Recently, Governor Rick Scott of Florida initiated a new drug test for the welfare program where the recipient of benefits would have to go through a drug test before getting aid. The test ending up costing the state rather than save taxpayer dollars. Aside from that, Scott’s own special interests were at play.
Instead of learning from her Conservative counterpart’s mistakes, Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC) said she wants to institute drug testing for people who apply for state unemployment benefits — obviously under the impression that if a person is not working, they’re abusing drugs. This whole line of thinking gives into the false premise of the lazy middle class.
“I so want drug testing,” Haley told a receptive, hometown gathering of Rotarians at a breakfast reception held at the Country Club of Lexington. “It’s something I’ve been wanting since the first day I walked into office.”
However, Haley stopped short of proposing any such testing for those who receive welfare benefits, including those on food stamps.
Haley must be aware that the results of drug testing the unemployed would closely mirror Scott’s -- 98% passed which debunks much of the Republican rhetoric of welfare being largely for drug addicts — but Haley shifted this thought onto the unemployed.
The theme of the political theater we’re witnessing is simply whoever vehemently opposes the other party, no matter what facts are presented, garners the most support and publicity.
We have to pull the numbers,” she told reporters after her speech. “We have to make sure this works. We have to see what the return is on it. And, we have to see federally and legally if we can do it.”
Ohio State Sen. Tim Grendall said, Hard-working taxpayers of the State of Ohio should not have to pay for the drug habits of illegal drug users.” Following suit, he also plans to introduce legislation requiring drug testing for unemployment and other benefits specifically modeled on Rick Scott’s law.
But, Scott’s plan failed miserably.
They can both read his results without spending one taxpayer dollar. As far as the legalities, Scott’s bill is said to be unconstitutional, so while feigning naivete, tax dollars are spent simply to be the most radical voice on the right, each competing for the limelight that only shines on the craziest.
Are these people suffering from a reading and/or learning disorder? Pick up a paper, Google, do something but quit wasting our money on this sham of a proposal.
