide money to drug users I'm not going to support someone elses bad habits. Franky De Jesus age 52.

****It goes without saying that the above should be allowed as long as you are not hurting anyone else.****

The problem is that it IS hurting someone else, ME!! (and a lot of poeple like me!!!)

I have to work two jobs to support myself, I have been doing that since I was 16. No one has EVER given me a handout.,...but I have to pay the government money so they can reappropriate it to someone who chooses not work?

You dont think this is harmful to me? It doesn't occur to you that perhaps if I didnt have to pay some much money to the govemnet (to suport someone elses crack habit) then maybe I would have to work so many hours a week? Perhaps I could supoprt myself without a second job? Even a fraction of the thousands of dollars I pay to the government every year in taxes would be helpful. Maybe you should revist the idea of "hurting" someone else. If you think it doesn hurt me to have to work so hard, you are dead wrong!

so it's impossible to get back to work if you're on drugs... really? even pot? but it's not impossible to get back to work if you drink every night??? typical right-wing irrational thinking...

this is the typical scapegoating of the most vulnerable that goes during a recession.. let's hope the WV legislature has more sense than to pass this oppressive and unfair law.

AND: what about forcing CEOs of cos. and banks bailed out by the govt to also take drug tests??

I had to take a drug test to get my job, so I can pay my taxes, so other people don't have to work if they don't want to. I would much rather my tax dollars go to drug testing the freeloaders and make it where they HAVE TO get out and MAKE money than for the govt to do what they do now, which is pretty much just hand it out...

I support drug testing for people getting welfare. I am so tired of seeing someone checking out of a grocery store with a Link card wearing $200 pants, $200 pair of shoes, etc. while I have a job and spend $25 dollars on pants AND shoes because I can't afford such a luxury.

Enough already. The problem isn't drugs it's the economy. Stop wasting money on frivolous legislation, besides what about the individuals that have perscriptions for medical marijuana? Wait lets give them oxycotin.

I am generally not in favor of random drug testing, but if someone is using cocaine, meth, opiates, or other highly addictive substances (except nicotine) it is much less likely he or she is looking for work or is capable of keeping a job if they find one. Marijuana, on the other hand, is probably not worth worrying about.

I think it is a wonderful idea. I am lucky enough to have a job to go to every day... but I have some good friends whom are not so lucky. I love these people sincerely, but that does not mean i love all aspects of them and their actions. I'll tell you about one in particular.

Lets call him James. James has been unemployed off-and-on for the last 2 years. He collects unemployment benefits on a weekly basis. Since his unemployment, his drug habit has worsened. It started off with just pot and alcohol, but has since moved on to cocaine and extacy. And pot. And alcohol. Scary stuff. I have a feeling that at least part of the reason his problem has escalated is because of all the free time he has on his hands. And the lack of self-worth due to his excess of wasted time (ie:lack of a job). But unfortunately, this free time and joblessness is only perpetuated by the drugs. Drugs are a catalyst for the continuance of life as he knows it– they make time bearable and even fun, so he feels no need to go out and find constructive work. In essance, unemployment benefits perpetuate his unemployment.

Let me ask you– why would he find work? What motivation is there? The government provides him with the money (and time!) to snort , drink, smoke and pop whatever he so chooses. The government is literally funding the $20 bills he snorts coke through. Sick.

Why should any person be allowed to receive unemployment benefits to pay for any non-neccessity? Call me crazy, but I don't even think unemployment benefits should be based on your prior income at all. It should be based on need. Electricity averaged annually, grocery bills averaged annually, rent, fixed bills, ect. and very little (if any) more should be allotted.
So, long stroy short... I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Politician (which is a rare statement for me to make) on this issue. I only wish they implement it in my state as well.

The only people that they will catch are pot smokers because that drug stays in your system much longer than other drugs (more than 10X longer). The vast majority of people who smoke pot on a regular basis are just as capable of working and performing well at a variety jobs as they would be otherwise. This is just another example of a politician attempting to capitilize on the naivete of the American public in order to increase their reputation.

This is a wonderful idea! If people are going to sit at home and use drugs instead of actively trying to get a job, then they do not deserve to do so on my tax dollar. We are essentially funding their habit because how else are they paying for the drugs? That money could be put towards people who are trying to do something with their lives!

Absolutely. I have been saying that for years. It is about time.

Yes I agree to many people are getting a free ride..

I hate to say it to all you people who think that you have to pass a drug test to get a job most places, but the simple fact is that it is not really true. Only low paying jobs require drug tests. You dont have to take a drug test to be a Lawyer, or to be a scientist, (in most fields), or a computer programmer, or hell, even President of the United States. I'll bet none of those AIG executives who crashed our economy and got so much of our tax money had to take drug tests. But be damned if you dont have to take one to bag groceries at Wal-mart.

I have worked hard my entire life, i am an IT consultant, and have never had to take a drug test for any job that pays over $12/hour. I have a $75,000/year job that I did not drug test for. I smoke pot every day when i get home, but never at or before work. I have paid my taxes, I have worked hard for everything I have. Now you are going to tell me that if I get laid off I don't deserve unemployment because i smoke pot to relax at the end of the day?

Sounds to me like I should just stop paying my taxes, since the programs that my taxes pay for could no longer apply to me.

I think it is about time, there is a reason that some of these people can't get or hold jobs. I am about sick of standing in line with my meager grocery purchase and watching the able bodied men and women making large purchases with my tax dollars. Most of these people have several children they are breeding (with the same mentality) to get bigger assistance checks, what other "job" gives you a raise for having more kids? As to the people who say "So what if they are smoking a little pot?" if they have enough money for even "a little pot" they are getting too much assistance, spend the pot money for their groceries like the rest of us who work.

Can't believe that it hasn't been mandatory already.

Yes we need a drug testing policy for anyone who receives tax payer $: that includes politicians.

What would a politician know about getting laid off, they never worked a day in their life. They drink like fish at lavish parties on tax payer money, and do prescription drugs. And besides they don't pay unemployment taxes. He's nuts!

Why stop with government benefits? Why not require a drug test for admission to an emergency room...checking into a hotel or motel...voting...getting a driver's license, business license, or entering into a business or real-estate contract...getting a library card, getting married...or any of the endless array of everyday activities in which government regulation or involvement exists. In fact, why not require drug testing in order to pay taxes or file a W-2 or 1040? And while we're at it, why stop at just one "illegal" activity....why not require everyone to have paid all their traffic tickets, back taxes, unpaid federally backed loans, parking tickets &etc. before being 'allowed' to perform any of the aforementioned activities? Why limit ourselves to a namby-pamby incremental construction of a Police State, when we can simply 'go the whole hog' and immediately implement the full apparatus of Totalitarianism and have done with it?

Those advocating this testing deserve, at best, rotten eggs and tomatoes...and the contempt and fear of their fellow citizens, who they propose be the victims of the limitless arbitrary government power they suggest.

In the movie Religulous, Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) gets trapped into saying "you don't have to pass an IQ test to be Senator." Apparently the same holds true for state legislature. What Mr. Blair either don't know or doesn't seem to care about is that there's no basis for his argument. His tactic is a classic case of non sequitur, which is a common fallacy is argument meaning he is making an assumption based on correlation, not causation. It may be true that many people on the unemployment line use drugs, but are the drugs the reason they're on the unemployment line? There are many very successful people in this country and around the world who use drugs, and there are many people on the unemployment line who do not. This alone suggests that the drugs aren't to blame, otherwise everyone who used drugs would be unemployed and everyone who does not will be successful. In addition to his flawed argument, there's this little problem of the constitution. The fourth amendment guarantees that someone's home or person cannot be searched without a warrant issued on the base of probable cause. Random drug screening inherently lacks probable cause, it's RANDOM. Since his initial argument lacks anything remotely close to probable cause, this bill would be a direct violation of our Constitutional rights. And whether you believe his argument or not, the Bill of Rights is in place for a reason, and after the last 8 years of limited civil rights, it's about time we as Americans force our government to find solutions to our problems that also do not violate our personal freedoms.

My husband is 54 and has worked since he was 16. I have worked at the same place for 30 years and now that he can't work because of lung cancer he cannot get any help. He would be glad to give a urine specimen in order to get food stamps. We are STILL waiting to hear from Social Security Disability.

Who's going to pay for expensive drug testing? Oh right, the taxpayers!

It's not a handout people, it's called insurance. You pay for it every week you are employed and receiving a paycheck from your job. It's NOT a handout!

I would like to know how this is in any way a violation of anyone's rights! I get tested all the time; I work for the gov't...but guess what I HAVE A JOB! I went out and got my job and now I don't need gov't assistance.

I know a lot of people are on unemployment right now; they probably deserve it and really need it. But if the peopel that were put out of work because of the "Big Bankers" stupidity are now all on drugs than they have more problems to deal with than not getting gov't assistance.

The people that were put out of work by companies like AIG, Merryl Lynch, or any other huge conglomorate, are most likely searching for a job right now, and they'll probably get one. Its the people that soak up welfare for years without every truly trying to get a job that are the ones at stake; why not hold them accountable for their actions??

And again, how is this a violation of our rights? Are they asking you to give up your religion or freedom of speech? Are they asking you to lay down your firearms or give up any other freedoms? NO! they're telling you that if you want the gov't handouts then you have to be drug free; it's kind of like saying "if you want a paycheck then you can't commit a crime" not too unreasonable if you ask me

I'll support this law. I took a drug test prior to being hired at my present company, as most companies require these days. Why not make the same rules for unemployment (..which many 'in the system' already SEE as a full time job). I think it would actually fix the system, and give the people who really DESERVE unemployment the money.

This is Absurd The amount of money that would be spent on this is mind boggling. Add to that at any head shop you can get fake urine for $25 and pass any stupid test they throw at you. So who's this really benefiting? Not the people. And no I'm not willing to spend my tax dollars so a politician can catch a few potheads and look good in the process. There are more important things to spend money on right now.

I support random drug testing for people who the tax payers have to keep up. If we have to pay for their health care, and prescriptions, and food, then they should only get the bare necessities and should not be allowed to take prescription drugs to "get high". Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic and most of the drug abusers and dealers are using governement benefits to pay for the doctor visits and the drugs themselves then they turn around and make a large profit by selling the drugs on the streets. Drugs ruin lives and families, even prescription drugs. If people need help with health care and prescriptions they should only be able to get the necessities, not the highly sought out pain pills, and other narcotics that can be sold on the streets for a profit. I have personally experienced what drug addiction can do to a family and it is not fun, and it affects every aspect of your life.

I say yes to the drug testing. I was laid off back in Jan. and just got called back to work, and I have to take a drug test before I'm allowed to start back. I think that anyone working in government jobs along with anyone who is receiving assistance should be required to take drug tests. Anyone who fails shouldn't be allowed on it. I for one am tired of being told that I can't have assistance because I would've made too much on unemployment, but someone who is hooked on meth and other drugs can walk in and simply get any type of assistance they need. While me as a tax payer is floating the bill. If we would make people start taking responsibilty for their actions then maybe this country wouldn't be in the shape that it is in. So I for one say YES to drug testing.

Okay, so pot smokers will be denied the benefits that they paid taxes to support but alcoholics, crack heads, coke freaks and criminals are home free.

On the other hand, the political cretins that dreamed up this publicity stunt must have been smoking something and, therefore, will be denied the unemployment benefits that they paid taxes for.

..

Yes. Just as we now place a burden of responsibility on any business using tax dollars, I believe we should extend that down to the individual. Why should people who work support behaviors that do not help individuals help themselves. I am all for helping those who cannopt help themselves and I believe we start by helping them to get or remain healthy, become self-sufficient and productive.
I know some see this as horrible treatment of the unfortunate but I think people can elarn to be fortunate for the good of them and the rest of us.

I think this is a great idea, aside from adding the unemployed into it. Alcoholism and drug addition may be a disease, but it is one where the person has a CHOICE. Cancer patients can't just get up from their beds and decide one day that they no longer want to have cancer. I know some recovering addicts and it's a very difficult choice but not impossible.

So wait, some people insist the government to stay out of their private lives by refusing to take a drug test, yet demand to receive the benefits that said governments provide?

Yeah, that argument didn't work on my parents either when I asked for the car keys without agreeing to be home by curfew as a teenager.

The state of Ohio requires that any contractor that wants to apply to bid on any state funded job must have an approved drug program in place.
25% of total employees are subject to random drug test , from the owners to janitors, mandatory annual refresher course,4 hrs. If you fail a drug test you are terminated from the job, you pay to be retested, 179.00 per test, and when you test clean you are reinstated, subject to random testing anytime for one year.
You are also required to carry an OSHA 10(10hr yearly training) or OSHA 40(40hrs one time training) if supervisory.
You are required to carry a state fire alarm license.
Because of the size of our trucks we have CDL's, zero tolerance.

I do this just to go to work every day and no less than 33% goes to some guy named FICA.

Any State or Federal funds should be subject to these same standards that the working class have to meet.

It's a GREAT idea! I work for a staffing agency that REQUIRES a drug screen for all employees put to work. If they fail a drug test, then we can't put them to work and they keep collecting unemployment. Why should we pay for their drug use?

We should also start monitoring their internet and email traffic to make sure that they aren't wasting tax dollars on internet porn and to make sure they are not terrorists. Anyone who is against this idea is obviously a pedophile and a commie.

Just out of curiosity, what should do we do with all of the newly homeless and starving pedophile commies? Maybe a camp of some kind. It would probably be good to send their children to a special reeducation program of some kind as well.

First thing – drug addiction is not a disease – it's a choice.

Yes, they should be tested!!!!

what happens to the children whos parents lose there benifits?

I think we should start with vetting all American poloticians like Obama did before placing them in his cabinet. We should check their criminal records, such as check kiting, misusing government credit cards (how can you fill up your auto with gas twice within several hoours?), placing public officials on SSA for retirement benefits, taking away their perks (why does a Representative need to travel to foreign countries on my dime when they cau use their vacation time?) and checking them for drug and alcohol abuse. Everyone sitting in Washington or in the State Capitols should be required to be tested.

Only then we can test everyone else. After all they are our "leaders". They should lead by showing us the way not buy telling us what they want to do to others.

Look, my husband and I work our you know what off to provide for our 4 children and struggle constantly. We do not get food stamps and such. How ever we do know of people who have absolutly nothing wrong with them, sit on thier buts collect a few hundred a month in cash and 6 or 8 hundred $ in food stamps and go sell them so they have money to get high because they have nothing better to do. Oh and lets not forget my favorit "life is just to hard I need this to cope". Give me a break. As far as the kids having what they need be it clothing, food etc. They aren't getting it either way now are they. Yes the crime end of it does worry me. But at the same time I am just so sick of seeing most of us struggle while these guys get a free ride at our exspense. I say bring it on at least try it for a while and see how it works out.

Let's see, West Virgina State Law makers get government checks, so I say let's mandate random drug tests for every W.V. state law maker...after all, how can you be a state law maker, someone responsible for legislating laws of the land, if you're doing drugs!?!

Craig is a fool, because he knows if politicians were forced to give random drug tests they fail. Besides, people on unemployment don't vote in the same numbers as the employed, so Craig thinks he can score political points off teh backs of poor, political disenfranchised people.

Mr. Craig, you sir are a political opportunist of the very worst kind.

so it's impossible to get back to work if you're on drugs... really? even pot? but it's not impossible to get back to work if you drink every night??? typical right-wing irrational thinking...

this is the typical scapegoating of the most vulnerable that goes during a recession.. let's hope the WV legislature has more sense than to pass this oppressive and unfair law.

AND: what about forcing CEOs of cos. and banks bailed out by the govt to also take drug tests?? - and should anybody who is a habitual drinker get govt benfits, govt bailouts??? and what about legislators? should they also take drug tests, since their salaries come from the govt? Would Mr. Blair be willing to take random drug tests himself, I wonder...

Lori youre not very bright are you? How in any sane thought can you compare using drugs to Cancer? Are YOU on drugs?!!! Besides cancer caused by smoking cigarettes, people do not choose to get it. Everyday some idiot wakes up can chooses to put the pipe to their mouth or swallow that pill or shoot that heroin. Its disgusting and i do not have sympathy for those who do it. Because they chose to do so with a clear mind at one point they werent always drugaddicts, they chose to be!!

"poloticians" should be politicians. "they cau" should be they can.

Absolutey! I don't want my tax dollars supporting people on mood or mind altering substances, that's why anyone on Prozac, Paxil, Elavil, Serzone, Zoloft, Trazadone, Ritalin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Ultram or a Duragesic patch should be tested and become homeless if they cannot kick their 'habit'.

Let he who's medicine chest is empty cast the first stone.

ABSOLUTELY !!!!! Anyone that answers no to this question must be on drugs. I sure don't like the idea of my tax dollars going to pay for some who spends their unemployment money on marijuana or cocaine or some other drug and then goes to the store and pays for their groceries with their food stamps. And they should be checking every adult in the household. The way I see it if you can afford to pay for your drugs you obviously don't need assistance from us to survive. Go out and get a job. I think everyone on public assistance of any kind should be tested and more than just at the beginning. they should be required to get tested randomly 2-3 times a month that way they can't get clean for a week get their benefits, and then do it all over again.

I think testing for drugs before receiving government benefits is a superb idea. Drug testing was a requirement for me before being hired, why can't it be the same for those receiving my tax dollars?

And why is that many of those who disagree with the testing immedately go to excuse of 'drug addicts need help instead of having their benefits taken away'? Do you really believe everyone who uses illegal drugs is an addict? That is preposterous.

Yes, testing should be a requirement. PERIOD !!!!!

I think this is a wonderful idea. I use to work for a hotel corporate office and we tried to fight workers getting unemployment for failing drug tests but it was to no avail. They would still get unemployment even though they failed drug tests! Not right!

I have also heard about people selling food stamps for cash (a lesser amount) to buy drugs. They take people to the store, buy their food, and then they get cash back.

Yes, well Ken since we are paying your benefits as a retired U.S. Naval Officer, then that throws you into the testing as well. We can't descriminate on who gets what benefits or why...if they are being paid by the government then they are all subject to the same standards.

Now don't say that you earned those benefits because I did too. I got up every morning and worked everyday and put in 50 and 60 hour weeks but I still lost my job. I am intitled to those benifits just as you are and anyone else.

I guess if this country goes bankrupt them maybe you will be in with the rest of us...how is that for a thought

I absolutely agree! I'm an unemployed software engineer at this time. Unemployment is for helping you maintain your life, not your dependencies! Only someone who is taking drugs would argue to the contrary.

Pot, Pot , Pot
Good grief since when has any pot smoker hurt any government agency, worker etc. Plus why the heck is a pot check needed while standing in the unemployment line.
I say take the money from Blair's paycheck to pay for the testing. I don't want to waste my tax dollars on something as useless and stupid as testing the unemployed for drugs. Why not test the homeless and then if they fail the test just shoot em.

Yes, test everyone who receives tax payer dollars whether they are a CEO or unemployed. Its wrong period to abuse drugs, or to sell drugs, but especially to profit from drugs that the tax payers pay for.

HECK YES recipients of unemployment and other benefits should be drug tested. I am drug tested to earn the right to pay in the $ you receive, then you should be tested to receive the benefit. Just MAYBE if you weren't taking drugs, you could find a job! Just MAYBE this would give you incentive to clean up. Just MAYBE this would motivate you. Giving you $ to feed your drug habit doesn't seem to work. I'm sick and tired of what YOUR drug addiction takes away from my family and me.

If I use drugs, I don't get to keep my job, why should drug users be allowed to have unemployment benefits. It's that simple.

Have we forgot were unemployment comes from. It's taken from your check every week.are how ever you are paid. The government started this telling the American people that if they by chance should lose there job they can draw on the money to help them get threw hard times. Unemployment is not welfare it's money that you pay in while you work.
When the States and Federal government saw how much was going in and building up they decided to start spending it and told the people not to worry that when you need it we will make sure its put back. Guess what they lied again. They did the same with Social Security. You should not be drug tested to receive your own money. Would you want your bank to drug test you to get your money out of your savings account .
If you want to drug test someone test the State and Federal government. Since most drugs test negative in 24 to 48 hour other then pot which takes 30 days. Give them daily blood test and test them for alcohol also. I don't want a drunk making decisions that effects are life's . Zero tolerance on alcohol when working. Just like most people deal with every day when they go to work. If they fail the test they get fired just like most americans.

People should absolutely have to pass a drug test to get benefits! I had to pass one to get a job.

It's an excellent idea. I proposed it to Ginny Brown-Waite (R,FL) several months ago but nothing ever got started. I have real problem with anyone receiving government help and the using it to support their habit. I see it all the time as I am in charge of seizing assets from criminals for a Sheriff,s office in Fla. I am working on a case right now where we seized cash and drugs from a multiple convicted "crack" user on probation and he is attempting to get it back by saying it is his welfare check, not proceeds of any crime. I have a problem with my tax dollar being used to support his drug habit, plain and simple.

Once again, they're NOT your TAX dollars. They're INSURANCE dollars. Get it straight before you spew your idiotic opinions!

It’s appropriate only if all beneficiaries of entitlement programs are tested. This includes all employees of companies that receive any type of corporate welfare and/or government bailout money. An entitlement program is an entitlement program. I guess next they will want to drug test seniors who receive social security benefits. I just get tired of targeting the poor. They already receive disproportionately long sentences for drug infractions because they can’t afford a high-paid lawyer to plea bargain on their behalf. The point is that random drug testing should be fair and I don’t think it will happen. It never has.

This crap about drug addiction being a DISEASE is just that... CRAP. I work my butt off and pay taxes for what? For some Baby Mamma to sit at home, smoke pot and make more babies so she doesn't have to go to work. I'm tired of people not taking PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for their actions. Whether they're hooked on illegal drugs or prescription drugs, excuses need to stop for these people and they need to be held accountable for their actions if they're going to have their hands out looking for help. They must help themselves first.

The generational dependence on public assistance in West Virginia is appalling. As someone who works with this population daily, I can say that many of them face alcohol and drug addiction, with some using their Medical cards to abuse prescription drugs as well. This measure could be a very effective way to help them recieve drug and alcohol addiction treatment, because, after all, we cannot help those whom we can't even identify. Unless they become involved in the court or public welfare system, there is a very good chance that their children, who deserve and need to be helped, will become part of the endless cycle of drug abuse and dependence on the public fisc. As taxpayers we deserve to be able to set conditions on where our tax dollars go.

Does this idiot congressman think that we had 20+ year careers working for banks 2-3 months ago and suddenly became drug addicts? Maybe that's what they do in West Virginia (which might help to explain how he got elected in the first place), but it isn't what's going on in North Carolina! It's a waste of taxpayer dollars just reading this nonsense.

I think that the law should take unemployment out of the realm of drug testing and replace it with welfare. I am not saying all people who collect welfare and food stamps are drug users, but there are a lot of people who abuse both while abusing drugs. Both systems are getting out of hand and are not regulated enough to weed out those abusing it. If you do not think it is being abused, then you should ask MTV about how they taped ODB (Old Dirty Bastard), a rapper that made millions selling albums, was still collecting and cashing his welfare checks long after he began receiving royalty checks.

Agree with WBanks, lots of folks who get unemployment spend their money on the drugs and the kids don't get any of the benefit, my neice is a prime example, kids she takes the benefits for but blows it all so she does not have to deal with reality. Something needs to change, so I can go along with having to test to get benefits...

I say do it for unemployment benefits and also for welfare and food stamp programs...make it randomly scheduled drug tests and make them submit a sample in front of another person so there will be no cheating...and yes test for pot also...but it will probably never happen because of all the "bleeding heart liberals" in America today...you know, the "bleeding heart liberals" that are all for spending $$$ on social programs as long as it is YOUR money and not theirs...same issue with crime...they are ok with it happening to YOU, but if it happens to them they will squeal like a pig that something must be done!

Random drug testing of persons filing for unemployment benefits or food stamps or any assistance program is very much political theater or foolishness. The cost, the time consumption and the embarressment should be enough to stop the political grandstanding by some. I am one who had to go through the demeaning demand of getting a drug test to get, or keep, a job. Let's drug test the Congress first, because it seems evident that they must be on some type of hallucinogentic drug. NO-NO to drug testing, unless there are some outward signs of a problem. Grow up, America.

Of course drug testing should not be required before receiving benefits, especially jobless benefits. The gentleman (Mr. Blair) states that it isn't possible to get a job if you're on drugs, yet, these people wouldn't be entitled to jobless benefits if, in my State anyway, they hadn't been full-time employed for at least the previous 29 weeks before discharge. And what program is going to pay for this new bureaucratic nightmare? Geez, lawmakers, what next? Mandatory colonoscopies?

Are you serious? Political grandstanding indeed. Does anybody know why Florida stopped random drug-testing of any kid that wanted to join an after-school activity? Because #1 they couldn't afford it and #2 the number of kids that were positive was minuscule!

But hey, if you have to look in my urine to find something wrong with my performance, go for it...as long as anyone running for office, be it president or dog-catcher, also gets tested at random. As a matter of fact, if we REALLY want to fight the scourge of drug-addled citizens in this country I think everyone should be tested. Yeah, that's the ticket! Test everyone for everything!!! The more often the better. Then we can build more and bigger jails and throw all those commies/radicals/Talibans/extremists disguised as regular Americans in them.

This could be BIG! Urine testing stations before you get on a plane, a train...maybe one for your car too! Let me work on this...mmm...wait... what was it I was working on?

Before we vilify people who may or may not use substances at any time, nicotine and alcohol must also be criminalized. And as we all know this will never happen, beware of somehow equating receipt of public assistance in any form with rampant drug use. The net of self-righteous finger-pointing has a few holes.

I for one, am sick and tired of paying taxes, and watching the lazy take my tax money, and spend it on drugs. I do think that unemployment is different......but come on....welfare??? food stamps???these are the people that should be getting tested for drugs, they are the ones asking for a hand out every month.
I think we need a tea party!!!

I can agree to an extent. #1 testing for addictive drugs that have a high potential to reduce your chances to obtaining and retaining employment. This would be drugs like crack, heroin, meth, and other drugs of that highly addictive and destructive nature. Threatening a drug addict with poverty will not help them however. A failed drug test should be a requirement that results in redirecting funds toward a drug treatment program with the added requirement to complete drug rehabilitation.

#2 it should not be a condition for receiving benefits. It should be a condition for keeping benefits. After say 3-6 months of benefits a drug test may be required to continue benefits.

#3 compensation for doing the drug test.

Our goverment should be drug tested all the time, their the crooks stealing money.

CODY:

DID YOU MISS THE PART WHERE EVERYONE WOULD BE TESTED FOR UNEMPLOYMNET INSURANCE BENEFITS?

BEFORE 1990'S ONLY AVIATION/TRANSPORTATION RELATED JOBS HAD MANDATORY LAWS FOR TESTING BEFORE THE JOB OFFER AND THEN RANDOM TESTING THERE AFTER FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

SINCE THEN BEING TESTED EVERYWHERE ELSE FOR DRUGS BEFORE GETTING A JOB IS MERELY A TRADITION CREATED BY:

INSURANCE COMPANIES,

AND CORPORATE LAWYERS TO AFFORD THEM AN OUT... TO WEASEL OUT OF WORKERS COMP.

I HAVE KNOWN PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT USERS UILTIMATELY BECOME LOSERS AFTER AN INCIDENT...SO A MYSTERIOUS TEST RESULT IS UNQUESTIONED PROOF?

REAL DRUG USERS HAVE WAYS OF CHEATING THE TESTS, INNOCENT PEOPLE GET SCREWED AND ULTIMATELY THE WORK PLACE IS NOT ANY SAFER AND THOSE WHO WILL STEAL-CHEAT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO BECAUSE THEY HAVE A GAMBELING PROBLEM OR SOME OTHER DEFECT.

THE ONLY THING LOST IS AN HONEST PERSONS DIGNITY. BUT IT'S ONLY FREEDOM I'M TALKING ABOUT. REMEMBER FREEDOM? INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN BAD TO THE BONE IN A COURT OF LAW?

I HAVE RELATIVES WHO DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM.
I DO NOT DO DRUGS.
I WOULD HOWEVER, DIE FOR MY FREEDOM.

YOU DUDE, CAN GO PISS IN A CUP FOR BIG BROTHER

Of couse they should test. And I am a former user. If one want to get welfare benefits then they should be able to prove on demand that they are not using any cash that they might have to buy drugs. If a person has the means to buy drugs, which aren't cheap, they they should have the means to buy food and other necessities that are being requested through welfare

It is a commonly known fact that many laid-off people go into depression. One way many cope is through alcohol and drugs. Not that it is okay, it's just a fact. Now you want to drug test them, they fail, then you have a possible depressed person who sees NO way out. The next phase, then, is anger which may be manifest through violence against themselves or society. So, the net result of the politician's plan would end up costing America more by mandating police interaction/investigation, possible murders or suicides, and costly incarceration. Doesn't seem like a good fix to me!!

I think this man has lost his mind the goverment allready tells us what we can and can not do the country is not free anymore they want more and more control of ourlives this is just another way to control us

Who does this guy think he is ? Our government has been throwing our money down the crapper for years. We need everyone in government drug tested.

ITS ABOUT TIME. Hard working americans including govt employees are subject to drug testing at there place of employment. (random testing included) People receiving govt checks should be subject to the same testing. Its a bit of a hastle for the poeple that are clean, but lets weed out the ones that arent. I for one dont want my hard earrned tax dollars going to drug users.

Very puritanical. In the midst of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, this guy wants those laid off to feel they have done something wrong. Bozo, get real; being laid off for the great majority of workers today is not their fault. They are the victims of the shenanigans of the gluttonous, soulless and amoral demons of capitalism who have destabilized the world in order to profit at the trough of speculative greed, and being laid off is not a sign of lack of character. The Wall Street speculators and CEOs need to take a drug test; we know they wouldn't pass the integrity test.

I think this would be a great idea!! Even in New Hampshire!! I have seen too many people who get unemployment checks or assistance from the Government and then it goes to drugs and drinking!! Not good!!

I can't help be but disappointed with the government. There is a much greater need for meals on wheels and school funding then using the money to test people for drugs. Unemployment benefits are earned by the worker. Every pay period they deduct unemployment insurance from your paycheck without testing you for drugs. What gives them the right to drug test you to receive insurance benefits YOU EARNED! Let us not forget our liberties and use tax money for programs to assist people not attack them.

I agree with this idea completely. If someone has money to spend on drugs, they don't need to be taking from everyone else. Unemployment doesn't last forever, and what's the next step? Welfare.
That's MY tax money paying for someone to sit around and get high. I don't think so. Get your life together instead of leeching off the rest of us who can handle our situations without acting like such a lame escape is "necessary" to "relax." Half of these addicts don't know what real suffering even is, and maybe if they put down their crack pipes and bongs, and read about the rest of the world, they'd realize how fortunate they are in the first place.

I think this is the best idea ever! I live next to crackheads that do nothing but sit all over everyone else's property during the day, and then cause a public nuisance every other night. not sure what (if any) employment they have, but I know they collect money from somewhere because I hear them talking about it. I think EVERYONE should be tested when collecting any kind of welfare or unemployment. Costs too much?? Think of all the jobs you'd be creating by requiring the tests. Isn't that what this administration is all about?

Will some please buy me a one way ticket to Amsterdam!That will be one less taxpaying american who enjoys weed out of this God forsaken @#$%#$@ country!!!!

NO! This is an invasion of privacy. And unwarranted. While working, the worker pays into unemployment as do employers. Once laid off, someone claiming benefits has EARNED them. What a lame and ILLEGAL idea. Are you going to drug test everyone who claims any insurance benefit for which they PAID PREMIUMS? If not, then this is bogus and just the sort of crud you would expect from an idiot from West Virginia.

Maybe welfare and food stamps, but not employment benefits. You can't treat laid off workers like criminals by default. Many people are out of work through no fault of their own and don't deserve to be further beaten down and demeaned by such hair brained schemes as this. What a horrible idea! Concentrate on restoring jobs outsourced to places like India instead of concentrating on further harrassing Americans.

Absolutely!! It's bad enough we have the people who already have a lot of money mishandling our money. I work hard to make a living, why should I support someone's drug habit. The way it's laid out is very fair, it offers them help to get their life together and on track, how can they say no to that kind of opportunity.

Drug addition in the US is getting worse each day – it's a political issue but not really that hard to solve. Anyone who says that it will be too expensive to address is irrational – that's like saying that it's too expensive to eat healthy – it's actually more expensive in the long run to not eat healthy. 3 things that we should do right away to provide immediate benefit to our citizens and the economy: 1) Close north and south borders hard, 2) Mandatory drug testing for anyone receiving taxpayer assistance and 3) Rehab assistance for all who fail drug testing. Failure to see and address this now means continued increase in crime, cost and health – those afflicted with drug addiction have the most to gain from such a program.

Test them! I know of many people in their 20's -40's that collect all kinds of support. Most are capable of work(atleast physically), but always have a fridge full of beer and a bag of pot or whatever. Not fair to us working people who do not get to sleep all day and stay up all night...thanks to their free money and benefits. They think that they are above working at Lowes or a food place. This is a lazy society in general. Geez, my parents raised 4 kids in the 60's & 70's with low paying jobs and we got by. Now every kid has to have a cell phone and top-notch computer, $500 gaming consoles, etc. Anyways, most people that WORK need to pass a drug test, so why shouldn't freeloaders milking the system have to do the same?

yes,i think it is a good idea.
i know someone who gets state benefits,
never held a job in his life and all he does is drugs.
it makes me sick.

Just another example of people who know nothing about drugs, don't understand the differences, and are looking for some connection that does not exist. Perhpas if we tested for any LEGAL drug with psychotropic effects, we could save even MORE money, to the benefit of no one. Perhaps the South should join the 2oth Century. the 21st is simply out of reach.

Oh!!! it kills me. These republicants are always against govenment interference except when they deem it needed. Face it republicants your not against big government your just want it to suit your needs.

Jeeeeez, can't he spend some time working that we have suiable regulations so the rich don't ruin the system with their greed?

Naw... to busy telling individuals what to do with their bodies.

No where in the Constitution or any law thereof says "We the people have the right to do as we want, when we want." You people complain when our leaders act in such a way, yet preach it when it tide swings in your favor. There is no inherent right that allows you to consume a banned substances no matter how safe it is. You can argue the substance should not be banned, but that is a different debate.

No one has the inherent right to receive government funds solely because they are a citizen of this country. This money is for honest, hard working individuals get through tough times in their lives (TEMPORARY unemployment). Keyword is temporary. I do not consider a two year drug or alcohol induced bender as "temporary." People addicted to any type of drug or alcohol who are incapable of holding steady employment will not benefit from these funds. 60 days is plenty of time to show you are working towards becoming drug/alcohol-free, productive citizen. This is not an IQ test one must pass, it's a basic test of commitment. Do you want to improve your situation or not?

There is no doubt in my mind that the majority of individuals using these funds (less so now thanks to the current economy) are fully capable of working, they just choose not to.There is no incentive to work when someone else is paying your bills for the next XX months...

Paul–thank you. It seems that a large amount of the people posting here have no clue about what unemployment compensation is.

And you fools that think anyone who argues to the contrary is a drug addict, gods! How narrow is your vision? That's the typical thinking these days in this country, unfortunately, if you dare to THINK for yourself, and go against the herd's opinion, you are automatically a drug-shooting, pill-popping, unpatriotic, terrorist...at the very least.

Don't you people remember what this country is supposed to stand for? Or do you just not care any longer?

I thought states have laws about medical marijuana? Do these people have to suffer or have a choice of getting needed money in the case of unemployment? The narrow minded selfish people in this world are exactly our problem. Instead of helping our "neighbors" in need people are only looking for me, me, me. It sickens me. So many people who "claim" they are christians, I believe are violating their very own beliefs with these attitudes. Think about that! Greed is the root of all evil is the truest statement I have ever heard. Greed from wallstreet to mainstreet is why we are where we are today. Wake up and get the message people or is society actually this stupid?

this is just ridiculous.. i agree w a previous statement that said something along the lines of..... if this was implemented it would just deny certain people benefits and leave out the real problems like ALCOHOLICS, ecstacy users, crack users, coke heads etc.. there are no tests for alcoholics and any generic drug test wouldnt catch any of the others mentioned either..

This is such a no brainer. If you can afford to buy drugs you don't need assistance from me (the taxpayer) to get your fix. Your benefits are designed to provide food, shelter and clothing. Not a nickel bag or rock. Anyone on illegal drugs or abusing legal forms (including alcohol) don't deserve a dime of my money or any other taxpayers. Unfortunately, you have just elected a president that is electable only if the scurge of society votes for him. Drop the pipe and get a job. You probably would not have lost your job in the first place if you were clean. If you would have put the money back each week you spent on drugs you would have had a nice security net to fall back on in these hard times.

The main problem with expanding the use of drug testing is the risk of false positives. Some foods can trigger a false positive as well as some medications. Losing a job due to drug testing is one thing but being forced to live on the street until your test results are contested is another issue.

Addiction IS a disease.
Sure, it's not a contagious disease, like the flu, but reasearch and statistics support notions of there maybe being a hereditary component to it.
The same a dditction that makes someone a crackhead is the same addiction which causes a person to have gambling problems or spend money exessively.
Addiction is simply what happens when people are unwilling to live life on lifes terms.
I agree that drug testing would be useful for directing recipients of welfare benefits to treatment options, but anything other than that would be cruel and unfair. If legislators are trying to save money, why not curtail the spending by doing something about our blossoming prison system instead of curtailing the underfunding services which barely keep people going day to day? I say MORE money should be given to the people instead of corporations in the bed with our nations policy makers.
Yes to adressing our nations problems with fisical responsibility.
Yes to adressing our nations problem with all variations of addiction.
No to targeting already oppressed minorities.

If someone has money for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. then they don't need any assistance from the government. They can use that money for living expenses and food. Now is the time to learn to prioritize.

It's amazing how many of you think it's okay to use drugs and get assistance from the government. Some say address the issue of addiction, guess what...there are programs for that too but people cannot be forced into them. The fact of the matter is there are people that genuinely need the help but there are more scamming the system. Maybe we should have a say in how our tax dollars are allocated. You can give it to the druggie who would rather get their fix than feed their kids, I will give mine to the family that adopts the kids from the drug addicts.

Sure, let's go ahead and waste somemore money on something that doesn't work. If drug testing worked why does drug use go up every year? Seems like another program invented to invade the rights of law abiding folks while making money for someone. Imagine how much millions of tests would cost?

Yes unemployment INSURANCE is different, however this entire article specifically addresses ALL public assistance including unemployment. Welfare, food stamps, etc.. IS paid for with tax dollars. You would call people selfish for not wating their tax dollars wasted and instead wanting something like drug testing applied to benefits for welfare, really??? I should be called selfish because I get mad that I feed my family spaghetti once a week because it is inexpensive ($2.50 for a family of four) while lifelong welfare recipients use tax dollars for dime bags??? That's four nights dinner for my family!!!

I RECIEVE FOOD STAMPS AND WORK A FULL TIME JOB. I AM ALL FOR GETTING DRUG TESTED BRING IT ON. I AM AN HONOST HARD WORKING SINGLE MOTHER WHO IF THE FATHER OF MY CHILD WOULD PAY CHILD SUPPORT NOT NEED A HAND OUT AS YOU CALL IT HOWEVER THE MEESLY 43 DOLLARS A MONTH I GET IN FOOD STAMPS CERTANILY DOSE NO JUSTICE FOR MY FRIDGE IT JUST BARLEY FEEDS MY SON AND THATS ALL THAT MATTERS. MABY EVERYONE SHOULDNT BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE POEPLE ON FOODSTAMPS I IF A HAD A CHOICE I WOULDNT BE ON THEM BUT THEN MY SONE DOSENT EAT SO WHAT DO YOU THINK I LIKE GETTING HAND OUTS NO ITS TOTALY DISGRACEFULL AND HUMMILATING TO ME BUT LIKE I SAID MY SON HAS TO EAT AND I DONT DO DRUGS SO BRING IT ON DRUG TEST ME EVERY WEEK IF YOU MUST I DONT CARE

I believe if you are on unemployment you should not have to be drug tested.. you have been employed and paid taxes and will pay taxes on your unemployment benefit then add in that you are not working right now probably not by choice.

On the flip side of the coin.. if you are recieving welfare benefits because you are not working and the taxpayers are paying your way then you should be tested regularly and at random. Why should I work to pay for you to sit home and do drugs? Maybe I'd like to stay home a day because I'm really sick but I can't afford to do that.

There are people out there that really need a hand and can't get it because the career welfare families keep the system drained of funds.

The test should be done with hair samples though because apparently a standard urine test can be beat pretty easily these days.

I have no poblem with drug screening to get federal assistance. A few people above have mentioned that it is a disease. But it's a CUREABLE disease. Putting the '60-days-to-cleanup' in effect will allow people to have a choice.

Either cleanup or loose your benefits. It's a choice that people will have to make. Drugs, or government help... you have a choice.

Since cocaine is considered a rich mans drug and weed is something any fool can get in the corner, the fool is who we are likely to catch because he cant afford coke. BUT if we volunteer, and I am sure I can round some up, stand outside congress with pee cups and ask for a daily dose we will be called inhuman, our backgrounds will be checked, families will be harrased, be charged with treason, have the city's finest arrest us and be placed on the terrorist watch list. Now what is the difference between the citizen of the United States and members of congress who would like citizens tested?.....I thought so.

Fabulous Idea! I've been saying it for months. This is not a violation of your rights.... Just recently a friend of mine had to stay in a woman' s shelter that in turn gave her assistance in paying her rent once she was out. She told me stories of how some of the women in this place were always high on pills and sharing pills with eachother. They all got food stamps, but guess what they did with them, traded it for cash to buy more pills. All along I'm thinking I'm bearly making ends meet and these people are spending my tax dollars to get high. I'm all for supporting people who are going through a rough time in their life (my friend) but not those who are going to just blow it on ILLEAGAL drugs.

And the last time I checked I put in the hours to make the money that is taken by the government and I'd rather see it go to something worth while. Whether you are addicted or you just like it, its illeagal and if most Americans have to abide by the law to work and pay those taxes, then those benefiting from American tax dollars should have to abide by the law as well.

I wonder how many of these unemployed people turn down a job because they do random drug testing???

I agree that drug testing would cut benefits. If these people can afford to buy or steal to pay for drugs, tax payers should not be paying for their benefits. Previous comments made, Employees pay for unemployment taxes (false) Employers pay this tax. People could use other peoples urine (false) If tested in a lab Temperatures are taken to compare with urine. Let's start to do something to prevent fraud in state given benefits. College Students whose parents have money, in order to pay tuition for school, in VA are given food stamps. While someone else is working two jobs at Burger King does not qualify. What's right about that?

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO RECEVES TCA FOOD STAMPS AND GETS ALOT MORE FROM THE STATE DOSENT WORK OR TRY TO SEELS HER FOOD STAMPS TO GO OUT DRINKING AND PARTING AND NOT SUPPORTING HER 2 KIDS SO YES DRUG TEST

I drive a truck, I don't do drugs and I am required to submit to random testing at any time. If I have to submit because of a license then anyone who gets any federal or state money should have to do the same.

Why not test for the biggest drug of all, Alchol. How many deaths are attributed to this drug and it's legal. How much money is wasted on this by alcholism? I think Craig Blair should be tested for this one. How many lost days of work are attributed to this? How many car accidents? Send me a verifiable death attributed to marijuana. Send me the same number of deaths as caused by alchol and I'll give you a billion dollars. How about gambling addiction? How do you test for that Mr. Rocket scientist Blair? How many people take their unemployment and go right to the casino? What about smoking cigarettes? Their $10.00 a pack. This must be some political rhetoric to get you elected. It's always a safe platform, drug abuse. What about the mental abuse you give us Mr. Blair? Please, give me a break.

I am subjected to random drug testing at my job. Considering that these benifits come from my tax dollars and the fact that my employment is contingent upon passing those tests then I believe the people applying for these benifits must also be subject to the same testing. If I have to pass in order to get paid then shouldn't they?

i have had to go on welfare before and when i went into the office there was a girl walking out of the office talking on the phone and she said "ok i got my money i'm gonna stop by to pick up my weed".. yes anyone who wants money from the gov should be drug tested.. maybe if we stop handing money to people who are just going to turn around and use it for drugs we might be able to help people who really need it...

This idea is not only costly but crazy!! It's bad enough that people are down on their luck. This would be a kick in the butt. Take it from someone who was unemployed for over two years just three years ago. You already feel bad that you don't have a job. Now ... you gotta pee in a cup? It's a humiliating situtation enough without having to add more stipulations.

DUH?

terrible idea. this will only hurt marijuana users, because any other drug is out of you within 3 or 4 days.

and lets face it, marijuana is NOT a bad thing. if you disagree, well, then read a book because you need to be educated.

What does testing people for drugs have to do with benefits? Since some people feel that this is a good idea? How about just scrapping the whole principle of freedom and equality in our country (Land of the free)? It's not going to make things better, it is'nt going to unify people, it will only segregate people, all the while making things worst in a this time of economic crisis. You really want to know where your tax dollars are going? Think bigger. Do your part. Pay YOUR taxes. Instead of pointing the finger at the unfortunate. Everytime we pay taxes, we are funding the the system that makes it possible for poverty to exist in the first place. So don't sit around crying and trying to point the finger at the people that have a little less, that are applying for benefits, foodstamps etc....The same way we should'nt turn around and point the finger at the extremely wealthy. We're funding all of it.
Drug test?! Stupid idea.

Interesting.
But didn't the supposed drug users had to hold a job before they lost it and had to go on unemployment? Wouldn't that make them WORKING people?
So it was fine that they maybe did drugs when they were working and paying taxes, but it is somehow became wrong when they now are to collect what is due to them by right.
What is wrong with this picture?
And please lets not forget that unemployment is NOT the same as welfare.

Do it.

Test them all.

If you want someone to call insensitive, I'm right here. I don't want my tax dollars supporting those who pop positive on drug tests. I don't care who goes hungry. If you don't have the personal integrity to curb your habit so you can collect money that's not yours, to feed your family/pay your rent/whatever, then you don't deserve to feed your family/pay your rent/whatever. It's as simple as that.

While I agree with the notion that marijuana causes less damage then other inhibitants such as Alcahol, it's not the point on the debate. It's illegal. Want it changed? Lobby it. That's not what we're talking about here.

The issue, is this would encourage those who draw from a public coffer, to actually start back on the straight and narrow. And to those who get shut out because they couldn't control themselves enough to collect OTHER PEOPLES MONEY: too friggin bad. Looks like they're going hungry.

This is a great policy idea. If the most arduous thing that an unemployment check recipient has to do is pass a drug test to receive handouts, I think its still a fair deal for them. What else are they doing?

Yeah, more drug testing! States should randomly and without suspicion drug test all welfare recipients. Oh wait, Michigan tried this in Marchwinski v. Howard (2003) and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said it violated the Fourth Amendment. Hmmm, well how about you start drug testing politicians then since they are the ones that write this legislation. Oh wait, Georgia tried that in Chandler v. Miller (1996) and the U.S. Supreme Court struck the law down saying it violated the Fourth Amendment. ARG, that darn Fourth Amendment is getting in the way of everything. Let's see what former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis thinks:

"It is … immaterial that the intrusion was in aid of law enforcement. Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding."—Justice Louis Brandeis in Olmstead v. United States in 1928

Alright, but what does he know, the guy sat on a bench back in the 1920's and things have definitely changed. Luckily there is case law that allows for drug testing of some classes as well, see: Skinner v. Railway Labor Executives' !profanity!'n (1989), National Treasury Employees Union v. Von Raab (1989), Vernonia School District v. Acton (1995). All of these cases dealt with different groups of people and the court weighed privacy interests against public interest in different capacities.

With regards to Constitutional law a private company does not have to worry about the Bill of Rights when employing someone. The Government, however, does have to worry about those pesky Amendments when employing someone. It looks like the only opinion that will matter is that of the 9 Justices that end up hearing this case. I'm sure a whole slew of defense attorney's will make out pretty good in billable hours and media recognition.

If they are want us to test then congress should also have random drug testing. Aren't they getting our money also!

ABSOLUTELY; do the test and pass it. Every day Millions of people in this country have to take and pass a drug test just to get or keep their jobs. And oh, thats while actually working for their "employment benefits".

If I have to pass a drug screen to get employment, the same should be for those that my tax dollars are assisting. Why should I work, so they can lay around and do drugs? There are programs for those that are addicted and become a productive citizen. As long as the money comes with no attachments, they live it up until the next check comes. The kids are suffering anyway,drug test or not, because they aren't using the funds to feed them anyway. Welfare and Food Stamps were not designed to be a way of life. It was designed to help people during difficult times. I know people that have been receiving assistance since they were childern themselves. I was a training instructor and I had one of my trainees quit work. She told me that she could draw more money from the government than she could make. She had 4 kids, all different fathers, lived in low income housing, WIC and food stamps. Then there I stood working everyday so I can keep people up with that mentality. Drug testing is a good first step. I think that every workplace needs to be Drug Free Workplace and everyone that is receiving government assistance should abide by the same rules. You will never stop everyone, but it is a start.

If you want to solve the problems of America, All politicians should be drug tested. They all get paid with tax payers money. GTH

I believe that it should be a requirement to pass a drug test before you get any benefits. Once you get benefits, you should be subject to random screenings. There are many jobs out there that require periodic drug screening to keep your job, so I do not see the problem with the screenings to get the unemployment benefits.

To hear some of the comments on here is laughable. Ray in NJ is one. I was unemployed and underemployed in 1997 and did not find a job in my field until 2001. Was I depressed? Sure as heck was! But did not take a drug nor a drink. I went out there sold, cars, telemarketing, almost any job I could find to sustain me. I even slept on people's couches, doing what I had to do to survive. And guess what people, I could have gotten food stamps but didn't!! I am presently unemployed again and have to go back out there, but I more prepared than before. I have NEVER failed a drug test, my hard work put money into the system for me to get that money if I'm unemployed. I worked for a company that drug tested randomly, not in a pee cup, but using a swab with a company rep looking at me doing it. When is this madness going to stop.
I was just laid off several days ago and for some jerk politician to come on the scene with an silly idea like this is sick. It is not about who is doing what drugs, it is about putting honest people who have played by the rules BACK TO WORK. I'm sick and of people like this coming up and treating everyone as if they are already guilty before proven innocent. Like I said in a previous post if he and others on the hill will submit to MANDATORY drug, alcohol and cigarette testing EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES then I'll support the bill. If not, go back to the hills and be the hillbilly you are because we sure as heck don't need an idiot like you solving our nations REAL problems!!

I know several drug addicts that are on welfare and food stamps. They use most of the assistance they get buying drugs. Whether it's a check or selling their food stamps. I would love to see the money cut off so they would be forced to clean up their act or be miserable. They get jobs every so often and then when they get laid off they don't use the unemployment to make ends meet, they use it to buy drugs and lay around all day trying to figure out where to get their next fix. Then when the money runs out they lay around for the next check to come in. Once the unemployment runs out they get another job or start stealing to support their habit. I don't take drugs and if I was laid off I would not be offended at all to be tested to receive my check.

AS USUAL it's BLAME THE VICITM. People that have paid into unemployment don't need this added expense!! What about the CEO's of the banks. HMMM maybe they should be drug tested AND Alcohol use should be included!!! Enough of the Representatives in this country!!! They need to be drug/Alcohol tested AND have their tax information checked CHECKED ANNUALLY!! I will not tolerate any of my representaitves/Governor suggesting this!!

A drug test for employment? This is not justice! I think an intelligence test should be given to politicians. Please throw in a lie detector test, also.

Unemployment benefits are for the the unemployed. perhaps it is time for some politicians to be unemployed.

As another comment, make all the illegal drugs legal and tax the hell out of them. This will help with theeconomic problems, and them the IRS can go after the illegal trafficers with all their resources.

Okay, what is the big issue? Are we really that upset that in order to receive FREE food, FREE insurance, and FREE babysitting assistance you would potentially have to obey the laws of the society within which you live? Give me a break, if a person can not afford to buy food, pay for insurance, or pay for babysitting while they are looking for a job then HOW ARE THEY PAYING FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS?

There are certainly millions of people who need help getting back on their feet in this economy. I do not think it is too much for me to ask that the money I very happily pay in taxes be used to assist those who are actually trying to get out of their rut. And to be very deliberately kept from those who want to sit around and get high.

To the person who is using illegal drugs and has an issue with being tested to receive aid, I say stop spending your money on drugs and start buying food for you and your family.

With regards to unemployment, that at least can be debated because those who are unemployed and receiving that help at least theoretically paid into the system. On the other hand, how hard are they looking for a job when most any employer requires a drug test?

This is a ridiculous idea. Do we as other people with diseases to be tested? Also, are we going to ask all of the people on corporate welfare to start getting tested? That will go over well on Wall Street.

YES! Drug testing should be required to draw public money for any reason.

Habitual users of public tax dollars, lifelong welfare community included, should not be funded "ad infinitum" by people that work for a living. They most certainly should not receive public money to purchase drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.

You can spot these leeches a mile away. They want someone to provide for their every need while they take no responsibility for anything and don't even provide food for their children. They can buy drugs, alcohol and cigarettes though. They can usually be found at home when the people that are paying for them are at work.

I know you liberals will be all in arms over truthful comments like these, but you created this problem and are too blind and or stupid, to see the truth. You are the problem with society today. I wish you could all go live in France.

So he may know a few folks like that, but that does not mean the majority of those who are looking need to pay to keep the drug testing companies in business. I think he must have stock in these types of drug testing companies so he is pushing it so him and his cronies can make a few $$$$. The benefits do not last forever, and if the person has a serious issue, is will be obvious to a case worker just by their appearan'ce (loss of weight, can't focus, behaviour, can't keep or remember appointments), then those people need to be addressed. It would be cheaper that way and big brother needs to go back to work search logs, with names and addresses as proof of work search, then it can be fairly determined if that is the problem. I think the truth of the matter is there is not enough jobs with technology and outsourcing. People are going to have to be more creative.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I am sick of people sucking up $$ they don't deserve. You have to take a drug test to get and keep a job, why then shouldn't you have to take one to get tax dollars from those who are working! They said right in the article that it would be for any kind of assistance; welfare, unemployment, etc.

A violation of rights?!?!?! You have got to be kidding me!! It's a violation of my rights as a tax payer that I am forced to support others who refuse to help themselves. These programs are in place for people to get back on their feet, drugs won't help anyone get back on their feet!

So, if you don't use drugs you'll have nothing to worry about. However, for those that are/have been to lazy to find a job and want government welfare, prove that you're actually doing something to better yourself, and not wasting money on alchohol and drugs!

Thank God someone has finally got the sense to test people before they get a check.
I have to get a drug test for employment and I'm glad, finally, that people who sit on their asses (and there are quite a few) and collect a welfare check are going to have to prove my tax dollars aren't being spent on drugs or alcohol.

if someone is on unemployment how are they getting the money to buy the drugs????? our tax dollars are........

Even more importantly, with some of the idiotic legislation being now being written, all of congress should be forced to submit to drug and alcohol testing.

I too believe ANYONE receiving money from the government should be subject to drug screening. ANYONE! Yes, that goes for elected officials as well. How many mayors and governers have we seen in the paper caught with drugs? And these people are the ones making the laws for the majority. Come on people, this is a no brainer. But it should not just be for unemployment and welfar. It should be for SSI and police and mayors and all across the board.

I think that its a great idea! If they have money to be on drugs they have money to go and by food! I mean, I know many people who actually need the money and dont use drugs but the government wont give them anything b/c they think they make enough to survive. I say we get those freeloaders a drug test. I just went to the public aid office with a friend and these people roll up in their big cars with rims and walk in wearing babyphat and holding coach purses, and to top it off they smell like they've been smoking sumthing before they got there.

Ok so the test is positive, benefits are gone. Now who feeds the kids? Surely, we are not suggesting kids go hungry because of stupid mistakes of parents.

This man needs to look at the big picture; it may solve one problem but create even more issues. Removing benefits forces folks onto the streets or into a life of crime; at any rate the children pay the price.

This is an interesting question...on one hand no taxpayer wants to see their hard earned money sent out the window to support someone's habit, but I think if testing is required it will open the door on abuse.

I've got an idea, let's make every CEO, CFO, Pres, VP, etc. of every bailed out bank and investment firm take a drug test before getting bailed out or get corporate welfare. Does that sound reasonable? I'll bet a majority of them can't pass a drug test.

I understand the problem with drug addicts and welfare cheats, but what you are advocating is deciding who is wothy of benefits and who is not. Should we give benefits to child abusers, drunks, gamblers, people who have too many children? People who are inherently lazy?, Depressed people? Can we devise a test for bankers and Wall Street wizards to make sure they will not buy a lake home with the bailout money? Is there a test for defense contractors to make sure they will not overcharge us? Can we test Congress to see if they are planning to give our tax money to their cronies? There is no limit to the number of sinkholes for our tax money. we will have to be pretty invasive to determine who deserves what.

Legalize marijuana then tax it just like cigarettes and alcohol. In my opinion, marijuana is far less dangerous. There would be a huge increase in tax revenue. Also, in my opinion, the number of crimes committed around the country would go down.

I think it should be a law and its hard to believe that someone could be upset by the proposal of the law. Common sense says we should not give assistance if people won't help themselves. This is just a part of the problem. Sure this does not fix the addiction issues but you have to start somewhere. I also think that there should be some type of amnesty or turn in reward system for corruption. Think of all the money the system could save if Social Security and Disability were not abused. You could offer some type of reward system to those that help stop this type of corruption. I know there would be some obstacles to figure out but lets stop the madness and help those who need it not just those who want it.

I am not all that concerned about people being tested for drugs that are receiving benefits at tax payers expense. However I am very concerned about the children of these drug users. Once you test and find out that an individual is still using drugs beyond the sixty days the plan is to stop their benefits. What are the children of these unfit parents to do? Who is going to take care of them?

Sounds great in theory, but will have negative repercussions that politicians forget when they originate legislative pieces such as this to appeal to their voters. In face of large unemployment rates across the nation in a recession era, putting up a drug testing standard will cripple the economic recovery, even if by marginal amounts.

Lets not forget that a sizable portion of the currently unemployed were no longer the stereotypical low-incoming lifestyle of drug abuse unemployed, but rather more middle class and lower-middle class families that are being affected. Many of whom, mind you, are facing the squeeze from an already tight economy, with housing troubles, credit card problems, etc. The average homeowner being just 30-90 days from homelessness after losing income, putting up drug tests as a qualifying factor may actually hurt those who are in a transitional period, but relies on this supplemental income to survive, as opposed to weeding out the druggies.

The cost of the drug tests, the logistical practicality, and the negative repercussions are potentially more costly by net measurements. It does not make economic sense in this recession.

Funny they do not rquire a test to deduct money for unemployment fund when I have a job. How about mandatory testing for congressman!

Refined sugar kills more people each year than drugs!

I believe we all pay for unemployment taxes so saying these are mass taxpayer handouts is wrong. I think it's funny that others talk about the cartells in Mexico in perspective to this. OK how about we legalize drugs and steall the business from them. We are Americans and plus hasn't anyone heard of suppliments that help users pass tests or what if the user is a medicinal user with Rx from their doctor. Should we say these people don't have rights? Wow if you are for something like this go throw your self off a bridge.

How about testing for booze and tobacco. either one kills more than all illigale drugs combined. I do not want my tax money buying those items either!

Thank God someone is finally considering this!!!!!! I have been saying this for years! Almost every single person I have met who is on welfare, food stamps, receiving housing assistance, or medical assistance is on drugs or drinks heavily. People downtown sell their food stamps for cash to feed their addictions. People get gift cards from the government to buy work clothes to help them find a job and then they sell them on the Internet for cash. The government needs to stop giving free stuff to people who use it to fuel their addictions. I fully support required drug testing for welfare, food stamps, medical assistance, and housing assistance.

You have to be tested before your application is reviewed for government employment, you have to be tested before most civilian employment applications are reviewed. Why not testing before benefits are given?

I think it is a great idea. People can party till dawn and cash and use up their unemployment cks while the kids go hungry. Drugs = lazy! Why work when you can lay around and collect free money.housing, food stamps. I think all the illeagles should go in the military and earn their right to live here before they start collecting free services. So sick of peaying taxes to pay for all the felons to have 3 square meals a day, clean clothes and tv. I say send them to Iraq!

Of course drug testing is warrented if a person is going to get tax payer monies. We have the right to know the $ is being spent in an appropriate way instead of drugs. Who could argue otherwise? You have to be drug tested for a job don't you?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

People who use my Tax Dollars for their own "livelihood" should be drug tested, especially if you are on Welfare. If you have enough money to buy drugs, then you don't need my money to buy food, you made your priority straight.

Excuse me, but IF they were using drugs and worked all this time, paying unemployment fees many for most of their working lives, etc., which enables him/her to claim unemployment checks in the first place, why is it of your concern to say they can't claim if they are still using?

I firmly believe in the Constitution, the American way of life, God and Country.. I don't smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. I've been taught to work hard for the money you make and respect other people and their rights.

Why are you trying to control everybody and everything – even a person's way of life.

Invasion of privacy and not cost effective. I guess the republicans can't do anything to help the economy except try to stop people collecting unemployment. Lets drug test and his wife. I am sure she is on prescription medication to have live with this idiot..
One persons red glass of wine is another persons joint. Who really cares ..

Why were my company and myself forced to pay unemployment taxes without being informed that "we withhold the right to withdraw benefits if we screw up the country and run out of money"

Gosh, had i know that I could have spent that unemployment Tax Ive been paying all my life to stimulate the economy.

If these "drug addicts" ( i guess that makes every one who drinks more than once a month an alcoholic.) are so incapable of work, then why are they being offered unemployment?

Oh yea, because they had jobs and paid into the system. I guess they must have picked up that habit since being laid off and now are incapable of working.

If we keep giving money to people who need it we won't have enough to give to CEO's.... They can't get by on UI money.

I would prefer e-verify !

Paul April 1st, 2009 3:27 pm ET
Paul said:
Once again, they’re NOT your TAX dollars. They’re INSURANCE dollars. Get it straight before you spew your idiotic opinions!

Paul, if you bought car insurance and parked your car in a lake, would your insurance company pay? NO! Taking drugs disqualifies you from finding a job and unemployment insurance is paid to those who are actively seeking and are qualified for employment. Therefore, you should be disqualified for taking drugs!

People that resort to name calling to make a point don't usually have much of a point to make. At a minimum, people turn them off and don't listen. Maybe you should lay off the drugs.

The end comment by James has to be the most stupid comment I've read so far. Since I been unemployed a couple of days ago I have been looking for employment around the clock and guess what, I haven't even gone to the unemployment office yet! This is the kind of silliness that has to stop. Any politician who supports this bu t has no credible plan to get this economy moving again is a WORTHLESS politician. Let's face it, a monkey can come up with a idea like this. These issues are time wasters to get the public riled up because yes, even the most brain dead will support this. Are there people on drugs taking advantage of the system, YES!! Not in the numbers bottom feeders like Blair would have you believe. People who are unemployed have already been vetted by their companies, yes there may have been some who might have circumvented the system, but the MAJORITY of the people who are unemployed or on welfare are playing by the rules and for some inbred from West Virginny telling me that I have to pee in a cup to get a benefit I put money into from the start after already taking and passing previous random drug tests by my former employer is completely STUPID!!

Just wait, those of you who want to impose drug testing on unemployment benefits. Just wait until you lose YOUR job. Then you too can stay home and smoke weed! Seems like that's what the fuss is about.

But you know what? You're wrong.

I would LOVE to be working right now, but because I chose to stay home and raise my children, I faced discrimination when I tried to enter the workforce. I was old at 40. Never been able to crack that ceiling. I worked as a substitute teacher for 12 years. That was the only job I could get. The rest of the work force shunned me. Now I am trying to get a job again, and age discrimination is rampant. It's an epidemic that must be squashed. So, yeah. I smoke pot. It helps me cope with grim reality. What's wrong with that? Why don't you all go and change something about yourselves before demanding others change to meet your satisfaction.

Just an FYI!!!!!

You can not use someone else's urine. The urine must be a certain temp. The new test does not even use urine it is a swipe in the mouth and is very reasonable. Why not drug test. Why should hard working Americans that get up and go to work day in and day out have to pay for people on unemployment using drugs or worse yet a person on welfare. I am tired of living with morals and raising our four children with morals so that others can reap the benefits of our family living within our means, staying married, (less money for our kids to go to college), going to work everyday and paying taxes. Would I love to stay at home and watch tv all day...SURE I WOULD. However, as an American, my duty is not sit back and wait for handouts....

A couple points it seems like everyone is missing:

Just because you test positive for a drug test does not mean that you are buying your own. In fact, I'd say in most cases if people are out of a job, they are probably receiving their fix from their friends.. in which case governmental money is not being spent on drugs.

Let's say someone is buying their own drugs and then they get laid off... even if they immediately stop doing drugs, they would show up positive on the drug test to get benefits. Some "drug users" are upstanding citizens who hold high positions and ranks in companies, and have paid their taxes their entire life just like the next person. Many people would just as soon not file for benefits because they don't want a mark of a failed drug test to show up in their gov't file. What gives the government the right to deny the drug user money, when they have paid their equal share just like everyone else? Just because someone is a pot smoker doesn't mean they will do a bad job at work, or be an unreliable employee. It does not mean that they can't work. So to prevent people from receiving the money they earned like everyone else, at their time of most need is just plain wrong.

I think the biggest problem people against this have is with pot. No one can deny that people who do "hard" drugs, and sit at home with numerous children on welfare waiting for the checks to come in are abusing our system. I think everyone can agree on that.

I agree with the general principle of not wasting tax payer dollars, but I think that another method needs to be found instead of blanketing all drug users. I think if pot were separated from this bill that they'd find a LOT more people willing to agree to it.

Response to Lori.....How dare you compare druggies to people with cancer. Drug addiction is a disease??? Please. This is only the medicalization of deviance so that those who have made the CHOICE to do drugs can blame someone else for their inadequacies. Besides....most of the people using drugs are not addicted yet. So this would be another way to discourage those that eventually will get addicted to stop before they become dependent on drugs AND public money. Stop making excuses for people who ruin their own lives and expect others to pick up the pieces.

Employers pay for unemployment insurance and people have worked for years to earn them in their time of need. The government is just looking for any excuse to get of their obligations to their citizens because they have misused the funds – and believe me the government has misused our funds more than Wall Street. Any idiot can see that. How about drug testing the CEOs at the banks who are being given trillions of dollars, rather than condeming poor working people who are down on their luck through no fault of their own. Is this governor trying to say drug use has led to the mess in this country. No, my friend, it is greed and he sounds guiltier than anyone trying to keep money from people who have paid into the system and now need it – people who pay for his lifestyle (whatever that might be – I think that should be checked into also). I am sure his and his family's health insurance and pension has been paid for by the taxpayers also. He's just looking for a way to keep more for himself – more of what he has not earned.

I think it's a great idea for Welfare and Food Stamp benefits. I don't think I'd go so far as institute something like this for Unemployment, though. The people collecting unemployment paid into that system for years and years, sometimes decades, and are entitled to the benefit. Their employers paid into it, too. They are not generally the 'slackers' and drugs are unlikely to be much of a problem with that group who were so productive and working before being laid off. Welfare recipient's, on the other hand, are habitual slackers and most likely to be using drugs.

YES – THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE LOOOONG AGO!!

This is insane. America is changing and evolving. Our independent nature will endure this form guilt before innocence [UK], Censoring, finger pointing, persecution, dictatorial big brotherhood insecurity by these self righteous temporary law makers. Seams like a smoke screen for another control freak to get hell bent with power. Where's he from again, Virginia? We are innocent until we've broken the law and only then we will be judged on the severity of the alleged crime and proven guilt by a prosecution from our peers. Any drug testing is wrong unless there is an accident and some one is hurt or killed or a law is broken.

I think there are a lot of people who get benefits that really do not deserve them. I am tired of working hard and coming home only to see people who live in my area just hanging out drinking, smoking and other things. I think overall if they tested people and you must pass to get benefits we would pay less out and would stop capable people taking advantage of us hard working people.

We should also test them for beer and cigarettes. Why not search their house for beer, cigarettes and drugs? Full strip-searches! Dehumanize them and treat them like children. If they have the gall to temporarily need help to get back on their feet then we have to make sure to remove any scrap of self respect they may have left. It’s not like it would ever happen to any of us, right? It must be completely their fault they are in trouble, so they don't deserve respect. And I don't care if it will cost a ton of money and do absolutely zero good, I'd rather spend 10 million on drug tests then potentially give out 1 million to dirty, animalistic, marijuana & cigarette smoking alcoholics.

Better yet, allow working folks who volunteer to be tested a tax credit or insurance discount.. Not a bailout or cope out, rather a no doubt !!!

Hey! While we're at it, why don't we start testing people who drive on public roads, or people who visit national parks and national museums.

How about testing the state of North Dakota because they just received federal assistance for their floods?

Heck, we might as well test everyone receiving Social Security checks too!

notwithmytaxdollars.com is unconstitutional!!!

As tax-paying Americans, we all have a right to privacy. Stay out of my pee!

If people have worked and the employer paid into unemployment then they deserve to get unemployment benefits, people wouldn't be losing jobs if the good ol boys of the republican party hadn't put us into this economic mess people would still have their jobs, but all the crooked ceo's and the politicians put us in this position and because of their greed you want to keep money away from the little guy, get real, people need to eat and live somewhere, we don't see any of the ceo's giving money back that they stole, maybe they should have drug testing done on them also!

This is a fantastic idea. As a taxpayer I don't mind helping out the people less fortunate in our country but I do not want to be supporting abuse, recklessness, and laziness. I think a minimum requirement of being drug free to collect aid should be mandatory in all 50 states.

I'd have to say no to that one Big Brother.

NO! NO! NO! for unemployment benefits. These are folks who, through no fault, choice or even action of their own, have been thrown out of work. They're not on the dole. They're receiving what is their due, what their employers have paid premiums for - it's not charity and they shouldn't be treated like deadbeats. In fact, only the people who operate heavy machinery or drive or fly vehicles or planes carrying large numbers of people should be subject to any drug testing - as a condition of employment or anything else. The Supreme Court is wrong to have upheld drug testing - if requiring someone to pee in a cup isn't unreasonable search and seizure - and self incrimination - what is. And no, I do not and never have done drugs!

Oh, and by the way, for any of you who think that it would be harmful to take away welfare and food stamps.......too bad!! If these 'addicts' are fighting an 'addiction', the government is NOT taking away the tax payer programs to help them recover. As Napoleon Dynamite would say "you're such an idiot!".

Here's a thought for you..

If the government wants to restrict access to these unemployment insurance benefits.. why not give all Americans the RIGHT to contribute or not to this fund? It seems only fair.

I think all random drug testing should be banned. I know many people, including myself, that enjoy illegal drugs on our own PERSONAL time. I can only speak for the people I know, but they do not ever work under the influence of drugs. We are responsible adults, we excel at work, pay our bills, own houses (not a single foreclosure amongst us), have families (with great relationships), and make a contribution to society. If a business wants to drug test because they have reason to believe an employee may be under the influence at that exact moment, and is a danger to himself or others, then so be it. Different drugs effect people in different ways. Perhaps this person does need help. As others have stated, drugs are in your system for different amounts of time...well beyond the actual effects of the drug. Just because someone tests positive, does not mean they are under the influence at that exact moment.

All this being said, drug testing to gain un-employment benefits is BS. Benefits are granted because you have lost your job due to no fault of your own. NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN! Therefore, that person is entitled to benefits, regardless of any other factor.

I think it's a great idea. There are way too many people out there having their "fun" and living off the government at the same time. While the people who really need the assistance and are hard working people, get denied. i don't think anyone should get a "free ride" especially those who don't deserve it.

You don't go far enough. everyone should be tested every day. implant a tester when your born and we'll know what youdo!!!
I hope the next test will weed out the cancer people, then we can sterilize them and end cancer.
Drug testing is a slippery slope.
where do you stop. Some of you say "I don't do drugs so it's ok to test people. Giving up your right to your own body fluids is"1984, the beginning" You bullying types are just sheep afraid to think for yourselves. So when they come for your vice, be it alcohol, guns , or cigs all I can say is baa baa baa!!!!!!

just implant a tester in everyone

wonderful idea. it's rampant in georgia. makes me sick to have to support this. their should be a 2 yr. limit on welfare to start with

Also, another thing, if you see someone abusing unemployment or welfare, REPORT THEM. Don't go off complaining and asking politicians to end the programs. They do a lot of good, I know many people that got on welfare for a short time (usually to escape abusive situations) and are now college grads paying more in taxes than they ever got from welfare, some are paying more in taxes than 10,000 welfare recipients. Stop trying to throw out the baby because you don’t like the dirty bathwater.

I think that the use of drugs prohibits a person from obtaining gainful employment, especially when many employers require successful passage of a drug screening as a condition of hire. I think that requiring a drug test for those collecting my tax dollars in the form of unemployment is a good idea so they are as prepared for the workplace as possible.

That's a great idea! Everyone else has already said what I was going to...

One poster commented on this being a "free country". They need to realize that NOTHING is free....someone, somewhere, is paying for it. Addiction is a psychological condition and not a disease. The war on drugs has been a failure because we go after the dealer and not the addict. You take one dealer off the street and three more take their place. If there are consequences to an individuals drug abuse, just maybe that will be the motivation to getting help. I believe in drug testing.... I don't want someone working next to me that is drug or alcohol impared. If I am giving 100% then the guy next to me better be giving the same. You can't treat a problem until it is identified and random testing is the best way to do that. Whether it is jobless checks, welfare, food stamps or whatever....show me, a tax payer, that you are doing everything possible to insure that you are a viable candidate for employment. You do that and I will have no problem with you getting any form of public assistance you qualify for.

I can not believe the comments. I can not believe that some of you believe that using MY MONEY to buy drugs is okay. It is NOT about privacy. it is not about being unconstitutional, it is about MY tax money paying for drugs. Oh yea!!! if your parents are on drugs and you as a child get taken away and put in the system and stay in the system....guess what...you now get to go to college for FREE! Yes that is correct on MY tax dollars, but we think that is fine....My children will come out of college with $40,000 in debt due to the fact that my children have parents that stayed married, work two jobs, and PAY TAXES!!!!!

IMAGINE THE CONCEPT!!!!!

To all the people supportive of this measure:

Think about this: People who are collecting unemployment have technically already paid for this "insurance" by paying their taxes when they were working. Unemployment funding comes from us the taxpayers. This person is just needing the money to get by from week to week. Why assume that this person who at one time had a job, and then got laid off now is suddenly someone who can't be trusted and must be randomly drug tested? Unemployment benefits only extend to a year currently anyway. This just seems like another place where the government is sticking its nose in where it doesn't belong.

I thoroughly support this bill. I have been on unemployment due to my workplace temporarily shutting down, and I would not have minded having been drug tested.

I am 23yrs old & I know of several students/employees that have used or do use drugs. Even though we may be against such use, these habits/addictions have not stopped any of them from obtaining employment; although it may have gotten some of them fired. If a person want to find employment & has to take a drug test/screen, one will either continue use & find a way not to be caught or simply stop using until they find a job. People to need to let personal views fall by the wayside & focus on more unpretencious issues.

And the govt continues to grow, I wonder how much all those drug tests cost? and what does it have to do with anything? another way to blow money.

My opinion is that politicians are more likely to be stealing public money and taking illegal drugs so I'm in favor of continuous drug tests and financial audits for all politicians no matter their level, from city, county, state to federal.

I am against drug testing for those applying for benefits.

I think it's time that government officials are subjected to random drug testing. It is a common practice upon entering a new job and keeping one. It's time they follow what their constituents do.

I am 23yrs old & I know of several students/employees that have used or do use drugs. Even though we may be against such use, these habits/addictions have not stopped any of them from obtaining employment; although it may have gotten some of them fired. If a person wants to find employment & has to take a drug test/screen, one will either continue use & find a way not to be caught or simply stop using until they find a job. People need to let personal views of drug use fall by the wayside & focus on more unpretentious issues.

For as many people that are taking advantage of our system (and us hard working people are geting screwed) absolutely they should be tested to receive government assistance. Otherwise they will milk it forever...gee, why should they get off their lazy butt and get a job when the government will take care of them.....

This is really incredible. My husband who has worked for the same company now for 37 years and has been accident free all those years (so has never been drug tested) and has contributing into un-employment as well. He is having to claim every other week as he is only working every other week for now. The money that he gets for his claim was paid by him and his employer...not tax payers! It is not all like welfare! it is awful enought to be in that system...who are you going to pay to keep track of these tests they can not keep up as it is!!!!

No you would have no right to ask him for that test!!! Besides the war on drugs was lost a very long time ago...what keep throwing money at it!

Hell yes they should be drug tested! If you get laid off then fine we should help cover the gap until you get back on your feet. But if you are spending the unemployment on drugs then you aren't doing anything to get yourself going again. I have many relatives that get welfare, food stamps and just stop doing anything productive at work until they get fired so they can collect unemployment. For many this has become a lifelong cyle and some are third generation welfare addicts living off the govt. They haven't changed their situation because they is no forcing function. Most of the people who don't want drug testing for unemployment probably don't pay taxes so why should they care how tax money is spent? That is the problem. When taxes are paid by only the small portion of a society that is most productive then there is no incentive to improve your situation. By the way Bill, don't take tax money and I have no reason to ask you to prove you don't do drugs. Seems that most of you whiners about this proposal have forgotten that this country wasn't founded on what is the government going to do for me but rather what can I do for myself. Personal responsibility is the key. You want to feed at the govt trough for the rest of your life then prepare to give up something for it. You want to be free then get off your ass, clean yourself up (including no drugs) and work. If you don't care for yourself enough to not poison your body then why should we care. Personal responsibility.

you don't need a drag test to pay taxes so why do you need one to benefit from them. this is plan and simple illegal Search and seizure.
then what are they going to do with this info. norml.org by the way i will pass the test

If it weren't for marijuana laws, I would agree with this, but considering that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, I cannot say I support drug testing while unemployed alcoholics are still free to blow money on booze.

I'm with Brian. Why punish people for smoking pot in the same manner they would be punished for shooting heroine? This testing would be incredibly expensive when you factor in testing supplies, wages for the "testers", records keeping,facilities for testing etc. it would end up costing more than the unemployment benefits they receive. Also, if people are so concerned that their tax money is going to support drug users, perhaps they should also ask that ALL goverment workers be drug tested since our wages pay their salaries. This would be like placing a small bandaid on a gaping wound, there's just no point to it.

If you have to take a drug test in order to GET a job, you should have to take a drug test to obtain unemployment benefits. I don't mind seeing my tax dollars help someone through a legitimately hard time, but I don't want to be funding their low-life drug habits... the values of which get exemplified and bred into their children so we must face yet another generation of "live off the system" junkies.

No drug testing. Waste of money and adds more to the already thick tape. Less government is better.

As long as every State and US senator and representative gets tested also.

So you need public assistance but you can some how find the money to purchase drugs (and cigarettes)? Chose those addictions over feeding your kids? Come on ... I have random drug testing to maintain my job/pay check, it is only logical that someone should have to pass a drug test to get government assistance. Why shouldnt somone on assistance have to prove that they are a law abiding citizen who actually has a financial need?

Drug testing for state aid.....HELL YES. I get piss tested to get a job ...randoms during my job... and if I get hurt piss tested again. About time someone stood up and said enough. If anyone looked in to it... I bet 1/3 to 1/2 of all the money giving out goes to the drug dealers in this country ...alcohol included.

Absolutely!! I sent my congressman an e-mail about this 2 months ago. It makes me angry how many people are in my community that are completely able to work. They chose not to and collect well over $500 a month in foodstamps. They spend it on drugs. It's not fair to the taxpayers to support their habits and take care of them. They don't get jobs because they can't pass a drug test. As long as there's no rules they'll continue to stay at home and get high while continue to support them.

If the poor and unemployed are required to do piss tests to get food stamps and unemployment benefits, only because they are getting federal cash, everyone else getting fed cash should have to do it too.
AIG, Wall Street, all the banks, all the auto workers and everyone on fed payroll should have to do it too. The executive, judicial, and legislative branches should have to be under this rule too.
I think the guys giving my money to the rich are all on drugs or they would come up w/a good plan.

I work my tail off every day, for some of the laziest, republican habitual liars in Oklahoma. I make them rich so they can flaunt their lifestyles, travel and keep up their McMansions. I mention this because they would probably be in favor of a ridiculous measure like this.

My point is, I smoke marijuana once or twice a week to blow off some steam, relieve anxiety and try to forget about the greedy white people that run my company and this country for a few hours. It puts me in a good mood. I tend to think about the bigger picture in this life, become introspective and work on improving myself.

This notion that drug users can be lumped into one big ugly category with junkies and crackheads is complete rubbish. I have a bachelor's degree, I work hard to support my family, pay my taxes, am active in the community, etc.

If I were to be let go tomorrow and was forced into mandatory urine testing to get the benefits that I PAID INTO, I'd feel personally violated, and cheated. This is totally unfair and just another example of the "culture warriors" trying to impose their will on the rest of us.

There is nothing wrong with marijuana people, if you think so, then you've been sold on the propaganda. I'm sick and tired of marijuana smokers being ridiculed by the ultra-hypocritical right wing in this country.

Keep drinking beer you morons!

So we want to drug test people who are trying to get jobs, but so quickly give billions of dollars to corporations failing under greed... Makes sense.

What a ridiculous bunch of nonsense. It would be difficult to think of a bigger waste of time and money. Is the theory that drug users cannot or will not get a job. What about drunks? Are they going to test for alcohol? Why just drugs? Because they are illegal? At that point you have to ask 'Why are drugs illegal?'. Any answer you can think of would have to apply to alcohol and to a lesser extent cigarettes. We could keep a lot more murderers and sexual predators in prison longer if cells weren't being taken up by drug users. The war on drugs is a joke.

Sheer idiocy.
You lost your job and all of a sudden that makes you a drug using suspect as you try to hold it together & collect unemployment insurance.
If you get a new job & your employer requires a drug test that's soon enough.
this idiot of course must be a repug. God , can they get any stupider?
Do they have any compassion? do they ever have a " there but for the grace of God , go I " moments ?
They are so nasty.

Carol's comment: "...The war on drugs has been a failure because we go after the dealer and not the addict." Cafferty's: War on drugs is insane & the two page article in Parade this past Sunday by the Democratic senator who wants to take a look at our failed prison system draw a different picture.
We do go after dealers & we definitely go after the addicts. But selling drugs is a business; meaning, there is a supply and a demand. The demand in the US is far greater than that of any country in the world & there are upwards of 40% of people (addicts) who have simple possesion charges in prison & the drugs continue to flow into the country & the money continues to flow out.

Having been a pot smoker for 45 years, with a college degree, a great marriage, two fine kids, and not one but two very successful careers let me ask this: Are we talking about weed here or we talking about real drugs like cocaine, meth, heroin, oh and alcohol? For smoking pot and having a real life it comes down to one word. Like many things... moderation. Over those 45 years I can't say I have ever known anyone who was actually addicted to pot. I know a lot of people who didn't know when to quit but that was true with a lot of things in their lives. Now the truly addictive stuff is just that. Addictive and we should do whatever we can to keep it out of the hands of decent people. Pot ,on the other hand, is a weed. Much like nicotine but not addictive. I'm not saying we should make it legal to sell, Import, or anything having to do with the exchange of money. That can lead to evil things. Just let me grow a couple of plants, trade buds with my friends, and go on living a decent life. Me, my doctor, several attorneys, a judge, and a whole lot of professors I know would be eternally grateful. Oh. And not one day in those 45 years have I ever been addicted.

I think what supporters of this bill fail to realize is the fact that the people who are considered "unemployed" and are receiving unemployment are not at all the same as the people who are on other government assistance. That is to say that people who are unemployed are required (at least in Oregon) to be constantly looking for work. Most people on unemployment WANT to go back to work. Most are ashamed to be on any form of government assistance, although it should not be something to be ashamed of.

People on Section-8 or welfare are usually on it for as long as possible. They're not looking for jobs or required to be looking.

All of the supporters that I've read about here seem to equate "getting high" with "leeching from the system". They seem to believe that if someone is on unemployment that they do not want to work, are not looking for a job, are lazy, a druggie, or are somehow 2nd class citizens.

There are MILLIONS of people on unemployment currently. Those people ALL had jobs in the past 2 years. All of them. A person has to apply and qualify for unemployment. Also, unemployment only lasts 6 months, and pays out at about 80%, (or less), of what you made. It's definitely not something that would sustain anyone indefinitely. Once benefits are exhausted the person must return to work for no less than 6 months to be able to qualify again.

While this cycle could be repeated, after the second time benefits would be guaranteed to be much lower, and would continue to decline for that person, due to the means by which the state of Oregon calculates their payouts.

The fact of the matter is that unemployment is a crutch... a band-aid... it's a short term solution to a person losing their job, usually by no means of their own. If a person has been fired, such as for drug use, or for any other "for cause" reason, etc, that person does NOT qualify for unemployment benefits (again, in Oregon).

It's a safety net that our country uses to keep people from becoming homeless and hungry overnight. If unemployment didn't exist, think of the millions MORE people who would be homeless, forclosed, hungry, starving, or even dead. Think of the HUGE surge in crime that would follow ending these benefits. Also, once someone who is unemployed loses everything else, their house, family, clothes, everything, it is almost impossible for that person to go on and return to the workforce after such devastating losses. Closing it off to anyone for any reason besides being FIRED is the first step to ending the program completely.

Another point I'd like to share is the fact that unemployment is not up because drug use is up, nor because we as Americans are becoming fat and lazy. We all know why unemployment is up, and while yes, the government is paying out record amounts to unemployment beneficiaries, it's because there are NO JOBS.

The government needs to pull it's head out of Wall Street's rear end, and concentrate on bringing JOBS back to the US. The plain as day fact of the matter is that whether people are on drugs, fat, ugly, lazy, white, black, hispanic, asian, or whatever, if they are able to find a job and hold down a job (when there are jobs to be had), then what they do in their free time, or with part of their money, is their own business.

People on unemployment have already paid into the system. One has nothing to do with the other. If we should drug test anyone it should be members of Congress. That is where the waste of money is coming from. Plus, members of

Yes, there should be drug tests. I know first hand that most people on welfare do smoke weed. I think that is the perfect way to weed out the "lifers" and those are using the programs as it was designed to be used.

Even thought I agree with why drug testing is a good idea it is only a fix to a larger problem and spending more money to catch these people is useless. There are checks and balances in place to prevent people from receiving benefits who do not deserve them but they get them anyway. The system is broken.

I personally believe we need to do away with welfare and food stamps. I don't want to hear "but...what about the children...". I should not have to support them either because their parents either cannot or will not.

One woman earlier in post was complaining about her son's dead beat father. Be as that may, you still had a child that YOU could not afford and are receiving a measly $43 a month. Measly as it may be to you, you are receiving it FREE so be grateful for what you get.

This is the mentality of Americans and what is wrong with Americans, entitlement. NO ONE is entitled to anything except opportunity. Whether we take advantage of opportunity is up to each individual. Education and vocational skills are available if we make the correct decision instead of the easy one.

This a Ridiculous...Leave it to some corporate business owner to get out of paying for umemployment. (Craig Blair -Republican religious freak – "lawmaker")..does he and all who supports this, know that these people (unemployed) contributed to the insurance? I am not for drugs, but drug testing for unemployment? Great.. Now not only we have a large unemployment rate, now we have druggys who need money, now will rob banks, homes, commit murderous acts, and so-forth. The economy is tough right now, and I honestly think things will turn around. Please, all of you, KNOCK this so-called bill down. It's not right and is fueled only by the elite and the religious right wing....They are only trying to persuade the working class of employed and unemployment. Thank you. Kevin

I'm all for it. I see way too many people that are collecting food stamps and Welfare because they're too busy getting trashed to work. Meanwhile, people who are trying to improve their situations are suffering.

And LoriD, most of these kids are already being neglected or abused. Many times, the parents trade their food stamps for cash to buy drugs and alcohol, and then end up going to food banks to get food.

I am for the legalization of marijuana, but that being said, I think it is a great idea to test people before allowing them to receive my tax money. I have seen too many people that make a career of living off of the system and spending money on dope and booze, they should be tested for alcohol as well.. if you are doped up and drunk, you obviously aren't looking for a job and shouldn't be entitled to free money just because you are addicted to narcotics and alcohol, if you want to get high, get a job and spend your money on it, not mine, thats my job.

America, where you have to drop your pants to get a job–and now even if you don't have one. Amerika. The free.

Welfare yes, unemployment....ummmm, no! I used to smoke cigs till Michigan`s price for a pack is up to $7.00, and most of that cost is tax in one form or another. No More! Is it even legal to charge more in tax than what the product costs to begin with????? Repub`s way of getting out of paying their share!

JERI,

IN ALL CAPS: I DO REMEMBER FREEDOM. I GAURANTEE I'VE FOUGHT LONGER AND HARDER FOR IT THAN YOU. I'VE BEEN SHOT THREE TIMES FOR OUR FREEDOM. I'VE KILLED FOR OUR FREEDOM. I THINK THAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO TEST FOR DRUGS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. IF SOMEONE IS BREAKING THE LAW, THEY DON'T DESERVE ANYTHING EXCEPT PUNISHMENT. IF A PERSON IS HONEST, WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO HIDE? GROW UP, AND QUIT BEING INSULTED BY STUPIDITY. KEEP A JOB, OR TAKE THE DRUG TEST. IT IS NOT A SLIGHT TO YOUR HONOR, JUST A PRECAUTION. ALL OF YOU WHO ARE AGAINST IT NEED TO MAN (OR WOMAN) UP, STOP BREAKING THE LAW, AND DO THE RIGHT THING. I WOULD ALMOST GO SO FAR AS TO SAY THAT IF A PERSON IS AGAINST THIS LAW, THEN EITHER THEY, OR SOMEONE THEY CARE ABOUT, IS BREAKING THE RULES. GET WITH THE PROGRAM!

when the congress adn senate begin taking drug tests, then they can mandate drug testing for welfare recipients...

absolutely, if you want my tax dollars, you better be drug free. Why should I work as a registered nurse and you sit home and do drugs?

Best idea I have heard in a long, long time! Why should we the taxpayers subsidize and pay for someone else's illegal drug habits??? All states should do this!

I have always though this was a good idea, after all if you are trying to get a job most employers require drug testing, therefore to get benifits you should be able to prove you are able and willing to get a job. One of these requirments should be a drug screening. And this comes from me an ocassional Marijuana smoker who always has a job.

I think this is one of the best idea's our government has come up with thus far. I'm not afraid to say that I have, and know people who have, tried "drugs" in our lives. I even know people who are consistantly on a high from pot – but none of these people, nor myself, need government assistance. If I did need it, I would assume it is because I've done something in my life that I shouldn't have, or that I should stop doing. The continued use of government funds for drugs is insane. There are children out there whos parents use this money for all the wrong reasons, and THEY are suffering. Why should it matter to any mother who is trying to very seriously take care of her children, that she must take a drug test? this is a MINIMAL step to have to take to receive assistance...why anyone would refuse is incredable. If youre on drugs, you do NOT deserve my hard earned money, and if you are clean, you should have no problem to the testing. It's not unethical, its ingenious. I can only hope Illinois takes on this stance, as the social classes are always at odds with one another over who's money is being used where and why. This should put fear into the people who are using the system, and be one more defferment of their actions. THANK GOD something is being done!

IF YOU THINK DRUG OR ALCOHOL ADDICTION IS A DISEASE,THAN YOU ARE SICKER THAN YOUR OWN THOUGHTS. ITS A SPIRITUAL ILLNESS A LOSS OF ONES SELF. SELF INDUCED BY SELFISH AND SELF CENTERNESS. SEEK SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOUR SELF,NOT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. STOP BLAMING AND TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOR YOUR OWN LIFE. STOP BEING A VICTOM ITS ONLY AND EXCUSE AND IT MAKES US RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS. I AM TIRED OF HELPING PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WANT TO HELP THEM SELFS. DRUG AND ALCOHOL TEST EVERYONE ON HAND OUT. AMERICA THE GREAT ENABLER!!!!!!

For cash assistance checks that arent relative to unemployment...definitely. for someone who was working and got laid off for company downsizing....maybe not immediately but probably eventually if they arent able to support themselves in reasonable period of time....

Wow, pretty hot topic huh?

On one hand, how many people have never had a good job, or kept a good job because they could not pass a drug screening? Sure what people do on there own time is not everyone’s business, but does it still not carry consequences if it is illegal? A majority of the working class are required to submit to drug screens as a condition of employment and do so willing because it is important to them to have that job. These are the people who pay the taxes that finance the welfare system as we know it today.

On the other hand what about the children of the welfare recipients in question? They are the ones who have to pay for their parents indiscretions. How should that be handled? If their parents were the responsible people their children need them to be they would be in the above paragraph and thus see things a lot differently. That is the part that really bothers me.

I really agree with the subject of random drug testing for welfare (not unemployment) in general, but it's the ramifications of creating such a policy that needs to be thought out before consideration of such an idea. The average taxpayer deserves to know that if their tax money is given to people unable to work it is done so with some degree of accountability. At the same time America's youth deserves the thoughtfulness of a country even if they're not receiving the same luxury from their parents.

What about the politicians who we pay to govern our nation? I think they shoudl be first in line to be tested for drugs and alcohol. I don't want some drunken senator from Massachusetts deciding if my tax dollars should be spent to drug test people so they're insurance claim can be denied. If I pay my homeowners insurance premium every month and then my house burns down while I'm at the bar, does that mean they don't have to pay up becasue I'm an alchoholic?

For those who have worked for many years, should have the right to there unemployment benefits they earn it. We need to worry about the corporate greed !

I think that's a good idea there are to many people not working and living off the system we go to work just to susport their drug habbit I see it so many time's I saw it with my own husband he would lie to me saying he was looking for a job and to find out he was really on general relief and strung out on herion so I divorced him and he's in his forty's and still doing the same thing never had a job just live's on all of us so yea they need to stop giving our tax money to the wrong people

Whoever thinks drug addiction is a disease apparently has come up with another excuse to be irresponsible for ones actions. But that's typical of the US. We reward piss poor behavior. You can thank the libtards for coming up with this idea. Look at what California has become because of it.

NOT doing drug tests on anyone that recieves taxpayer funds is a slap in the face to all that work hard and are productive and responsible members of society.

The word for the day is "RESPONSIBILITY" ---> Learn it.

Amen. I can't agree more.

this BOZO has no clue! unemployment benifits are NOT tax dollars. It is your money that YOU have involuntarily put away just for this reason. That the government is keeping it for you and using it for thier own purposes does NOT MATTER! It is your money! Now if they extend benefits that go beyond what you have in your unemployment then perhaps then this might be in order but this type of test while you are drawing your own money is simply wrong and OUT OF THE QUESTION!.

g'dang bozo !

sure. brilliant, in fact. We have other requirements that apply to welfare, food stamps, unemployment - why not add a urine test? Drug use is a choice, not a predestined fate. I'm not saying they can't do drugs... just that they should choose which is more important to them, drugs or assistance and then own the consequences of that choice.

not only do i agree with this, but for real i think after 2 kids and no job and using drugs you should be forced to have your tubes tied, i have been clean for 15 yrs and watch people come into the program and keep using every month because they get that check what a shame to see people who cant get this thing called recovery, it tears a lot of us apart we try to help they keep getting high and if there lucky they wont die what a bill to have introduced you get my vote

I think that drug testing for government benefits is a fantastic idea. The taxes that are taken from most people's paycheck to pay for government benefits come from folks that must work in a drug-free workplace.

Lets just test everyone in the whole country every 3days so we can catch the coke heads, Nicotine, caffeine, amphetamine, barbiturates, including barbiturates, alcohol, heroin, aspirin, beta blockers, Valium, etc...etc. And when your CEO, Teacher, Sherrif, doctor, lawyer, congressman fails the test, even if it is a false positive, which happens more than you think, we can fire them all and make them do some jail time, some community service cleaning the streets and garbage of our beautiful cities. Then we should give them back their original jobs and see what they think about the beautiful American dream where Jesus, Alla, and Yahweh fixes all our.problems. There are few things worse than being stupid, poor and have no opportunity to better yourself. Stick them farther down the hole why don't you? Hoist that flag of many colors and step on whomever you want.

Great! Waste more of my tax dollars on the War on Drugs that has been sooo effective! Did you miss the huge hint of sarcasm there? Who's idea was it to start this endless train of incompetence and waste known as "The War on Drugs?" Fill my prisons and jails with people who should be there; murders, rapist, AIG CEO's! Deny them unemployment and send them to programs!!!

How about this? Legalize marijuana, tax it like crazy like we do for cigarettes, then use some of the money to administer drug tests for the more dangerous drugs like heroin, cocaine, meth, etc. We just need a good way to administer a field test for driving under the influence of marijuana.

Also any elected official should be given drug tests just like all government employees and members of the military are given today. Random drug tests are a great preventative measure for any organization. Drug use in the military, which used to be much more prevalent (aka Vietnam era), is down considerably today. Sadly, many service members instead become alcoholics.

With the country is a downward spiral I can't imagine a less important topic than giving benefits to unemployed, who use drugs.

A few questions;
1. What constitute a drug and drug abuse?
2. Recent reports suggest a growing population of former military personnel. Do you turn your back on them; Freedom Fighters?
3. Would it apply to employees @ companies with US Government military contracts? US Government's payment for military armament is nothing more than government "benefit"
4. What about employee @ Financial companies US Government bought.
5. Let's go with Airline companies next.

I think the point is made. Focus on higher value initiatives, not punitive, but worthwhile efforts to improve communities

It's about time they get their act together. Most people are subjected to random drug tests to keep their jobs-so if you wants your welfare check and food stamps you should have to pass a random drug test. We sure could use it in Illinois.

This is such a rediculous display of political arrogance at its best. If Craig could take a break from detailing his rediculous mustache he might have the chance to form a rational thought.

Sure, we can drug test, but what does that solve? Now we have an increasing number of drug addicts with no revenue stream who will, I promice you, search for alternative means of fueling their addiction (most likely illegal means) before they ever kick the habbit.

If you want to drug test people on welfare, fine. You need to then provide a rehabilitation resource to those who fail. I can't imagine how taking money away from drug addicts could possible improve their situation. Besides, if you're going to drug test the lowest class, you should consider drug testing the upper class....

....Oh wait, then half of Washington would be out of a job.

-X

If I have to be drug-free to pay taxes, then those who receive my money should also be drug-free. I work long and hard to pay into the program and it makes me sick to know that some of those people receiving MY money are sitting around having a "high" time.

YES YES YES ! Its about time. This should have been done years ago. I am tired of supporting those that will not work when they know WE the tax payer will foot the bill.

definitely! I support this100%. If you dont use drugs and are uneployed for legitimate reasons thanyou dont have nothing to worry about. There is to many man and women out there that are misusing government system that was designed to help you out until you can get on your feet. I hope that this bill will pass throughout the whole country

Where I live all the oil rig workers that used to smoke a joint in the evenings to relax and were still able to be productive citizens have switched to meth and coke so they can work long hours of overtime and pass a drug test. The effect on our community has been horrible. Sadly this is the true result of drug tests and our idiotic war on drugs. Harmless and healthy stoners turn into raving tweakers. Think before you act!!!! Honest, intelligent sounding ideas often have horrible consequences when reality is allowed to enter the picture.

Finance 101:

Unemployment is insurance paid by private corporations (like health, car, or homeowners insurance is paid by private citizens).

Food stamps are welfare benefits paid by taxpayers.

I'm someone who hates drugs and smoking - never took drugs, never smoked, eats a semi-vegetarian diet with natural supplements.

Now, will we allow uneducated individuals who don't know the difference between INSURANCE and WELFARE set dangerous legal precedents, leading to drug testing for auto insurance, homeowners insurance, perhaps even life insurance?

By all means test WELFARE RECIPIENTS but don't let some uneducated fool create legislation that mixes apples and oranges!

It seems a LOT of people are confusing unemployment and welfare. It's truly a shame that so many people are uneducated and don't understand where the money for each program comes from.

The underlying point of this whole idea seems to be to remove the "lifers" as one poster put it. It is impossible to be a "lifer" on unemployment as most states of a limit of 6months to two years maximum that you can be on unemployment.

It's really "welfare" that needs the reform. How about instead of handing out blank foodstamp coupons that anyone can use, print each foodstamp up with the person's driver's license number on it. That way only THAT person can use them. If druggies are intent on exchanging the stamps for money or drugs, they'll still find a way to do it..but it would probably significantly cut back on how often that happens.

I think it's a great idea...why should people continue to receive FREE food and FREE money when they are trading their food stamps for drugs and using that money to also buy drugs? As someone who has worked in the social work system for years and has seen this first hand, it is very frustrating to see how many people abuse the benefits they are given year in and year out. The same people tend to get the benefits and the same people sell or use them for drugs. IF someone wants continued benefits for more than let's say 6 months, then they absolutely should have to be tested. To be honest, very few people receiving benefits use them for what it is intended.

Yes, test for drugs! It will encourage people to stay off the drugs. My husband and many of his friends are an example of WHY. He has been very creative for excuses to not go to job interviews when he knew there was drug testing involved. He knew he would not pass the test. He sat on his butt at home on umemployment. using tax $$$ for drugs. If the money was not provided to him, maybe he would clean up his act get off drugs and get a job

If I have to get drug tested to keep my job to pay taxes to help pay for those who have lost their jobs, why shouldn't they have to take a drug to get unemployment benefits? It's common sense

Check with your state's unemployment office. Business owners pay unemployment taxes. Employees do not "pay in".

Yes drug testing should be a requirement. If you can afford to feed your habit then you can afford to feed yourself. Why should my tax dollars pay for food for a junkie, who will not be able to pass a employment drug test and therefore live off those of use who work and pay taxes. About a month ago I was in a local grocery store and the idiot infront of me used her foodstamp card to pay for $45. worth of King Crab Legs, I stood in disbelief thinking I cannot afford King Crab legs but my tax dollars pay for King Crab Legs for those receiving welfare. There are just somethings that should be kept out of the foodstamp program (King Crab Legs at $15. a pound). I am not against helping but there should be a cap on the length of the benefits (2 years) and how soon you can reapply if you find yourself in a situation. I also think that volunteering should be a requirement of receiving benefits. Before anyone says anything (such as you cannot take just anyone to volunteer) there are many things that can be done yes even by felons ...ie litter removal from the street. I could go on and on but should end my rant right here.

People are losing their jobs every day in this bad economy do to no fault of their own. Companies are filing for bankruptcy, shutteringtheir doors or lyaing off half their staff.
What makes anyone think that these people who need unemployment are drug users?
Seriously, they weren't fired for drug use. Why assume that they are guilty of that?
Unbelievable the anger and illogical that some people have.
But I have to enjoy the irony of a pol thinking that the common person is shady.

OH HECK YEA!!

I'm all for this one. Anyone getting any assistance check from the govt. should be checked. Drug use is NOT a disease any more than smoking cigarettes is a disease. It is something people do by choice, duh!

I back him,If they are doing drugs they will sell their foot stamp for money to buy the drugs. It is really a good thing that he doing. So I back him 100%.

I think its a great idea. If they are getting benefits from the government, they should be spending it on food and shelter...not drugs. I get up and go to work every day, I pay my taxes and dont do drugs. It upsets me to know that there are people out there floating through life, getting some of that tax money, only to waste it on their habit.
If people genuinely need the help to survive, they should have nothing to hide when asked to pee in a cup.

YES YES YES you should have to take a drug test..they make you take a drug test to work anywhere anymore, so why should'nt you have to take one to get FREE help!

Point of fact – states receive some funds for uneomloyment insurance. However the bulk is paid by the states. Each state funds uenmployment differently. The most common, I think, is a payroll tax on employers.
In Mass, the employer pays the payroll tax into his account for every person he employs. If one of his separated employee collects, UI, its from that account until the account ends and then the employee gets paid from a tax payer solvency account.
So when people post that it's "their money", that most likely is not the case. Unemployment Insurance is not like social security. You don't have a personal account you are paying into. I'm not aware of any state that places the funding on the individual employee. NH does it similarly too.

Great idea! Far to often, people wait for their welfare checks to pay off the drug debts they have accumulated for the month. I am tired of giving my money to people that spend it on smokes, drugs, and alcohol. It needs to stop. Half these people have cash jobs or sell drugs, and are withholding tax dollars to the govt. as well.

This would be a great idea if there were a way to screen for illegal drugs. The problem is there are many people on legally prescribed medications that will show up as a false positive on a drug test. How you would track and handle that?

Are you shooting or sniffing Ryan?

Yes. Drug test should be given when someone applies for state aid, rent assistance, food cards, etc... It makes sense that if you want everyone else to pay for your lifestyle that your lifestyle stays legal.

Did these people already pay into the system for this type of safety net?

Hello what did their tax dollars go into the system for?

What a joke. How about political ideology? How about just alcohol or cigarettes? How about false positives in the tests? These types of tests cost a fortune. Another government morality play. In other words . . . a joke.

Sure Good Idea and they should also test Section 8 housing, low income housing, welfare, food stamp, cops, police, army, navy, airforce, congress, the senante and a bunch of peopel getting any federal money!

Another sign of the apocalypse and an increasingly sick society

It's an insane and idiotic idea that would only make the country worse off.

The people who would be hurt the worst would be the children, of course.

A urine test can show evidence of marijuana for up to six weeks after the person last smoked pot.

So some casual marijuana user's children will have to go without eating because Dad or Mom smoked one little joint six weeks before getting laid off?

Marijuana prohibitionists are controlling and crazy people. I think they're literally crazy.

To make children starve to death because their parents smoke a little pot once in a while?

That's crazy.

If I must pass a drug test, background check and physical to land a decent job.. why shouldn't we all have to pass at least a drug screen to get paid for not working. Not that it is the jobless' fault that he/she is not working but regardless, we should still be drug free if we are getting money from the taxpayers. What you do with your earned paycheck is your business.. but I do not want to pay for anyone's addiction.

i think this is a good idea. this being said, i also enjoy drugs. i have a job. i have never been enrolled in any government programs. i pay for my own. i don't make you buy them and i am not interested in supplying others. if you want to keep your bad habits, work for them. i understand this is hard with the economy the way it is...tough break.

I believe all receipents of Welfare, food stamps and any other handouts should be drug tested. My tax payers money is going for their habit!!! I know of many of them already.. The child still suffers and the dead beat men are living off that mother because she recieves money, also the mother is doing drugs also. then the mother of the children get pregnant again and the man also not required to pay child support like other men do. Where does this stop...
Carolyn

If you are using illegal drugs, you are already sucking the life out of the system. No personal responsibility, no benefits!

The goverment needs to worry about how to get these people back to work. They pay taxes and are citizens then they should have benefits of being an American. How far do we want the goverment in our lives? What's next if you smoke/drink then you can't get unemployment. Good grief these people need help so that they don't become a larger burden on our society. Who cares what they do in their spare time to help ease the pain of being laid off. Let the potential employer make that call.

i dont recall getting drug tested when i was/am paying taxes off of my payroll into the government pool......so dont waste my time and money now.......i am ok with this idea, but it has to initiate at the beginning, not when my government feels like it........a little too late....you made you're bed, now lie in it......

Does this guy Blair drink alcohol, take pain killers, xanax or oxycontin like another famous Republican – because if he does, when he loses his seat in whatever crappy southern state he is from, than he won't qualify for any benefits either.

Than again these legislators that make up all of the rules are already exempt from all of the harsh justice that we regular folks have to endure.

I am so sick of these punks making rules up that we have to abide by, but they are above the law.

I would support mandatory drug testing (and a negative (clean) result) before any individual received taxpayer money for unemployment. If you have enough money to buy drugs – why would I as a taxpayer be asked to subsidize your life and drug use?

If you have a drug abuse problem and are otherwise unable to support yourself – then we will get you into a treatment program. A condition of us as taxpayers paying for such treatment is that you need to stay clean. If you are getting positive drug tests while we are trying to help you – then you aren't as dedicated to being helped as we are to help you.

If you want to use illegal drugs in your own life – go ahead. But don't ask me as a taxpayer to work and fund your lifestyle.

It's about time!

If the idea is to be work-ready then shouldn't alcohol, sedatives and anti-depressants be included? And how about nicotine, Mr. West Virginia, doesnt' that stuff limit your ability to hold a job?

If they do this for drugs, then I demand that it be done for alcohol too.

Why should I finance some unemployed guy so he can sit around and drink beer all day?

That beer is not going to help him get a job. That beer is going to make him satisfied with sitting home drinking.

If there's a drug test, then by rights there should also be a beer test and a wine test and a Bloody Mary test and a vodka and Red Bull test too.

This is ridiculous on several levels. For one people pass drug tests all the time and still hold their jobs. Secondly, drug tests are expensive, and the whole layout of testing is illogical. Sixty days? A cocaine user could be clean in three, even marijuana is clean in 30. Governments need to stop worrying about what people are doing and focus upon offering jobs and rebuilding the citizen-government relationship. We don't need any big brother's gaping over our shoulders while we pee, and even if they were there....there would be a way to counteract it.

Good idea in theory but extremely hard and costly to implement. To start, notice of testing must be by subpoena to insure receipt of bottle or administered at the time of application and picking up a check. Then when the sample is provided it must be monitored either by the case worker or at the local police department to insure it is the donor's urine and not someone else's carried in a plastic bag attached to the inside waist area. Finally upon completion, the sample has to be tested by a competent and trusted lab and the sample saved for retesting should the results be contested. These are just the steps and not the cost involved in the administration aspects. I'm afraid the addict will continue to collect their checks unabated.

drugs should be legal and taxed
it will boost the economy and it will get rid of the drug war violence, so we can finally get to more important issues at hand like the environment and all the people starving and dying of medicals issues.
why
should the government control what we do when we are off the clock
no one should to take a drug test period. if you don't use at work then i don't see the problem.
why do we give the government the power to control are lives. land of the free ha more like land of the brain washed and shackled.

Does this mean we will be testing for nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol also. Even if they are not mentioned in the same breath as "drugs", that is exactly what they are. They are more addictive and more damaging to your body than most of the "drugs" that would be tested for. We really just need to pull our heads out of our asses and stop this "drug war" stuff. Half the reason why drugs are a problem and there is violence and addiction surrounding them is because they are illegal and stigmatized anyways.

Sorry but this is a bit nuts. For example I take medications to control pain 100% Doctor supervised. So I can never lose my job or apply for a new one? Do people who work for the government actually think before acting?

Where do I start??? hmmmm...
Let's start with the fact that most employers or potential employers do a drug screening. If you do not pass then you are out of a job.
Public aid is essentially a job that tax payers pay for. When you are on public aid you are required to do the following: Prove you are looking for work or educating yourself for a better job. (Education that tax payers pay). Public aid is a short term program not a lifetime program. I have known people who would trade their foodstamps for cash so they could get the drugs or alcohol.They know what they are doing when they seek out to exchange these food stamps. Which by the way is a CRIME. Of course this person I am talking about lost their benefits for good and they paid all of it back to the state. It forced this person to get clean and they are now a responsible WORKING citizen. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions especially when they are recieving assistance from others. For the people who are saying that drugs/ alcohol is a disease please don't compare them to cancer patients, heart disease patients etc. because their illness is not by CHOICE! I wake up everyday and choose to do the RIGHT thing and so can they. Frankly I don't want to hear the sob stories that they were raised in a bad enviroment or that they came from a long line of drug abusers. My childhood was not that great but who cares...so many people have it worse than I did. I am adult now and I make my own decisions on doing the right thing. I for sure will not be an enabler. God forgives everyone and you can start fresh everyday on his slate! Sometimes people need that push....and this is it! As for unemployement benefits thats no one's business but yours. If you paid into the system then you should get whats yours. But eventually that will run out and those people will need assistance. So if they are drug users then they have a rude awakening!!

Just typical of somebody who has never had to go without would even suggest this kind of legislation.

I see that ignorance abounds here. In 20 years in the Navy I submitted to numerous urine tests.

Brian, you are wrong. Coke and other hard drugs hang around a lot longer than "a day or so" as you suggest. Pot even longer.

Hey, listen, people ar egoing to use drugs – fact of life.

However, we should not be expected to finance that drug use with UC benefits or any other government handout.

Many here believe that some of these people use their benefits to pay the utilities bill, etc. – dohhhh, you think just maybe they cas a giovernment check and walk around the corner and make a drug score?

Goodness.

Government benefits admi9nistration should be tightened up and maybe some drug testing could be part of an overall program to stop abuse in this area.

Then again maybe Obama would love it if you are totally dependent on the government dole and just stay high – emerging once in 4 years to vote for Obama.

Obama's "War on Drugs" slogan

"Just stay high"

Drug tests for receiving welfare YES. Unemployment benefits no

There isn't any way that a drug test should be used to determine eligibility for benefits. Definitely not. That's as wrong as denying benefits to overweight people or obese people. The people that dream this nonsense up should check in with the real world every now and again. What a stupid idea.

Of course we should, if you are putting your hand out for the government to help support you because you can't do it on your own then you lose that privacy righ the rest of us have that don't ask others for help. Drug test every welfar, foodstamp person for sure!

Finally!! I'm a hard working, social security paying citizen. I know there are those that need and do not abuse the social services system, however, yet again – there are those that do. Require drug testing!

i think its a great idea why should i that works hard everyday pay for the habit of those who do drugs because what they do is sell food stamps for cash to buy drugs

This is a ridiculous idea. I for one am sick and tired of the government trying to regulate the personal lives of its citizens. What's the idea here? People who use/have used drugs don't deserve any kind of a hand up from the government? Why don't we focus on solving the root of the economic crisis rather than using it as an excuse to pass unamerican morality legislation.

Please know this. Nevada State Welfare did not test for drug use. However, if the client had problems maintaining employment they were further assessed by Social Workers who could recommend an assessment for Drug Use. If the client admitted or was found to be a user, they were offered drug treatment and a program to keep their family together while in treatment and then employment or employment training and then employment. Did it work? Yes. They either found out they could stay clean and work or they couldn't. In either case the children's welfare came first. How do I know. I was a Social Worker for the division during the first 5 years of Welfare Reform. They were the most rewarding years so far other than working with the homeless and the Katrina victims. That was also very rewarding. We were in the top 10 states inthe country reducing welfare rolls during that time.

If we are going to go with this plan, then we should not give benefits to anyone who uses alcohol, or legal drugs that are not prescribed or used in the prescribed fashion. And, not just for people who don't work, but let's fire anyone who works and uses alcohol and/or other drugs. And, while we're at it, let's fire or not give benefits to anyone using tobacco. Oh, and let's include fat, which has proven to be harmful to everyone's health, over and over again. Let's outlaw fat while we're at it. What's the point in all this?

This is a "no-brainer". Of course people need to be drug tested before getting unemployment, welfare or food stamps. And, they should go straight to jail if they are not taking care of their kids. Why is this so difficult to fathom? I don't get it.

What a novel idea! Most of us had to pass a drug test to earn our paychecks why shouldn't we hold welfare recipients to the same standard! And, as for government workers.....wouldn't that be interesting to see how many actually passed! Then could we audit their tax records....wonder how many we could thin out!!!!

Wan't to clean up america!!!!!! Drug test for everything drivers licsene, passports, air travel, business licsenes and I meen everything!!!!! Im and ex drug user and it's a road no one should or needs to go down!!!!!! Make it legal won't help. They will still run out of money. Then steal and rob!!!!! So what if the government taxes it. It seems they don't know how to spend our money also.

Once again politician making headline law that means nothing. How about enforcing the drug laws we have on the books already instead of legislating more in something that has nothing to do with drugs.

The unemployment benefits are for people who are inbetween jobs to act as their paycheck. So if they spent their pay check on drugs before why should we care if they are using their UIB on drugs now.

If I were a betting man the legislation sponsor has little interest in blocking drug use but more in making sure his brother-in-law's Lab gets the contract for all the test

well once all our elected officals are drug free then go ahead....but even our President has admitted to using drugs ( marijuanna and coke). It is a well known fact that Capital Hill loves the coke so sure once they ( our elected officals) have to pass random tests for a paycheck then sure we all can vote on it.

Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Absolutely not.
No

ABSOLUTELY!

Look, I am fortunately, still gainfully employed in an industry that is not laying off (yet). Just last Friday I had to submit to a random drug test to keep my job. Guess what kids, if you want government money, which is every hard working taxpayers money, then you can submit to a drug test. When you get off the welfare rolls, then you can do whatever you want.

Then again, being the cold, heartless person I am. I think that all welfare offices should be located next door to planned parenthood. You have to go to PP before you get your check. $30 a month for birth control is cheaper than supporting a child for 18 years. I also propose a flat $2000 reward for those who undergo voluntary sterilization, men and women receiving benefits for more than a few (meaning 2 or 3 years).

I think we need a test that can detect how much beer or wine or hard liquor a person drank in the week leading up to the test.

Alcohol is the leading drug of abuse in America.

Why should we pay people to sit around the house and drink?

Alcohol is a known addictive drug. Any drug testing for unemployment benefits has to include alcohol or it's an utter sham and a violation of equal protection under the law too.

Drug Testing should NOT be required for unemployment benefits. You only get the benefits if you've been laid off from your job. That means, all drug users had a job. And, you pay into unemployment with every paycheck. Why should they get denied a benefit that they pay into?

I don't think that testing for drugs is the answer; that law will be challanged in the courts and cost money to litigate and take years to litigate. How about putting a term length on how long a person can get assistance? If you need itfor more than a year, then you need to be examined by a physician, once a year, to requalify. How about requiring you must take some vocational training classes to learn a work skill? Getting people off the "dole" is impossible if they do not have any job skills.

I think that all of County, State, and Gov. Employees and elected officals should have to take random drug test. We might be surprised. Put, that in your pipe and smoke it. LOL

Not only should drug testing be manditory for receiving any tax-payer funded benefits (not unemployment, but food stamps and welfare) but anyone on such programs should also be on MANDITORY BIRTH CONTROL!!! If you can't afford to take care of yourself and any other children you may have, you should not be allowed to perpetuate the problem while on assistance.

Do republicans ever think before coming up with a new idea?

What do you think will happen if you take away the only legal source of income of a drugs user? Are they just going to wait until they die of starvation or will they turn to crime on even bigger scale? What will the cost be of dealing with this extra criminal activity?

And why would you think it is a good idea to take away food stamps of a family because mommy or daddy is on drugs.

If the soldiers fighting for our freedoms have to do it, why not the bums who lay around all day and soak off the government ? Plus too, most people who work for private and public owned companys have to test. We're the ones paying the taxes so you bums can lay around and soak up the benefits.

When I did drugs in the 70's, I laid around unemployed until the money ran out. No drugs, great job! Do drugs often you get lazy. Why not test to gain unemployment benefits or food stamps.

It is amazing how many people use weed and coke, and not just the younger generation, it overflows into senior citizens. It is not a liberal conservative issue it is an American issue.

If we begin addressing users we will see less uses of illegal drugs.

i think that person should be removed from office. the reason is :not knowing everyones situation to want to pass such a hardcore blanket piece of legislation this person has to be a sociopath. i personally think only pot should be legalized as its obviously less harmfull than cigs or alcohol. i smoked it alot as a teen and very early 20s as did all of my freinds its easily as easy to quit as coffee ,,,pot,,,now its all coffee and cigs for decades

It seems a very wasteful notion suggestion by a man who likely doesn't know the cost of a gallon of milk. My admittedly light web research indicates each drug test would cost approximately forty dollars. A hungry person can make forty dollars stretch a very long way. Forty dollars is a 'good faith' payment on utilities, too. If the government believes it has got a spare $40(US) per benefits applicant, why not simply GIVE that money to them?

ABSOLUTELY it is a good idea!!....if i have to take a drug test to get a PAYcheck, they can take one to get a BENEFIT check.....

I think they Should take the wisky rum and vodka away from the rednecks in office

That is the most asinine thing they have come up with. Only if Congress and the Senate has to to get their paychecks. Why is it always main street. They are always trying to cheat us out of everything that was promised.

How ridiculous! Does the govenment have to pass any tests demonstrating they won't misuse the money taken from our paychecks prior to taking it? This proposal is nothing more than an attempt to avoid paying out funds to unfortunate people who have lost their jobs. Unconscionable.

I do think people should be required to pass a drug/urine test in order to receive benefits from the government! I bet all of us know at least one person using government benefits for drugs and/or alcohol! I personally don't like working 40/50 work weeks in the Air Force and being required to take a urine test and those who receive benefits from my tax money getting off easy. Fair is fair.

This is EXACTLY what we need! If I am out busting my butt everyday to live right and pay taxes then you should too. Espically if you are taking my money to eat. The problem is when you take the wellfare benefits and claim you can't live without them and then go buy a dime sack of weed. This is gonna pass if the american population gets to vote on it because most everyone out there has the same attitude as me ... "those who do not work do not eat"

I think that people should be tested to get any government help. I have to take a drug test to get a job so why shouldn't they. I think a lot of people would be surprised on how many people that are on government assistance are using drugs and that they sell their food stamps for drug money.

If the states can and are willing to pay for the testing then I think that it is an excellent idea. I did my masters degree in the UK and lived amongst some people who did everything they could to stay on welfare – while they spent a sizable amount of the money given to them by the state on alcohol. Even though there were cheap job training programs available the lure of alcohol and cigarettes was far too strong to have them participate in these programs.

My experience in the UK during 1991-2, showed me that government much do something to track the effectiveness of the money that they spend on welfare. This is not cruel or stupid. People on welfare cannot seriously expect that other peoples' taxes will go to fund their alcohol and cigarettes (or even worse drugs)!

Yes, not everyone on welfare takes illegal drugs, drinks excessive alcohol or smokes like a chimney. However, how would anyone ever know who the problem cases are? Monitoring, if it could be made efficient and ramdom enough, would be a great help for the government to know where it needs to focus more attention.

How about mandatory drug testing for all State and Federal legislators? Certainly making laws and taking drugs are incompatible.

I think there should be a drug test for any type of government assistance. The government allows employers to drug test their employees that provided the tax money for the assistance programs. I'm drug test to make my money so those people who recieve their money ( which is partly mine) from the government should too.

Great idea! The end result is that the unemployed's gets challenged on a maybe, the medical establishment makes more, and the state costs go up. Solves nothing. Similar to the 'War on Drug' which has accomplished nothing but get some people killed, cost the taxpayer a fortune, and the problem has only gotten bigger. Must be government at work.

Gonna include the worst and most easily obtained drug doing the most damange to society? Alcohol? Didn't think so!

Clearly none of you who are opposed to this have been to Asbury Park, NJ.. There are countless crack heads receiving welfare in that city alone. If you think this will waste your tax dollars, think again. The more people we stop paying to get high, the more money we will save, it's simple math. Drug tests are cheap these days, heck you can go to your local pharmacy and get one for under $20. I'd say that's a considerable savings over a a monthly welfare check.

And for those of you who had any illusion that those working for the government(contractors, sub-contractors, politicians, etc..)are not tested for drugs, you are sorely mistaken. Drug testing for employees is written into all government contracts and required at all levels of employment.

And for those of you who don't know anyone who has been addicted to something like heroine, crack, cocaine or meth, let me share a bit of insight. Someone who is addicted to these types of drugs will most likely need to hit "rock bottom" before they stop using. If we stop enabling them with free money, they will be forced to stop either by the fact that they will have no more source of income, or by the fact that they will be out on the streets. They will hit thier bottom and then they can use the many programs in place to help them recover and once again become contributing members of society.

I think this a great piece of legislature and I hope it gets passed.

I find it incomprehensible that they want to tie drug testing to unemployment benefits. The people that have lost their jobs due to the economy earned unemployment benefits through working, and their employers paid for their right to collect through an unemployment tax. For taxpayers to pay for drug tests for people that are out of work due to the economy is an expense we don't need, and if they are going to do that then quit taxing my business to pay for unemployment benefits for the people that I have employed over the years.

how about in my state (florida) no benefits if they keep pushing out babies while on welfare and not knowing who the dad is???was on welfare while my daughter was on chemo, and i had to literally had to fight for her medicaid after paying taxes for 30 years..it was totally humiliating to sit in the open waiting room and see what i witnessed, what a country???

What are you afraid of?
Test all these freeloaders.

yeah, while we're at it, why don't we put out video cameras and record everyone's every move 24 hours a day? how about the government picks who they think is the best person and the most hardworking, and those people are allowed to have children and the others aren't? population control!

I can't believe what I'm hearing. I thought this was America. What happened to our personal freedom? Why does the government regulate morality? The government should not regulate the private lives of its citizens, period.

The government didn't care if I was doing drugs when I made the money that paid INTO the unemployment program . . . they only care when I want to take it out. What a scam.

And exactly how much money will we save not giving money to those who test positive? Will it even be enough to pay for the tests?

I doubt it.

Jim in Floride, you're in the Armed Forces, they OWN you, of course they can test you at whim. Citizens shouldn't be forced to provide a sample of their bodily fluids to prove they're "worthy." They're AMERICANS, they're already worthy.

With unemployment approaching 10% in many states, the last thing our neighbors need is a false positive to make taking care of their families that much harder.

Listen Pablo I have gone without. I am one of 9 kids whose mother left me when I was 7yrs old. I was separated from my siblings for several years before my father regained custody because in those days fathers didn't have much rights. I also started working in 5th grade with a paper route which paid for school clothes etc. I also worked detassling corn, walking beans etc. So don't sit there and say that I didn't go without. You don't know me you jerk! It's been 27yrs since my mom left and I believe that I had a better life for it. If was a struggle sometimes but I knew that I could make my own choices when I became of age and doing drugs was not one of them!
P.S. My family did get food stamps and it was should the way it was supposed to SHORT term and drug free! You need to get a clue!!

Why would I have to pass a drug test to get a legitimate paycheck and work 40 plus hours a week while some underachieving lamprey of society sucks my tax dollars into their own wallet (or that of their dealer)? This is a great idea to protect states, families, and our tax dollars. Our president is spending it faster than the Treasury can print it, so this is a prime example of checks and balances.

Yes test, test,test. No test no check or hel of any kind!

This is the most insane idea ever!!! A lot of people who received these benefits are disabled persons who take prescription drugs. Are you going to test for only illegal drugs? and what happens to those of us who legally use medical marijuana? I don't yet have the need to apply for these benefits but have already had my hours cut back at work. What happens if the company I work for goes under like so many others have? Will I be denied benefits because I will test positive for THC.?

I work way too hard for my money to have it go to those who are too lazy to get jobs or those who produce more kids than they can support. I believe they should be drug tested. If they are not using then they shouldn't have a problem peeing in that cup! And if they are using then the benefits should stop and they need to stop being supported by those of us who are law-abiding and hard-working LEGAL citizens!

Why? I was smoking dope the whole time I was paying in. It shouldn't matter when it comes time to take it out. Rome's burning, and all Nero can do is fiddle...

I believe that anyone receiving cash assistance from the welfare office should be subject to random sampling and/ or be required if evidence suggests doing so. The question is... who's going to pay for the testing, the suspected drug user? They can't afford to pay their rent let alone for testing. Who's going to pay for the staff it will require to do the testing, etc....etc....

As I was reading, I was shocked at the relative ignorance surrounding the fact that drugs and unemployment are related. In fact, the first comment I read was "what to drugs and unemployment have going together"?! Ok, lets say they are totally unrelated, then what's the fuss about? Let them test away. There shouldn't be any impact. HOWEVER, in my opinion, you are going to notice a difference. Quite frankly, since I am the one "signing" the unemployment checks being a tax payer, why should I being funding someone who is using that money towards drugs?! I think it's a fantastic idea. Create some accountability with where MY money is going.

Are you people high? Last time I checked, Unemployment was an insurance benefit, not a handout! It is insurance that unemployed workers have paid into, along with their company, with each paycheck, while they were working. Why, now that they are unemployed, through no fault of their own, should they be subjected to such an invasion of privacy? It's their money! Who cares what they spend it on? What's next? Are they going to be told that they can't play the Lottery? Go to movies? Go out to dinner? Because, we wouldn't want "them" having a good time with "your" money, right?

Illegal drugs are....Well...Illegal.

It would be the same as to check and see if one had a warrant for their arrest or being a possible escapee from prison to not receive these payments. Would it be ok for a prison escapee to receive them? Last I checked that was illegal as well.

Nuff Said!

Absolutely NO. If there is some reason to think someone is ABUSING drugs, then do test. If not, butt out. Much bigger problems than this.

I say take it one step further. Anyone getting any kind of government assistance should be subject to random drug testing. Make them observed tests (person administering the test watches you fill the bottle, to insure its YOUR urine). If a person drops dirty, then they are offered a one time deal, where the government gets them assistance with drug treatment. Complete the treatment, stay clean, and get assistance.

the sooner the better, let's get these lifetime deadbeats off welfare!
if I have to pass a drug test to stay employed to support these
idiots, then they should be held to the same standards to
receive these unearned benefits!! start today!!!

People are already going through a difficult time being unemployed, so let's give them a little more to stress out over...give me a break...

I was laid off from my job so am collecting unemployment while looking for another job. Do any of you so called "employed people" know how hard it is right now to find a job? I paid unemployment taxes the entire time I was working. I am not taking "your hard earned money" for my unemployment. I EARNED IT. I don't even qualify for food stamps. So get off your soap box about how drugged out people are taking your "hard earned money and sitting around getting high while you are out there earning a living" and be grateful that you have a job.

Yes, everyone receiving government money, would be tested! Including the CEO's bailed out with taxpayer dollars. They're the ones with the SERIOUS drug habits; it takes serious money to pay for serious drugs (large, pure quantities purchased and used at great risk)!

I find it amazing that the supporters of drug testing have not expressed any concern whatsoever that children could be harmed in the middle of all this moralizing.

Not one of them seems concerned that children might be harmed when their parents end up homeless and without money.

That shows exactly what the War on Drugs is really about. We are visiting the bitter hateful soul of the War on Drugs right here and now..

The same people who don't worry about the consequences to the children also aren't worried about alcohol at all.

They want to give alcoholics will get a free pass, while putting the children of the pot smokers out in the street where I guess they're supposed to beg for spare change.

So drug users out there - time to switch to booze, I guess, if you don't want to end up homeless and see your children sleeping in the street.

no drug testing for unemployment benefits workers earned it, those on welfare should be tested.

Will members of Congress need to have random drug screening in order to receive their health care benefits or pay checks? Someone really ought to do some testing in those hallowed halls, given this proposal.

Just another display of bigotry meant to pander for votes.

Absolutley! A great deal of us who work for a living have random urinalysis. Matter of fact I am an active duty Marine and had a test yesterday. No big deal at all because I do not use drugs. I would like to know the same for those I am helping with my tax dollars.

Lawmakers will always want to restrict the rights of some segment of the population. If not by prohibitions, then by loopholes and earmarks or new tax regulation. Why? Because that's what they SELL to special interests to maintain their power.

What we need desperately are far fewer laws and certainly no prohibition against drugs. Citizens should not be duped into prohibition as improving society. It only makes things worse: higher taxes, special interests, crime syndicates, etc. 40 years of drug wars, just like 40 years of any other kind of war, results in net losses.

Instead of 'get tough' laws, how about 'get responsible' freedoms. That will revive our national character. Less laws = more stability and freedom.

Great idea.

I this this is a fantastic idea! There are way too many people who take advantage of the system and have no intention of finding employment. While this still isn't going to stop people from taking advantage of the system, at least it's a step in teh right direction. I wish this would become a federal requirement.

I am an unemployed engineer and still have my tax bill to pay which went up by the way. This is insane; the costs out way the end result. Why aren't they busy stopping the drugs? That's the root cause! Stop the drugs stop the problem! I am a Republican and this makes me outraged. Again; my party and stupid politics? When are they going to get it?

Okay. Let's test cigarette users, alcohol users, diabetics for sugar content,
Put devices in people so they can't gamble my tax money away.....hey...let's just regulate every right we have...let's allow cameras in our bedrooms so the feds can see if we fake orgasms...or use condoms..or have sex out of wedlock..after all...do we want to pay taxes to help disadvantaged people raise their children to be lawful productive citizens.....why not just pay double the taxes it takes to house them as prisoners. WE NEED NEW LEADERS PERIOD. FORWARD THINKERS.

Yeah, right after all the banks and Wall Street bail out losers get tested....

Yes, I think any benefits should require a drug test.

Of course this is a brilliant idea! It said random drug testing. Now,I haven't read the entire article but what sounds so bad about that. Because guess what,a lot of that goes on.It makes totaly sense. If we're giving you resources and trying to help you get back on your feet,let us at least know that you're trying to help yourself also. Should go national.Very good idea.

As long as people do not take responsibility for them selves,which has ben going on for ages,i deman that someone take charge.Some one has to do it,be state or goverment.When you give up your responsibilities you loose all rights to any thing.It sounds harsh. but its true.The offender makes other people responsible for them,so they tow the line,until they do for them selves.Yes, i do have mercy them, but its a must do thing.

I think it is a good idea to have anyone using public assistance take a drug test. People who are working and applying for many jobs are also required to take a drug test. I don't see the difference.

I say YES! This is government assistance, and if people can AFFORD to spend money on drugs, they should not be getting my dime for food. Also, government assistance is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT... and citizens should show their RESPECT for a government who sustains them by OBEYING THE LAW. And as far as addiction being a disease goes.... true, but one of the biggest problems with this country today is the general lack of ACCOUNTABILITY accross the board! There is NOTHING WRONG with holding these people accountable when they are lining up at our doors demanding handouts!

Yes, I believe we should drug test for unemployment, food stamps, welfare etc. Most americans today have to submit to a drug test to gain employment and alot have to submit to random testing once employed. So let's face it, if you want to go anywhere in the job market you have to grow up and give up drugs. So if one is looking to be employed then they need to put themselves in a position to be employable.. Hence no drugs. Insteade of asking should we drug test people for them to get social services ask why should we not? Sure people will come out and say what I do on my time does not affect my job well it does if they say we won't employ YOU if YOU DO DRUGS. Envasion of privacy one of our constitutial rights, maybe but these companys then are the ones paying for workmans comp. we you get hurt on the job, pay for your medical insurance, give you access to counseling services etc.. They have a huge liability if they employ someone who is doing drugs. Not to mention it is illegal. Which is a whole different debate. Yes, I vote to drug test those who request food stamps and welfare maybe then they will reall try hard to find a job and work.

For the people talking about pot smokers becoming alcoholics so their children don't end up in the street you are STUPID! If you are doing any drugs or alcohol you are not putting your childrens interest first! To me that's not a good parent! You shouldn't have custody then! That is whats wrong with society! There are too many of those thinkers raising kids who later have big issues! People need to stop and think !

THANK GOD someone heard my view on this. If I have to take and pass a drug test to be employed, you're damn right those accepting welfare and unemployment should have to pass a drug test to receive the benefits. I'm tired of my tax dollars supporting those who stay home STONED and collect welfare.

Hey, in my opinion, if people who are unemployed can afford street drugs, then they don't need my tax dollars. Check away! Best idea I've heard of in years!!!

I think its an outstanding Idea to do random drug testing for people asking for unemployment, welfare or any other free money. I admit there are people who need the help and deserve the unemployment but I see a lot of people that would rather sit on their tale and do drugs than work. Maybe this idea could get rid of some of the dead weight.

only if there are also drug tests for lawmakers.

ABSOLUTELY! It makes no sense at all that there is no form of accountability or responsibility on the part of those people receiving welfare, food stamps or WIC. Reports show that there is a high percentage of people that have collected some form of welfare for upwards of fifteen years, and in some cases women who just keep having babies in order to stay on welfare.

Unemployment is insurance people have paid for in the form of unemployment taxes. The proposal to test unemployment recipents is typical Republican grandstanding. Unemployment Insurance is a contract and failure to pay would be breach.

More Republican 'big-government'. I'm sending my resume to Barack to see if I can get a job with the new UDTA, Unemployed Drug Testing Administration. I'm thinking that something in the $100K range for my skills as a budget analyst. Benefits should be around $30K and a travel allowance, to keep tabs on the multitude of labs around the country, of $20K. The taxpayers probably want us to do a good job so there should be 10-12 of us. Oh yeah, I'll need a smart phone and a laptop too. So, yeah, I support this bill, you can count on me to root out and burn all of those druggies just like a blunt. And could you send me a reference letter so that I can get this gig?

Finally, we are coming to our senses. This should have been put into place a long time ago.

yes drug tests should be mandatory, I had to take drug tests to get my job to pay the taxes that support the system, I am well aware that not all recipeints are users, so if you do not use do not be alarmes but think of those that are and the amount of money spent on them that could be spent on creating new jobs by lowreing the taxes that citizens and employers have to pay out.
ABSOLUTELY TEST AWAY !

These knee-jerk reactionary brainfarts are really getting out of hand. Why are lawmakers wasting their time (and by proxy our time) tackling such trivial problems as recreational drug use rather than the larger issues facing this country. Hmmm, better yet lets drug test executives before we hand over billions of dollars worth of taxpayer money to them. Right after that, let’s start drug testing the law makers who are coming up with such frivolous pursuits.

I think it"s a great idea, However should"NT the people who pay the politicians salary ( taxpayers) demand that congress and the senate as well as the president and his staff do the same??

I TOTALLY agree with drug testing, and I'm unemployed and collecting benies right now, the only difference is I'm not stoned and sitting around not doing anything about it and sucking off of our government like most drug users would be.

yes by all means,,, worked for human services for 32 years,, there is a dire and demanding demand to institute drug tests–and other requirements.
really does not matter however , as some liberal knee jerk jerk federal judge will invalidate this– been there , seen this many times over six generations of welfare families .

This is a worthless grandstand by WV lawmakers. Not only is this logistically impractical and expensive, it is unlikely to pass even the lightest constitutional scrutiny. They know that.
Unemployment insurance is just that, insurance. Premiums have been paid, legal binding claims have been made, and denying those claims based on newly-imposed conditions would also constitute a breach of contract and thousands of lawsuits to that effect.
This is not a viable solution, and neither have lawmakers successfully made the case that there is a widespread problem requiring legislation to address it.

Number one: Not all private business require drug testing. Usually it is a pre-employment screen and never done again. The ones who must submit are employees under federal regulations like DOT.

Number 2: What about alcohol. How many people do you know in private industry who drink on the job, lunches etc. How many come in still drunk from the night before from drinking

Number 3: Pot which is fat soluble does not leave the body for at least a month where the more dangerous stuff alcohol and meth leave within 72 hours and can easily be hidden. So what you will catch is anyone smoking POT, big deal...

Yes we need to do something to stop the abuse of the system. How about removing the deadbeats off social security who maybe addicts but for some reason can't work right. What about the earned income credit where you get more back than you put in. Now thats a real problem.

Of course we can't legalize pot, what would law enforcement have to do.

Just wait until we become a fully integrated third world country. Good luck.

I support this kind of bill. Abuse of social programs is rampage. Adding responsibility makes sense. The cost of administering this requirement would surely be offset by the money saved by eliminating the abuse. It is time for America to help those in need, and stop enabling those who can choose to wrongly take advantage of our disfunctional government. Fixing the government is a completely different issue...

I say, let’s do it!
People should lead drug free, responsible life to get hand-outs.
This will definitely discourage drug use.

I fully support drug testing for anyone who receives food stamps or government assistance. Those of us who work have to have drug tests so why shouldn't someone accepting public assistance be drug tested? Public assistance is supported by the taxes of people who work! In West Virginia we have a terrible problem with drug addiction and the chronic illnesses that accompany drug addiction, such as Hepatitis C and AIDS. Drug testing those who apply for food stamps and public assistance may be one intervention that could help curb this public health problem (nothing else is working)

yes, i think if your spending your money on drugs then no help! this privacy excuse is bulls***! if you want help & you're doing the "right thing", you wouldn't worry about a random drug test. personal freedom is fine if you don't have a hand out.

I see a lot of bums around the city here in DC. Many of them are dressed nicely with new sneakers and smoking cigarettes. I think to myself if they can afford all that then surely they can find some sort of job. I'll apply the same logic here. Illegal drugs are expensive. If someone can afford them then they obviously have money. Why should they receive our hard earned tax dollars to buy more? As a government worker I gladly submit to my urine test. I gave up my right to privacy when I raised my right hand.

What a great idea!!! If you want a welfare check (govt.ck) then take a drug test! I did for 27 years in the military. What's the big deal ? You play you pay! Less crime ,less dope consumption, less unwanted children, less addiction, family values are higher by setting an example of not doing drugs! I don't see any fault in this at all. Why should the tax payers pay for someone's addiction. Feed the needy, help the poor but don't perpetuate the habbit of social addiction. Pretty SIMPLE RIGHT?????

these laws are a waste of time, money, and energy for legislatures. Laws like this has been and will be overturned by appellate courts. Individual liberty is at stake. This law violates due process. There is a slippery slope problem here as well. If drug testing begins at unemployment benefits, where will it lead to? randomly drug testing tax benefit recipients? Drug testing our children every day when they enter school? the list goes on.
this law will be overturned if passed.

Absolutely!
Pee in a cup to get benefits. They make you do it to get a job, so you should not be a druggie anyway if you are SERIOUSLY looking for a job while you spend my hard earned tax dollars to make ends meet in the mean time.

I like mandatory drug testing! But let's test the politicians first. They're a lot more likely to be spending cash on expensive street drugs than are the unemployed.

One look at their work product proves that most of them are high!

Hello All!
Any politician that wants tax paying americans to submit to a drug test as a requirement to recieve should have their balls cut off. This is a gutless proposal that only creates animosity among hard working Americans. We should not let politicians decide what requirements are needed in order to recieve assistance especially if we have served in the military, worked and paid local, state or federal taxes. Just think about what this politician is suggesting and then ask your son or daughter if they are on drugs. If they have a job and get laid off chances are they wont be eligible for unemployement benefits under his rules, or what about uncle joe who is a Viet Nam vet using a prescribed narcotic for an injury he recieved during the war. He would loose his VA benefits until such time he could prove that he is not a drug addict. The list goes on and so does these crack pot politicians that come up with these stupid ideas. So lets make it a requirement that all politicians be given a rectal exam to find out just how big an ass hole really is.

A lot of you people wanting this to happen because they are receiving public money are pretty clueless. So basically you're saying that these people who have been paying into unemployment taxes along with their employer have to now drug test, which comes out of the public money pot in order to receive the money they've been paying alread, specifically for an occasion like this?

I'm sick and tired of people sticking their noses in other people's lives. If someone wants to smoke pot, then fine. It hurts NO one else other than themselves. You could argue the same thing with other drugs too considering all of the violence that is drug related is drug DEALER related and not drug USER related.

as a corp. that requires drug/alcohol testing for all new applicants, and testing for all OSHA recordables, I believe this is the way to enforce job safety. We all have to think about our fellow workers. As a taxpayer, the same level of controls should be applied. Fail a drug/alcohol test there is no employment. Fail at test when my tax dollars are

YES YES YES, absolutely! I work for social services and I have been thinking that something like this needs to be implemented for a LONG time. Working with families relying on food stamps, unemployment, and welfare benefits to live often have drug issues which severely impact their lives (and especially their children's lives) (yes I understand not everybody has this problem), BUT I think taxes need to go towards funding a program, such as an A&D treatment program, requiring those who fail drug screens to pass before regaining gov't assistance.

i think this is one of the best ideas the goverment has come up with yet!! only one thing i would address though is the fact that our country is an addicted society. we want what we want when we want it – period. our society is based on a self-centered quick fix solution for life. we need to bring back drug inpatient treatment facilities and get more public information going for alcoholic programs – Alcoholics Anonymous – and addiction programs – Narcotics Anonymous . there IS a difference between alcoholism and drug addiction (which includes alcohol as a drug). but back to the issue, i believe that anyone applying for welfare, food stamps or unemployment should not have a problem with random drug testing! if they don't have a
"problem" then they would have nothing to hide. especially applicants applying for welfare and food stamps! come on– been there, done that!

Since drugs are illegal I think we should take it a step further. Want a drivers license? Pee! Want to vote? Pee! Want your 401k? Pee! I mean gimme a break! What country do you people live in? I totally understand any employer requesting a pre-employment drug screen or random testing but do you really want the government in the bathroom with you watching you pee into a cup?

"I find it amazing that the supporters of drug testing have not expressed any concern whatsoever that children could be harmed in the middle of all this moralizing.

Not one of them seems concerned that children might be harmed when their parents end up homeless and without money."

Are you kidding me?!?!? Do you really think those kids are iving great lives with drug addicted or alcoholic parents? Maybe this (drug testing) is one way for drugged out/alcoholic parents to get a clue...

I'm amazed at the writer of this garbage, please think before you post!

This is a stupid expensive idea. Drug testing is not free - someone has to pay for it. Who will pay? Former employer? Unemployed person? Taxpayer? If they worked and earned the right to unemployment benefits, then they should get the benefits. Period.

I would like to see all Doctors that accepts Medicare, and Medicad be audited and they may not be the right word. Just, see how many are milking the system. The problem in our world is so, so much larger than someone somking a little weed. Give me a dam break. All Gov. officals turn a blind eye toward our real problems. They want you to buy a new car, how in the hlll can you when you don't have a job.

I see my boogie man coming down the road. Like one person stated. You can run but you can't hide. This is all a well planned event to happen to everyone. It is just a matter of time until your number will be up. I"m 62 and have been on disability for about 7 yrs. I would gladly take a drug test if I pass pay me for the time and trouble. I paid in this system all my life and it is not welfare. Unemployment you pay into that and it is your money....come on folks we will all wake up someday and remeber the very day. We all should tell them that we are mad as hell and we aren't going to take this anymore.

Why stop there? Let's require those who apply for any benefits to wear a symbol on their clothes, so we know they are recieving benefits. Also anyone recieving benefits cannot own a weapon, marry interracially, or associate with those who recieve no benefits. We can make special stores that people have to go to in order to use their food stamps...It will be great! All of America's problems would be solved. (If you read this far you are an idiot)

This will just make things worse. If someone had a drug problem when they were employed, losing unemployment benefits after a job loss isn't necessarily going to stop the drug problem. Addiction is real and for some people it is a hole they can't get out of on their own. Are we going to stand at the top of the hole and kick them down again, or reach down and try to help them up? I see this causing more deaths.

Yes, I think it should happen. My husband is a union sheet metal worker and he has random drug testing and when working on a goverment building they have to test before working. So, he has to test to pay the taxes that fund food stamps. Only seems fair. I realize it would make things harder for kids, and people are going to cheat.

What is the problem? All of you would dont think this is a grand idea must be druggies. I have seen too many children of people on government assistance go dressed in shabby clothes, no shoes wrotten teeth, filthy, and God knows they cant help themselves. While at the same times the parents are high, stink like cigarette smoke wear nice clothes, drive fine autos. YES if you are going to recieve a free hand out because you can make more money sitting at home, having babies that you sometimes give away so someone else can get an extra check, you bet drug test. I had to take a drug test to get a job , didnt think it interfered with my freedom, this is american we are all free to make decisions, make a bad one and you pay for it, no free money . There is too much Free Money now.

This is a stupid idea. First, it is an invasion of privacy. Our private lives are not the governments business. The money for the jobless benefits is primarily tax dollars that we all pay into the system. Also, the costs to randomly test all those getting jobless benefits is quite high compared with the few that would actually get caught by a test. Finally, most people who are using drugs will just buy a product to beat the test or simply stop using drugs until their unemployment runs out and then just go right back to the drugs. It is a stupid idea and a clear waste of money under the attempt to save money. Stupid!

Some of the arguments here are ridiculous. I was laid off from a job last year and unfortunately had to collect unemployment for a short time while actively, and I stress ACTIVELY, looking for a new job. When I was offered a new position working for government I was required to take a drug test. I passed and now have a great job. So what should have happened if I hadn't? Should the government have continued to pay for my lifestyle because I couldn't say no to drugs long enough to become gainfully employed?
Lastly, I have too often seen welfare recipients sell or trade their funds to others in order to obtain drugs. People complain that "the children will go hungry" and "these people will have no money for utilities" but let me tell you that plenty of assistance recipients will come strolling into the local convenient store around 11:30 am, high as a kite, while their children are at school, receiving free breakfasts and lunches that mine don't qualify for even a discount on, and blow $75 on chips, pop, candy, etc... Seems like the children are going hungry either way. I do feel bad for the children, but where do we stop?

I have never once used illegal drugs in my lifetime, and I'm on government assistance. I can also tell you odds are greater than not that I'd fail any random drug screening. What? Why? BECAUSE I TAKE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION FOR A DISABILITY – the reason I need to be on assistance in the first place, and am unable to work. My medicine is considered to be a controlled substance, and I'm not permitted to fill it more than 2 days in advance. if this law were passed, than anyone in a similar situation would be denied medicaid/medicare for no other reason than they were taking their prescription drugs that were the sole reason they were on medicaid/medicare. Doctors can tell you about this – thats probably why the article and politician made sure not to quote the numourous prescription drugs out there for severe impairments (particularly neurological ones such as epilepsy/fibromyalgia/etc) that cause people to fail drug screenings a majority of the time even though they are drug free

Patricia- Just to let you know- I work with those children whose parents are collecting those checks EVERY SINGLE DAY-something can be done the minute people address the issue and stop running from it- don't think we aren't thinking about the reprocussions but, on the other hand , why should we- the parents obviously haven't!

Drug test shoulb be a great idea. Please ,Please, Please. We will see more children with bright future and less users of illegal drugs.

Even if you accept the ridiculous premise that taking drugs means you are not looking for a job, it's totally unethical and illegal to deny someone benefits as a result. Everyone who receives an unemployment check does so because they held a job and were laid off. If they were fired for incompetency or any other negative reason, or quit, they are not eligible. Furthermore, while they were employed, they paid into the unemployment insurance system. If you want to refund the money they paid, that's fine. Otherwise, this is taking a questionable and often disturbing moral crusade against drug use and bringing it into an area that is totally separate.

I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS!!!!!!!! I HAVE TO PASS A DRUG TEST TO WORK SO. WHY NOT MAKE PEOPLE WHO NEED THE GOVERNMENTS HELP DO THE SAME? IT'S MY DRUG FREE DOLLARS PAYING THEIR WAY IN LIFE. AND FOR CHILDREN GOING HUNGRY WELL MAYBE THIS WILL MAKE THESE PARENTS WHO MAKES WELFARE A JOB AND SELL THERE FOOD STAMPS FOR DRUGS CLEAN THEIR ACT UP. AND IF THEY CAN'T WELL THEN THEY DON'T DESERVE TO BE PARENTS.

No they should be the criteria for benefits, but the idea to test and then outreach to help rehabilitate is a good one.

It sounds a lot like Fascism. What next? If you drive on interstate highways using what taxpayer built , should you be required to the same random drug tests? How about all public employees? They live off the public dole we should also include them in the random drug tests. Surely all elected officials live off the public money the should also be subject to random drug tests. Plus we should have the right to look at their medical records if some of the drugs are prescribed by doctors. Hell how about all the country ever one uses something public money has paid for in the course of a day. Let us test them all.

YES!!! I think everyone should be tested if they are going to recieve a check from the gov't. Personally I think all companies should require drug testing for employees. All in and all drug related problems cost our gov't billions of dollars annually.

No. Money needs to be put into social services to make sure the children of drug users are provided for and for treatment of those with adictions.

No benefits = more crimes to obtain money for drugs..

first of all money is taken out of my check for unemployment insurance who the hell is this guy to say i will not get my unemployment check if i fail some drug test if i get laid off as far as im concerned after 25 years working and never collected if something does happen with my job i deserve those benefits no matter what these politicians have nothing better to do but to make up stupid laws i wonder how many of these politicians have done some things we cant mention they got the skeletins in their closet too

First off, I agree with everyone that says, we as working taxpayers, have contributed to unemployment benefits. How dare a political figure think that those who have lost their jobs should be subjected to this kind of treatment. Get rid of the drug problem first and how does he plan on handling a positive result from persons that are on prescription medications that will show positive on a drug test? Maybe the folks in Congress should start thinking about cleaning up their act instead of pushing all the problems on the working class who have made this country what it used to be before the politicans wrecked this country. The politicans greed, overspending and failure to police their corrupt buddies. companies need to clean up their own yard first. Give the laid-off working class people what they have paid into and deserve. How about stopping the off-shoring that politicians have allowed for years with the companies. Drug test those people before you give out our hard earned money. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE WORKING CLASS CITIZENS.

I applaud these lawmakers. Why should the working person be subjected to drug tests who pays the taxes for the ones on unemployment to receive the benefits without being tested.
If you are a doper, you don't deserve benefits.

This needs to happen NOW. I have been places, done things, seen things, and quit things over my 51 years to know that this is WAY overdue. What are the arguements against it?

Sure lets drug test. As long as your also going to breathalize or blood test that same person for alcohol. Don't want them using that government hand-out on booze. Why is it when drug testing is brought up we always leave out the f**king drunks? What if they aren't on un-employment and go into work hammered? The real problem isn't that people are getting high and drunk it is that we have a problem with what they do in their personal life. It's BS as far as I am concerned and just another attempt by the reefer madness propagandist to further their hate filled agenda. I manage a liquor store and I will tell you in these hard times and a majority of my customers on unemployment the problem isn't they are doing drugs its they are getting a 18pk of beer everyday on your money. Think about that for a second, because I can't tell you to put that in your pipe and smoke it. Your too drunk to realize all of the cannabis smoking drug addicts your so afriad of all still have all of their jobs; hint they more than likely just cooked you lunch or brought you your drink.

NO! I'm am a drug-free working adult so will not be impacted by the bill, but my vote is decidedly NO. How about we include a test for alcohol use in the past several days? Or have all applying for unemployement be required a GPS to verify they are in town and have visited possible places of employment? This is a direct violation of privacy.

I think a drug test makes sense. What if someone gets fired because they were high on the job? Do we then reward them, give them money, and let them continue to support the black market? Get clean, get a job .. or a government check if getting a job is legitimately impossible.

The food stamps provision is concerning. A good amount of food stamp dollars go to children. How are you to discern what portion goes to kids? If the total payout is reduced, the likelihood is that the dollars will be stretched to feed the whole family resulting in decreased nutrition for all.

I don,t think we should exclude alchohol when we start talking drug testing and to be fair all those in people that are in office should stand up and commite to a screening in good faith i some times wonder what kind of drugs there on?

When every elected politician, bureaucrat, and any others who receive taxpayer (government) checks have agreed to be tested, then include the poor saps who have worked and have had the misfortune to be laid off. Has anyone tested Craig Blair (either an IQ test or a drug test)?

Y SURE THEY SHOULD. IT WOULD SAVE THE GOVERNMENT SO MUCH MORE MONEY FOR RESOURCES SUCH AS EDUCATION,AND GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROJECTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE DRUG FREE. EXSPECIALYSINCE THE POVERTY STRICONED COMMUNITY HAS A HIGH CRIME RATE AND DRUG RATE I THINK IT WILL ULTIMATEY REDUCE CRIME. THAT MEANS MAKING THE COMUNITIES A BETTER PLACEFOR OUR KIDS TO GROW UP IN. OH AND BY THE WAY I HAVE TO BE DRUG FREE TO RETAIN MY JOB AND BENIFITS SO SHOULD THEY.

Alcohol testing should be included since alcohol is a drug in liquid form. But, I don't agree. Anyone getting Unemployment has paid into the system like every one else and should be entitled to the insurance.

What, only drug free people should be able to collect on home owners insurance?

This could be done the same time we check their SS numbers validity.

Yes, I wish I would of came up with that idea, drug test for
all benefits, unemployement, welfare, foodstamps, wic, New Drivers Lic. thats one way to cut down the drugs on the street,
and create jobs for the testers and paper trail.

Without question, you want my hard earned money, then be prepared to take a drug test for it.

Yes I think drug testing should be mandated...In every way....If the working man/woman has to have them to keep their job and benefits then it's only right for people drawing any kind of assistance. If the government would start cracking down on the welfare system, maybe the ones who truly deserve it wil finally get a chance to survive.

I have to agree with Ellie, but maybe the first time you test positive you get a warning and some of your benefits reduced. One idea is have people pick up the ditch on the way to pick up thier welfare.

are you kidding me? What next? your spending our tax dollars on nonsense as it is..Just one more freedom being taken away by big brother who thinks he know best. You can't even agree all together to pass a dam bill. Get a life and deal with more important issues such as the economy and health care.

I fully support this measure. In my opinion if you have the money to buy drugs rather than use the money for things you actually need such as food and utilities, then you have no right to benefits. There are people who actually need these type of benefits in order to get by. If you have the money to buy drugs, you have the money to pay your bills.

Awesome idea! I think everyone receiving taxpayers money should be tested. Congressmen, senators, governers, people getting welfare,unemployment. And when it comes to welfare, test every adult in the household husband and wife, or boyfriend girlfriend!

Totally agree, if people want these government benefits they should be drug free. It would eliminate a lot of people and help in the long run. Obviously, all they would use their benefits for would be drugs anyway. Great Idea, I support 100%

Assuming by "drug testing" they mean any and all drugs including legal ones such as alcohol. Unemployment benefits is to get people back on their feet so they can go back to supporting themselves. If they are too weak minded to break drug addiction that's their problem.

Not all companies require drug tests to begin working. Not all those who are in need of benefits are receiving them due to lack of funding. Now were wanting to spend money on passing bills to require additional spending for drug testing that would have no effect on getting a job unless the job your appling for requires a drug test. Why not speed this time and money on getting those in need of assistance the help they need, like employment assistance, drug rehabilitation or temporary food assistance.

All I can say is, "It's about time !!!" People have to take drug tests to get and keep jobs, so why not require it of those who are requesting taxpayer supported programs.

I don't want to give money to someone who clearly has enough money to spend it on drugs.. and it isn't a disease it is a CHOICE.. and the sooner people start taking responsibility for their actions the better. Saying it is a disease does two things. It causes people to believe that you cannot control it that you have no choice when you clearly do. Second it really trivializes real diseases that people get and CANNOT control. Yes drug test them. If they don't pass they don't get assistance period. If you are worried about the children involved take them away. They don't need to be with drug using parents anway.. Problem solved. I cannot believe this isn't already in place. Most times you cannot get a job if you do drugs why should you get assistance when you do drugs..Doesn't that defeat the purpose? So lets get this strait.. "Oh I didn't get that job cause I am a drug user...but wait! I'll just have the state and government take care of me instead! Great Idea" I think NOT.

I am a physician in a small, rural town. Poverty is rampant, and drug use/abuse is even worse. The drug use increases crimes of all kind, and so a terrible cycle continues. I am all for drug testing for unemployment benefits. I personally see many, many people on public assitance that consistently use drugs, and not just marijauna. The more they use, the less motivated they are to get out and work hard, like the rest of us do every day. The use leads to addictions, which makes them virtually unemployable after some period of time. Then many people end up on public assistance chronically, instead of it being a temporary stop-gap measure as it was intended to be.

Privacy is always, always conditional. I do not buy into violation of privacy when my tax dollars are supporting your drug use.

As a physician, I am not even entitled to HIPPA protection as most people are. My medical history is public domain, as a condition to maintain my licensure, and is re-evaluated every year.

The cost of a urine drug screen for eight common drugs is less than $20. That is a whole lot less then a weekly check for any given recipient on public assistance.

Hell yes. Drug test everyone, and often.

Absolutely. It shouldn't be random either...it should be across the boards...100% required. The losers are spending my tax dollars on drugs and then sitting around high and un-motivated. This will get them off thier butts. If they can't find a job, give them a rake, a paint brush or a broom, and let them help clean up America!!

No problem, as long as you can opt out of unemployment insurance and have that added back in to your check because you opt to use drugs. No taxation without benefits . . .

Unemployment wages are earned by working (drug free) and added to by your employers, as opposed to food stamps that are given out if you have no or below means income.
I don't think anyone should have to take a drug test for unemployment earned over years of working. I am unemployed for the first time in 25 years and collecting unemployment for the first time in my life. I worked/earned the account that I'm drawing from.

Everyone needs to stop and think – is it not a conscious choice the first time someone decids to use drugs? Yes, unless we're talking about babies born addicted because of their mothers addiction. The fact that everyone has to make a decision whether or not to do drugs to me is enough reason to say – yes, test anyone who is asking for assistance. If they can't pass a drug test to get benefits then they won't be able to pass one to become EMPLOYED! Being employed is the only way someone can help themselves to a better life.

To all the closed minded people who think you should spend $60 for a test to get $200 worth of benefits, please read on. The dirty little secret is that 90% of positive test are for marijuana, and that only happens when you are too stupid to realize that any test for reffer can be passed by simply drinking a gallon of water and taking 2 B-12 vitamains to keep you urine yellow. They would not have hair test as to they cost $250 each and they can be beat by using shampoos that are readily available on the web.

Any how do I know this? I am a certified US DOT drug testing agent. Drug testing is a huge waste of time and money.

I am for drug testing. I had to take a drug test to get my job and have random testing done to keep my job. Why should people getting assistance not have the same standards to get their money that I have to get my paycheck. As for the comments on kids starving, how many are starving or being mistreated by parents who use their money to get drugs. If they lose their kids they may straighten up and abuse might go down.

Actually, this makes good sense. This is exactly similar to a parent that tells their adult child that as long as that adult child continues to depend on the parent, the adult child will have to be home by a certain hour, not bring friends home for sex, and yes, not take any drugs. If the aduult child really wants his/her freedom, then they can find a job and move out...

hey, if they can afford drugs, they dont need our taxes paying their unemployment.

Only if the bankers, wall street employees, CEO's and any other person that gets government money is tested. I think the idea would be dropped really quick.

I don't have a problem with it, as long as these lawmakers are willing to submit to regular drug testing. My tax dollars should not be wasted on corrupt politicians either. Fair is fair after all.

The increase of unemployed in this country is not a result of drug use, but the expansive mishandling of finances and greed in this country. Every unemployed person 's job loss,I am pretty certain, is not drug related, nor every state assisted person has a drug problem. It appears that this is another way of shifting the blame for the mess this country is in. Why not subject every government official to random drug testing before taking office and maybe throw in a blood alcohol. People are drowning in debt in this country and no one is throwing out a life preserver. Filing for unemployment already requires jumping thru hoops, don't add insult to injury by making us do drug tests.

i dont think that i drug test should be required to recieve your fair share since to be quilifed you had to pay a tax just for the unemployment. so basicly you buy insureance thru taxation and then not quilify because of someone elses moral values. taxation with reresentation. just another GOVERNMENT WRONG

If you want to have the cost of Unemployment benefit programas go WAAAY Up, then by all means drug test.
Good luck with all the lawsuits and have fun with all the beuracracy it will spawn to manage it.
When you start cutting the safety net, you will get a riot, a lot of hungry kids and a ton of lawsuits.
Stupid, stupid idea.

But what about bankers and law makers? I think since they are getting public funds, they should be drug tested too! Fair is fair.
You cant just punish the poor.....unless you are in West Virginia, apparently
Buit then again, this policy is from West Virginia, one of the poorest most uneducated people in America. Go fihure

Excellent idea. Why should hard working taxpayers be forced to subsidize the illegal habits of those receiving any form of government assistance. I would even go further and mandate a smoking test for anyone receiving government assisance. You fail – you loose. Private enterprise does it so why shouldn't the government do it.

People who are down and out like the unemployed and poor use a little pot to make their life easier day to day. Take it away and we will get straight and realize how messed up the current system is. From health care to many other issues. The government does not want that to happen.

No, No and No

1. It adds more costs as well as one more layer of bureaucracy to the process.

2. This is just illicit drugs? I realize alcohol and tobacco are free but they are still drugs. Both of which cost us more than illicit drugs, but that is another issue.

3. Getting and applying for benefits for most people is humiliating enough. As the layoffs continue more and more of us will be unemployed. Maybe even you, the reader, yes you. Ask yourself, do you want to pee in a cup in addition to having to fill out all the paperwork and go and talk to a worker about your financial situation that you are already be embarrassed about because you never thought you would be in this situation?

ABSOLUTELY all recepients of any type of benefit should be drug tested.
ABSOLUTELY!!! Government employees, too....why not.... sure!
For all of the harding working people supporting the recepients of government benefits, drug testing is a WONDERFUL idea.
If you're innocent and have nothing to hide, there's no problem.
If you're on drugs and a recepient.....make your choice ....what's your priority.....drugs? benefit assistance?

Should we screen all executive who get bailout money to fix their greedy mistake an IRS audit?

When are these jokers going to come up with something constructive.

If you're using other people's money, you don't have money to spend on drugs. If you can afford drugs, don't ask for someone else's money. And don't give me the bull about it being "insurance" that you've paid for, as an employer I can tell you that the government hits up employers to pay benefits to employees that have been fired or laid off. Often even for those that voluntarily quit. The amount of unemployment paid seldom goes to those that pay it in the most. What you've paid in will not cover your benefits by a long shot. Just like regular insurance. The difference is that it's other taxpayers picking up the bill. Go for it with the drug testing! Illegal is illegal, it's not helping anyone to get a job, and it certainally isn't making anyone a better employee. If you receive government benefits, you obey the laws set by the government. That should be a given.

What are you who support this thinking? Do you not realize that this is opening a door that should not be opened?

Where the heck are your consciences? Where is your common sense? It may not stop here...just because "we" are law-abiding citizens what is to stop holier-than-thou lawmakers from judging us based upon their own values and finding us lacking. Don't think it can't happen, it is being discussed here and now.

I smoked pot – snorted coke but I did in with my money. Not a single mothers tax money while she is trying to work and support her babies. I may have had my fun but I have my pride. I don't think you should be able to but ciggs ether with my tax money but thats another agument,

I believe that the drug testing is a great idea. In my job (government-related), I am subject to random drug testing as well I should be. I, honestly, don't want to support people who can't or, better yet, won't get their life in order. Maybe go one step farther, instead of giving them their benefits, use that money to put them in rehab. At least, that way they will be in an atmosphere to get help....just a thought!

To select a group of disadvantaged people for drug testing is discrimination and adversely affects the elderly, disabled and poverty stricken. How about a drug test for members of Congress and the Bank executives? How about a drug test for members of Wall Street?

So dad loses his job and smokes pot.....sorry kids no dinner tonight. Will we include alcohol or cigarettes? Maybe we should only allow them to buy healthy food to lower the medical benefits too. C'mon folks stop trying to legislate personal agendas by attaching opportunistic bills to get press and help CREATE JOBS. That may help actually lower our unemployment costs.

Absolutely!!! Why? Because it's OUR TAX MONEY paying these benefits!!! If someone elects to pay for illegal drugs to sustain a habit, why should my tax money go to help them with benefits, like food and health care. Spend the money on food and healthcare... not illegal ... I said ILLEGAL... drugs!

It should be a no brainer. No job = No money. No money = No drugs.
If my tax money is going to help pay for government benefits, then I have a right as your to require you to take a drug test. When I was laid off this past September from a six figure a year job and applied for un-employment benefits, I was doing it of my own free will. It's not a requirement to take government money. When I found a great job in January of this year, I had to take a drug test. If I didn't want to take a drug test, I could have looked for work elsewhere.

I choose to be paid by a company that requires drug tests. If you choose to use the benefits the government provides, you need to follow the rules. If you want to do the drugs, find a job that will let you. But please don't ask me to support your illegal habit. I don't care what you do on your own dime, but when it's my money it's my rules. Just ask any parent of a teenager.

I have never taken an illegal drug in any form, but this sounds expensive to me. Lab work is not cheap – how do they propose that the taxpayers foot the bill for this brain cramp?

I think this is a great idea, Why should we give benefits to someone that will not take a job, but has money to buy drugs. There are jobs out there people you just have to swallow your pride and take a job that you are over qualified for. the old say is beggers can not be choosers. I would rather work at Mcdonalds as a fry cook than not have food in my stomach.

I think we should also screen for diabetes and heart disease, after all I do not want my hard earn tax dollars spend on somebody that is unhealthy and could die any moment.

Ridiculous idea this drug screening.

Yes, this is an awesome idea.

If people getting unemployment are on drugs, they are less likely to find a good job. We should do everything we can to be sure that people getting government checks are, if pysically and mentally possible, heading in the direction of becoming productive members of society.

Yes. Benefits should definitely depend on a negative drug test. Why should tax payers pay for people to lay around and do drugs?

You do reallize that umemployment is not welfare correct. Ever heard of hear Federal Unemployment Insurance? You pay into it based on you income along with your employer. The amount you can get in benefits is decided by the amount you are making. For those that don't get it. You would be similar to an insurance company saying after a flood that they won't honor there policy if you are found drunk or on drugs. Think before form your knee jerk opinions.

Give me a break!! Let's make it harder for people who are on unemployment. I don't think so. And think of the expense. Who is going to bear that? The people on unemployment, or the GOVERNMENT! Yeah, let's spend some wasteful dollars here.

Well, two sides, one says you should be able to do whatever you want, not hold a job, goverment support, but get plenty of kids – the other says work for a living or die, along with those kids

But as others have posted, the drinkers get their test first!

I say hell to the YES! How are you supposed to find a job when your on drugs? They aren't going to hire you if you test positive for being on drugs! Finally someone who took an idea I had years ago and ran with it. You want help from the government? HELP YOURSELF FIRST!!! Get off the crack and change your idiotic mentality that everything should be given to you...

It's easy to get around the testing anyways. Most substances are out of your system within a few days. Only hair follicle testing will go back enough time and that cost hundreds of dollars.

This is more bureaucratic nonsense.

Alcohol is a drug!

Oh, drug testing should only be the beginning. I'm very, very tired of seeing drugged out moms (and dads) with dirty and malfed children being rewarded with benefits which are subsidized with my tax money. Oh, no, I advocate proof of elimination of reproductive capabilities for some of the gross offenders, proof of public volunteerism (beautify America), proof of citizenship or legal residency status (if you're here illegally...no benefits, PERIOD), etc., etc.

Who are we kidding? My state and federal income taxes just increased today, my SALES TAX just increased TODAY to 8.375%. That's for most EVERYTHING I purchase in my county here in California. So please don't insult me by sugesting that it is unfair to impose some sort of civility on some of these leaches of society, which is the majority of those taking up a big portion of my hard earned money.

The sooner I get these blood sucking scums out of my wallet the better.

Your past employers, the ones that laid you off, pay into unemployment, it's not all tax money...
If we're going to go that far, lets start drug test everyone in the Capital... their getting paid with tax money..... Oh.. wait... some won't pass....

Only if they audit all of congress's taxes as well as auditing the taxes of every management person of every company that received bailout funds. Follow that with a buisness tax audit for all companies receiving public funds. Then all said persons must submit to a drug test and have whatever perscription drugs they are currently taking posted publicly online. Then if all that passes muster then maybe drug testing for unemployment funds can be considered.

Consider that you have to pay into unemployment by actually working. So if someone gets laid off and chooses to smoke a joint and that would result in a denied benefit. The person behind you in line at the unemployment office has convinced their doctor they need a pharmaceutical that relaxes them but they still qualify for the funds because they received a perscription. WT#!

Hey Willy.. read my last post. Your kids already know how to beat a drug test.

And as for being a no-brainier, how would you know, considering your obvious lack of intelligence.

BTW, 5% of all drug tests return false positives that ruin peoples lives. I should know. I have to call the employer and tell him to fire the poor sap wo got caught.

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I had to take a drug test to get my job so why not for anyone who wants to get my tax dollars. All candidates should have to drug test also. If our tax dollars contribute to anyone's benefit they need to drug test.

FINALLY someone is making sense!! I'm behind this 100%. Let me tell you the truth as I know it. Everyone I know on foodstamps and unemployment is either a drug addict or alcoholic. They sit around getting high and drunk all day. My sister gets almost $400 a month on foodstams and nobody has checked out her background. The kids she gets stamps for were taken away from her and she still gets paid for them. She has more pills and booze then anyone I know but eats like a queen. Lobster & filet mignon! All her neighbors are on unemployment and drink top shelf booze to flush down the Vicodin that are prescribed for their disabilities that they get paid for by the state. I think the whole system needs to be monitored better and random testing is a start.

I think this is a great idea but it will never work. Who is going to pay the bill? There is a cost to this. And what about the children/dependents of individuals that test postivie for drugs and don't receive money/benefits to support their family? Innocent children paying the price for their parents/cargivers bad choices?

are you serious?.. drugs should be legalized.. the US would make billions of money on taxation. Republican lawmakers are idiots!

I agree drug tests should be mandatory!!! Not saying because you need assistant you are drug user but the point of the program is to help families back on their feet. I work hard for my money and I sure don’t want to support anyone drug habits. Also think about if the person using drugs has a kid to support that’s so not fair to the kids.
I also think if the fail the drug test the kids should be moved to a safe environment.

I think a Drug test Prior to and random during ALL Welfare and Jobless benifits programs should be required. If a possable recipiant doesn't like it they can walk away. I have to comply with these requirments to work and my taxes are what they want so they should have at least as rigid requirments..

Who pays for the drug testing and the people required to administrate the program? The unemployed who can't afford it? The taxpayers who already pay more than our share? Please think before you create more laws.

Those of you ranting for drug testing. Your remarks are ugly and sad.
You know, sometimes I truly wonder about people. There is a streak of solid mean-spiritedness in this entire thread; ranting about drug testing like it's a moral failure rather than a symptom of our sick, materialistic society. The economy is a mess, we have 2 wars going on, there are tent cities in the US and you have the sick and pathetic gall to rant about ways to refuse benefits to some people in need? What about their families? Do their children starve so you can feel fat and self-righteous? I don't condone drug use, but I understand that addiction is more a disease than a moral failing. Yes, there are always those who abuse, but they are in the minority. As a nation, a group, Americans are supposed to look out for each other in times of need. If there were more rehabs, counselors and compassion maybe there would be less drug use. It is not our place, as individuals, to judge and demean others. I believe your words are shameful and mean.

One more thing – being poor is neither a crime nor a sin. It is a circumstance of life. Selfishness, self-righteous judgment of others and lack of compassion are a lot more offensive and harmful in my opinion. I've read that God chastens his people when they get too full of themselves. Unfortunately, we are very comfortable with being superior, looking for someone to blame or judge. If you look around you, the people in line for food stamps these days look a lot more familiar than ever before. The tables do turn and we are chastised. As we certainly deserve to be.

Let's lay off this guy!! What a jerk!! It's degrading enough to lose a job and face a bureaucracy to get your unemployment benefits. This is violation of the 4th amendment that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Perhaps if the unemployment applicants urinate on the
drug testers desk, or in his/her shoes, they will get the message.
Put THIS guy in the unemployment lines where he belongs.

It's a good idea and will perhaps deter someone on welfare or unemployment from causing problems while they have so much free time. I really hate to think that my tax dollars are supporting someone's habit. Maybe an offer of drug counseling for the first offense and cut off funds after the second offense. I sure had to take drug tests before being hired on my last two jobs. I also agree that all
government employees be given random drug testing.

NO! And that is what I told my Republican Representative. Reasons to not do it, among other things, it punishs those who either cannot get a job or has a job that pays less than minimum wage that is not enough to pay the rent, buy clothes, and feed the children.
This is just another Republican screw ball bill that that was introduced to draw attention to it's sponsor.

This is a very good idea for many reasons. Anyone who says this is a violation of a persons rights, you should study up on your crimes code. Doing any type of illeagal substace is against the law, thus those breaking the law should not be entitled to the same optional government assistance as those who are not.
This would not only provide a real and progressive incentive for people out of work or relying on the government to stop doing drugs, but this should also help with the growing drug crimes going on within the United States. This is one of the most practical idea for stopping drug crimes suggested in years.
Fot those that think this would be expensive, consider the millions of dollars both in government aid and various law enforcement issues this would save tax payers. The only "rights" a person has when they break the law are those laid out by the constitution and their Miranda Rights. Any patriotic american should be all for a legislative bill that would force people to stop breaking the law.
Government aid going to those who dont deserve it and drugs are two of the biggest problems in America today. This bill would effectively tackle both these issues and in the long run save America more money than it would cost

Nope, not a good idea. Don't judge everyone on a what you think a few people do. I don't care what people do as long as the children are fed and yes, I am a taxpayer of a significant amount. So, who is going to pay for the testing? Me? Nope, I don't think so. No one cares if your husband or whoever else has to pee in a cup for their job. Not my problem nor care. That's their choice to work where they work. So, if someone's unemployment runs out and they need to feed their kids you're presuming someone is guilty by wanting to require them to pee in a cup to put some food on the table. Nice. I'm sick of big brother and I won't stand for it for some of our most vulnerable citizens( a step away from homelessness for some). Good to know there is so much compassion out there from a bunch of judgmental folks.

Obviously, too many self-righteous politicians have too much free time. Drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed... with a large part of the tax revenues being used for rehabilitation of addicts. Our jails have too many inmates who are guilty of nothing more than getting caught with small quantities of drugs which were for their personal use.

its amazing to me how many posters here think nothing of giving up just one more right to privacy...lunacy...drug test the guy who came up with this nonsense!

everyone deserves to have food, medical, be warm, & have a roof over their heads – everyone -

No Josie the point is if you care about your family and need the benefits you won't be concerned about the random tests because you are CLEAN! The ones who don't pass will get help.

Wait, one more, no benefits for anyone who watches the absolutely sick television programs that the bulk of American idiots watch – out of decency, I won't name them, but anyone who watches the tripe being doled out today is no better than a druggie. Or, mebbe that's why they are drug addicts?

Dig deep and I bet you will find that lawmakers that come up with this crap have big investments in the co's doing the testing. You dummys that agree with them are just being led to a new U.S.S.R. Anybody can beat a drug test, but it still has to be paid for, thus the trick.

What do you do about false positives? Punitive policies, while politically popular, are dangerous without some form of due process. We need to protect ourselves against the sentiments of the mob, which is why we have a bill of rights. Put away the tasers, put away the drug kits, and let the legal system do its job.

Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?? My family was on ADC back in the 50's and you had to have a garden, could not owe a TV and the social worker could come into your homeanytime she wanted.

ABSOLUTELY! I've never "blogged" before and feel so strongly that this should happen that I wanted to voice my opinion. The goal of welfare should not be a permanent solution and if a person is choosing to use drugs they wouldn't qualify for a job, and therefore continue to collect money that they don't deserve. Maybe if its harder to get a handout, people will start being more responsible. AND...just to really get the opposition worked up, I think there should be mandatory birth control as well. As soon as someone on welfare gets back on their feet and a job, then by all means have more babies. Just stay off the drugs...

This is simply illegal. I am obligated to contribute to the unemployment insurance fund. If I loose my job, I expect the benefits, period. Otherwise, then let's have the unemployment insurance contribution be elective. Applying for a job is another story, as you are asking for a privilege not a right.