Because Ohio has already solved the state’s unemployment problem, tackled education, and given rainbow-painted puppies to every resident, it’s now time to turn our resolve and focus to drug testing welfare recipients. Because nothing gets Joe Public’s blood boiling like telling him that his tax dollars are going directly to poor people who use that cash to buy drugs. And nothing is an easier score for a conservative lawmaker than saying he is going to fix the problem.
Two weeks ago, State Senator Tim Grendell announced he’s working on a bill that would require all welfare recipients and anyone else in the great Buckeye State cashing a public assistance check to take a drug test. Looking at the state’s overflowing coffers, this seems like a fine idea.
Nevermind that other states that have undertaken similar measures have found that, shockingly, this is a dumb idea.
“In Florida, so far, only 2% of people tested have been found to have taken drugs. So that means 98% are drug free and the state has to pay back that cost of the tests,” said State Senator Nina Turner.
But if we’re going to make one person receiving public money take a drug test, Sen. Turner rightly thinks that everyone receiving public money should take a drug test, according to Fox 8. Which is why she is partnering with State Representative Bob Hagan on a new bill that would force all those folks in the Ohio General Assembly, including Mr. Grendell, to also be subject to random drug testing. As if our lawmakers don’t have enough to worry about without fretting about where to buy clean urine.
This article appears in Sep 7-13, 2011.
This is one of those pieces that should have never been written. It shows nothing more than the lack of understanding of the problem.
I do agree that all of our politicians should also be tested and held to a much higher standard. Caught once and you are removed from office, no rehab just kicked to the curb.
Test them for cigarettes and alcohol also. If they can afford to smoke and drink they shouldnt be on welfare.
I totally agree with this bill. I work and I have to take a drug test and so should these individuals who are getting free money from us tax payers. The state isn’t giving the money away on welfare, it is us hard working individuals. If these people who are given the money, then get a job and support yourself. If these tree – hugging liberals are going to say that it’s unfair and racist …. or whatever, then you support them, with your own money, NOT MINE !!!!
And yes, I agree that all the senators should also be taking drug tests. It’s only fair and to show that they’re on the up – and – up. If they get caught for the first time, suspension with not pay. Caught a second time, removed from office. No ifs, and or buts about it. You, they are working form me. I am their employer, just like everyone who works and pays taxes to employ them. What is directed towards the welfare people should also be directed towards our senators and everyone else in office.
Thank You and have a nice day
Actually, there is significant cost to doing this just to be mean and not catch many people. Also when you drug test people getting unemployment, you are testing them to receive their own money back. Nasty righties need to get facts before they spew.
By the way, Bob Hagan of Youngstown is also introducing a bill. His would test not only legislators, but statewide officeholders, Supreme Court justices and members of the unaccountable JobsOhio board — for alcohol as well as drugs. It would mandate treatment and if a second test was failed, pay would be docked for elected officials, and JobsOhio board members would be dismissed.
Senator Grendell has quite a brilliant idea here. Not because it is expected to catch more than a statistically insignificant number of violators-it wont. The example of Florida and other places has already PROVEN that. The fact is, many individuals forced to rely on state assistance in times of dire need-the long-term unemployed, the elderly, the disabled and mothers with dependent children-suffer from depression, low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. This insult might very well be the final straw for many of them. They may withdraw totally from civic life, become loners or lose hope totally. Many may even take their own lives.
These results will all make Republican voter suppression efforts in the next election cycle MUCH easier and cost-effective.
Bravo, Senator, bravo…
PS-did the ‘Grendel’ in “Beowulf” have one ‘L’ or two? Just sayin…
abba, FYI companies pay unemployment tax, not employees. Not one dime is taken from an employee for unemployment, and yes I do know, I work for unemployment.
As usual, the whole point that Senator Turner and State Rep Hagan are trying to make is getting lost…I’m a tax payer also, have never been on welfare, and don’t have children (so I’m taxed more than many, thank you very much!). While watching a morning show, one viewer wrote in to see why, since he pays taxes, and therefore, the Air Force’s salary, he should have to pay to go to the airshow….It really kills me when people think that paying taxes entitles them to take all kinds of liberties with others’ lives (and, evidently event tickets!). It does not. Furthermore, I agree that if it’s good for the poor, it’s good for the rich. If the past 3 years have taught us nothing, it’s that the ‘them’ that is pointed to in pity, shame, and disgust (be it poor, homeless, drug-addicted, hungry) can often be US within a matter of months given the ‘right’ circumstances.
For everybody’s information, NJ and Utah are the ONLY states that still give cash assistance to able-bodied adults. Everywhere else, cash goes only to minor children and not much of it at that. The only “welfare” an adult can get is food stamps.