Should the Unemployed Receiving Benefits Be Drug Tested?
Drug testing the unemployed will help to ensure that those receiving benefits are using the money for good. In today’s world and economy many people are unemployed. Most of them are unemployed due to no fault of their own. They are good hardworking people who were laid off. They help their neighbors, volunteer whenever possible, and do many things out of the goodness of their hearts. Bad things happen to good people. That’s where the unemployment agency comes in. When people are laid off or fired, they can receive benefits from the unemployment agency.
In June 2011, the unemployment rate was at 9.2 percent (www.tradingeconomics.com). This is lower than most of last year, but it is still high. There are many people who are actively seeking jobs, but there are also those that are sitting at home dealing drugs. Many that are actively looking for jobs are being cut short on unemployment benefits because of the amount of people sitting at home dealing drugs. Gas is high and to look for a job most people have to drive from place to place. If you are being cut short on your unemployment benefits how can you afford to look for a job and still put food on the table?
My suggestion is to drug test those receiving unemployment benefits. I believe even the threat of this will stop some people from abusing the system. This will help the people who are honest and trying to be able to get by while they are searching for a job. Many states have tried to pass a law requiring drug tests for those receiving unemployment benefits. They have suggested that the testing be taken out of the benefits the person is receiving. If they fail the drug test, then they lose the benefits for 2 years. If they refuse to submit to a drug test, they will also lose their benefits. One senator said, “Drugs are a scourge on our society-hurting children, families, and communities alike.” “This amendment is a way to help people get off drugs to become productive and healthy members of society, while ensuring that taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted.” (Senator Orrin Hatch). I agree with this senator completely.
Recently, my parents attained emergency custody of a 16 year old boy. We have known this boy since he was 10. He is great friends with both of my brothers. He is in support of drug testing the unemployed. When he lived with his mom and brother, he watched the effects of drugs eat away at them. His brother is unemployed, but has the nicest clothes, fanciest vehicle, and goes out to eat for every meal. How is this possible? He is receiving unemployment benefits and hasn’t searched for a job in over a year. Why? Because he is dealing drugs is the answer this boy told me. He was straightforward and as honest as could be. He said people come in and out of the house at all hours of the night buying drugs. He simply found a place to go and got out of their before he got in trouble. This boy could have easily followed in his brothers footsteps, but he didn’t, he made a choice to be better than that. I am proud of this boy. It outrages me though that my tax dollars are going to someone like this boy’s brother.
In conclusion, drug testing the unemployed will help to ensure those receiving the benefits are using the money for good. I don’t mind helping someone who is trying to help themselves. However, when they are using the money to buy or sell drugs I cannot support that. I hope that soon legislation will get passed that covers the entire country and requires drug tests for those receiving unemployment benefits. Please join me in writing to senators, congressmen, and legislators to make sure your tax dollars are put to good use.