Phil English (R) Pa wants drug testing for welfare Recipients

[rhino47]

http://www.ncsl.org/statefed/humserv/240subcom.htm

House Subcommittee Moves Welfare Bill, Adds Troubling Drug Testing Mandate

March 16, 2005

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources met to consider legislation to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, H.R. 240. The bill is very similar to legislation that has passed the House twice before (H.R. 4). However, an amendment by Representative Phil English (R-Pennsylvania) was included that would mandate that all states have a policy of drug testing welfare recipients and terminate assistance to those who fail a consecutive number of drug tests, or face the loss of TANF dollars.

Why don`t they start drug testing in the house and senate while they are at it.This is so freaking sick.I knew this was coming as soon as they started drug testing shit in the 80s.

[kdmorris]

1. Just another indignity to heap on the shoulders of the poor.

Like all the rest of the bullshit wasn't enough. What happens if someone is forced onto TANF because of a medical condition that requires them to take an opiate, for example. Does it make allowances for that?

I had to take a drug test for employment once and they treated me like a criminal. Given how I felt when I was still on AFDC (that's what it was called then), forcing me to go through that in addition to the yearly "prove your worth" interviews, and the disgusted looks of everyone in the grocery store when you pay with food stamps would have likely caused me to START doing illegal drugs to get through it.

[rhino47]

2. I think thats the point

To make those in need feel criminal.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. If these drug tests are implemented it will be the children in these

families that bear the brunt of it. More "compassionate conservatism" at work.

[SoCalDem]

4. Of course he does..Better use for the money that costs

would be to create jobs.. Desperation leads to substance abuse..Break the cycle and you win all round..

Or..instead of giving MONEY, give actual food and provide the housing..take the cash out of it..

People who are addicted need treatment centers. hey,.more jobs :)

If people are found to be using their kids for cash, then take the kids away.. it might be a blessing for them to not be raised by an addicted parent..

[johncoby2]

5. We should have drug testing for Congressman

[Clark2008]

9. ...and criminal background checks. eom

[cali]

6. He is such a pathetic excuse for a human being

this is just disgusting. They better cut that amendment pronto.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

7. Say, um Phil...

If they test positive for OxyContin, do they get their own radio show?

[DemGa]

8. The drug testing industry must be pleased

The drug testing industry mission:

1. To represent the drug and alcohol testing industry in Washington, DC on key legislative and regulatory issues;
2. to expand the workplace drug and alcohol testing market;
3. to provide members information, resources and benefits important to their operations; and
4. to promote the highest possible standards for the industry.


http://www.datia.org/

[flashl]

13. Thats what I was thinking ...

the expenditures for the cottage industry that "supports" welfare programs ALWAYS consume more dollars in the program than the stipend that the recipient receives.

And, another valid point you made. Welfare recipients are forced to become the "demonstration" group for these companies and their products.

[rhino47]

15. Very good point indeed!

[Ian David]

10. Drug testing for members of Congress first! n/t

[elehhhhna]

11. YES! They're waaaaaaaaaay more dangerous to the public at large.

[City Lights]

12. I say we start with the Executive Branch followed by Congress. eom

[BOSSHOG]

14. Would that include corporate welfare recipients phil, and your pals on right wing radio

[KharmaTrain]

16. Welcome To A Campaign Talking Point

This is one of those things that will appear on radio commercials in his district during the next election...making him sound like the "champion" of the "middle class". Nothing like tying in some good old racism with welfare and drugs (superimpose a crack deal going on in a housing project parking lot) and then pretend like you're doing something to fight the problem. Even if this ammendment gets bounced, English still will use it as a campaign gimmick...something to deflect from a dozen other scandals and bad votes he's made. The GOOP knows the only thing that will save their asses next year are a base of scared sheep...and if it isn't the fear of the "Hilldebeast" that will get them to come out, then it's sure gotta be those heathen "darkies"...be them of African or Hispanic heritage.