If you're slightly behind on the news this will fill you in rather quickly. As I sat amongst my family during hurricane Irene, a very important topic came up. I hadn't heard of the law or issue surrounding this topic until my uncle asked me about it. As a previous lawyer this law was something he was quite interested in. He sat there and asked me what I thought about the money that is taken from taxes that goes towards welfare and unemployment. I became quite furious as my paycheck's week to week are at the bare minimum due to all of the federal and local tax that is taken by Rhode Island. I roared in outrage at him explaining that I barely make any money because of all the taxes that are taken which leaves me with a maximum of $10 a week. He too expressed his anger and frustration in losing almost $2,000 from his paycheck every month due to taxes. He then explained the new law that has recently been passed in Arizona, Indiana and Missouri. This law is that drug tests will be taken on those who are receiving or need to receive welfare, unemployment assistance, job training, food stamps and public housing. The reasoning behind it is that many of those who are receiving these benefits and/or money are using the money they receive to buy drugs and alcohol. Although there are major misconceptions about the poor this does prove to be one of them and with this new law, lawmakers hope that it will fight the stereotypes about the poor proving that not all are involved with drugs and alcohol. It is a major controversy as some truly need the money and are finding "other ways" to spend it.
"This year, 36 states considered drug testing for recipients of cash assistance from the major welfare program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures; 12 states proposed it for unemployment insurance; and some also considered making it a requirement for food stamps, home heating assistance and other programs" (New York Times).So my question to all of you is how do you feel about this issue? What are you're thoughts on whether or not people should be drug tested if they need welfare or some type of assistance? Think about yourself in 10-15 years from now. If you needed welfare how would you feel about taking a drug test? Would you be offended? It's hard to sit here and debate about why it is right and why it is wrong but in my opinion I agree with it. It bothers me that my money is being used to support those who need welfare and are using it for drugs and/or alcohol. It bothers me that so much is taken from my paychecks from the government just to know that it may be buying someone out there a bag of cocaine or a bottle of alcohol. Yes, some people actually use their welfare or assistance money and put it to good use for their families or themselves but many do not. It's something to definitely think about and possibly something you may want to get involved in. Check your paychecks everyone, see how much they are taking and ask yourself why so much and who's using my money....!!!
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