Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill 73 into law, a law passed by overwhelming majorities in both houses of state Legislature. This law mandates the state Department of Social Services to “develop a program to screen each applicant or recipient who is otherwise eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,” and says any applicant or recipient may be tested if the department has “reasonable cause to believe” he or she “engages in illegal use of controlled substances.”
Having been involved with addiction for decades and those who need drug rehab in Missouri we see this as a positive step. The welfare system has been abused for years from the outset by those struggling with addiction. Providing them with the means to continue to abuse drugs and the taxpayers of Missouri does little to provide an incentive to get better. Being given a handout under these conditions is demoralizing in and of itself, a handout is far different than a hand up. Those folks who honestly need help and are trying to do the right thing will not be bothered one bit with this new legislation.
Many argue that these tests will costs taxpayers money, and while true this will go along way in holding those asking for help to be accountable. There is nothing wrong with that. Many who oppose this legislation argue children will suffer for lack of food and care. We have witnessed time and time again food stamps and benefits being traded to support drug habits. If a child has a drug addicted parent they will not receive the benefits anyway. If a person is receiving welfare benefits, has children and tests positive one would hope the resources and wherewithal to alert child protective services were in place.
There have been some arguments made however in that the no one has really surveyed to determine the amount of drug abuse actually occurring among welfare recipients. Many claim the percentages are no more than that of the general population which is approximately ten percent.Currently there are 74,000 welfare recipients in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program who receive $230 per month in benefits. If these are numbers are in line then that means approximately $1.7 million would be saved in welfare distribution which is about the estimated costs of the program.
Other arguments that are also valid with this new legislation is the protocol to be followed when determining who should be tested may not be in place or the qualification of those charged with making that determination. This points are valid but for years we know there have been abuses of our system and it is not unreasonable to expect those who need help to simply be held to the same standards as those in the workforce are expected to meet. To do less is being reasonable and contributing to the problem.
Prescription drug addiction is another significant factor to consider as there are addicts hooked on prescription drugs than heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine combined. Many of whom have prescriptions and for the most part will not be tested for abuse of those drugs. The five panel drug screen does test for benzodiazapines which is commonly prescribed for anxiety but if the recipient has a prescription that will void the positive tests.
All in all this is a positive step as it does send a message to those receiving benefits that they will be held accountable and that in today’s times, when drug addiction is at all time high we need to maintain a drug free positions and not be reasonable in letting things slide. It weakens the moral fiber of our society. Someone suffering with an addiction deserves to be helped, but being given a handout is far less helpful for anyone than being given a hand up.
