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Mandatory Drug Testing Demonizes and Demoralizes

The assumption that people on public assistance use drugs at a higher rate than the general population is erroneous

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I need aid currently, I had become displaced not having employment or opportunities for employment and also in need for housing so as a low income minority person I really suffer hard. I never used drugs and never will but I am shuttled and huddled in the mix and treated as a user because I am unemployed and homeless too.

c in NYS of NY 3:52PM January 13, 2012

I don't understand how this requirement "demonizes and demoralizes" applicants! There are a number of eligibility requirements for public assistance, why can't being drug free just be a requirement?! I receive aid and would not be offended if I had to take a drug test! I had to take one to qualify for many employment positions, what's the difference? Its totally ridiculous that this is offensive!!

Angelic of CA 10:48PM January 06, 2012

yes - its like one law maker has said "employers drug test.....why then when someone is getting assistance can't they also be drug tested?" yes the economy is bad and heightened unemployment and families in desperate need, but I myself had to go to my local DHS for assistance a couple of years ago and would say 60% of class I was in to further my job training were active drug and alcohol users and admitted to only taking the training to satisfy their caseworkers and get a check! So I personally think its valid, people should have seen the sweating and panic ridden people when random drug test days were up!

Steph Jensen of OR 7:52PM January 06, 2012

Whatever fantasy/politically correct world has invoked such opinions as "welfare recipients are no more likely to have drug problems than anyone else," and that testing.."perpetuates myths..." Wow...it must be nice to have never lived in the real world out here where you see this on a daily basis around you. Those of us who do live here know what reality is.

Jeanie of SC 11:41AM December 23, 2011

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