Bill in Missouri Legislature Would Require Drug Testing for the Poor

It's not easy being poor. It's even tougher when you were once well off and then suddenly become poor. I have a friend who was raised in an upper middle class environment, went to college and got a good job in the computer industry when she graduated. She was making nearly six figures for most of her adult life. Now she's in her sixties and has been laid off from work. She is collecting unemployment and the prospects of getting another job are dim.

She's in danger of losing her house and has had to go on food stamps. She has some money set aside, but when that runs out she will be destitute. She is afraid of ending up homeless and out on the street. The only thing she has is the social welfare net to keep her from the street. And quite frankly, if she comes home at night and smokes a joint or drinks some alcohol, I wouldn't blame her. But there are some that would deny even that.

Some Republicans in the Missouri legislature are attempting to pass a bill that would require mandatory drug testing for anyone on welfare. According to te St. Louis Post Dispatch, "Welfare recipients in Missouri would have to undergo drug testing under legislation expected to hit the state House floor this week."

Applicants for the state's welfare program who tested positive for drug use would be ineligible to receive benefits for some time under the proposal, at most three years. However, other family members would still be eligible for assistance through a third-party provider."

Once again the Republican party raises its ugly head and continues to wage war on the poor. Supporters of the bill say that we shouldn't support drug use with taxpayer's dollars, but what about drug testing for the very rich? Is it OK to use drugs if you have a lot of money?

If these lawmakers are so concerned, then let's support free drug rehabilitation programs for those who can't afford it. This would be a much better use for taxpayer's dollars. Or, how about programs that have job training for the poor? Another good use of our money.

I understand not wanting to fund drug use, but believe me, the small amount of money that the poor get on welfare is hardly enough to support any kind of drug habit. Those who use drugs probably get their money illegally rather than use the welfare check that they get every month.

Source: https://weedinmypocket.com/best-fake-pee-for-drug-test/