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98 Percent of Welfare Applicants Pass Drug Test

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98 Percent of Welfare Applicants Pass Drug Test

Thanks to Florida Gov. Rick Scott's insistence that people on welfare use drugs at a higher rate than the general population, the state's Legislature implemented a policy earlier this year requiring all applicants for temporary cash assistance to pass a drug test before getting any help. The results: Ninety-eight percent passed. And the process will cost the state $178 million.


The Tampa Tribune reports that the Department of Children and Families says about 2 percent of applicants are failing the test and another 2 percent are not completing the application process for unspecified reasons.

So much for that myth. Thanks for wasting money on hysteria over something that is barely a problem.

Many of the alleged "leeches" on welfare now are the people who, until 2 years ago, were part of a functional work force and were productive contributors to economy. Now their lives are in chaos, their investments for the future are disintegrating before their eyes, and they are reduced to lesser prosperity. So... let's kick them while they're down and imply that they're drug abusers as well!
 
I'm not making accusations. I'm just curious what sort of test they are gave? I have twin 20 year old sons. They smoke some pot. eh, anyway they've got a lot of jobs lately through the local jobs agency. They have to take a drug test whenever they get hired. I asked them about being able to pass them. They told me they are gave a swab to put in their mouth. According to them as long as you don't put your tongue on it, you pass.
 
I'm not making accusations. I'm just curious what sort of test they are gave? I have twin 20 year old sons. They smoke some pot. eh, anyway they've got a lot of jobs lately through the local jobs agency. They have to take a drug test whenever they get hired. I asked them about being able to pass them. They told me they are gave a swab to put in their mouth. According to them as long as you don't put your tongue on it, you pass.
I need some wings and rubber boots.
 
You miss one key word: random.

Hell, if I know I have to take a drug test in a few days, I can pass it too. This article only proves that people with advanced knowledge can beat drug tests. Wow. Dog bites man.
 
It depends on the test and what drug the person has been taking, how much and for how long

Blood and urine tests are good for shorter periods of time. Hair samples will pick up drugs for a much longer period of time

For low to moderate uses, cocaine will be out of the system in a few days, pot, a fair bit longer (hair testing picks up pot quite well months from the time of taking (provided a period of heavy use)

Heroin, I cant comment on, neither do I have enough knowledge to comment on speed, or MDMA and how easily they are detected after time. I expect herion to be fairly easily detected.


I have never heard of the mouth swab method for detecting drugs. I cant see that being very effective as the metabolites are more concentrated in the blood and urine rather then the saliva
 
It depends on the test and what drug the person has been taking, how much and for how long

Blood and urine tests are good for shorter periods of time. Hair samples will pick up drugs for a much longer period of time

For low to moderate uses, cocaine will be out of the system in a few days, pot, a fair bit longer (hair testing picks up pot quite well months from the time of taking (provided a period of heavy use)

Heroin, I cant comment on, neither do I have enough knowledge to comment on speed, or MDMA and how easily they are detected after time. I expect herion to be fairly easily detected.


I have never heard of the mouth swab method for detecting drugs. I cant see that being very effective as the metabolites are more concentrated in the blood and urine rather then the saliva

I know. If it is true that this is the kind of test being performed, then that employer doesn't really seem serious about drug testing. Which wouldnt be surprising at all.
 
Both drug testing and welfare both have serious constitutional issues.
 
I know. If it is true that this is the kind of test being performed, then that employer doesn't really seem serious about drug testing. Which wouldnt be surprising at all.

It might be a false test just to ensure the truelly drugged out people dont even bother applying. The employer screens out the hard core idiot users, and doesnt pay for any drug testing. Given that the mouth swab is always seen on TV for DNA testing, people unfamilar with drug testing might take it as legit
 
And yet another right wing myth crashes and burns in shameful ignominy.

Anybody wanna bet those who prostrate themselves before the Altar of Hating the Poor will continue to believe what they want to believe regardless of the facts?
 
98 Percent of Welfare Applicants Pass Drug Test



So much for that myth
. Thanks for wasting money on hysteria over something that is barely a problem.

Many of the alleged "leeches" on welfare now are the people who, until 2 years ago, were part of a functional work force and were productive contributors to economy. Now their lives are in chaos, their investments for the future are disintegrating before their eyes, and they are reduced to lesser prosperity. So... let's kick them while they're down and imply that they're drug abusers as well!


Don't think the evidence is there to "chalk it up as a myth" just yet. Seems reasonable to assume that once it was announced that the recipients of the benefits are going to be drug tested, those that indulge in drug use are not going to apply.

Sounds like the program just started last month. The telling statistic will be if overall benefits being doled out diminishes from the levels they were at pre-July.



.
 
There is really nothing wrong with someone telling someone else "here is some cash, if you want it though, you have to pass a drug test". I wouldnt even mind making sure they are not using alcohol, as well. And it does sound like it is minimally cost effective. According to the reports, it will save around 50,000 dollars per year, total savings for the whole program, net.

However, as a liberal, I'd want to offer addicts treatment. I think this would also be cost effective, from the standpoint of the economy. Fewer intoxication related driving accidents, becoming a contributing member of the economy, and so forth. Of course, that last part assumes there are the same number of jobs in our economy as there are workers who want them, which right now is not the case.
 
I have never heard of the mouth swab method for detecting drugs. I cant see that being very effective as the metabolites are more concentrated in the blood and urine rather then the saliva

Indeed. Obviously they are not that concerned. The other types of tests generally have to be sent off to be tested I believe. In most cases my sons have been told to report the next day. My guess is that they are not all the concerned. They are able to say they were tested. It's what I asked what sort of test was administered here.
 
Don't think the evidence is there to "chalk it up as a myth" just yet. Seems reasonable to assume that once it was announced that the recipients of the benefits are going to be drug tested, those that indulge in drug use are not going to apply.

Sounds like the program just started last month. The telling statistic will be if overall benefits being doled out diminishes from the levels they were at pre-July.



.

They already accounted for this in the article. 2% didn't pass and an additional 2% of applicants have decided not to seek benefits (for unspecified reasons). That would be a maximium 4% on drugs.
 
Indeed. Obviously they are not that concerned. The other types of tests generally have to be sent off to be tested I believe. In most cases my sons have been told to report the next day. My guess is that they are not all the concerned. They are able to say they were tested. It's what I asked what sort of test was administered here.

It is a urine test.
 
They already accounted for this in the article. 2% didn't pass and an additional 2% of applicants have decided not to seek benefits (for unspecified reasons). That would be a maximium 4% on drugs.

That would be 4% of those who applied. I'm not saying that it's not a small percentage but if we really care to get an accurate answer the facts need fully presented.

1. As I already asked, what sort of test is administered.

2. If 200 people applied pre-July and only 125 people applied in post July with 2% failing and 2% refusing to take the test, that doesn't give us an accurate picture.
 
98 Percent of Welfare Applicants Pass Drug Test



So much for that myth. Thanks for wasting money on hysteria over something that is barely a problem.

Many of the alleged "leeches" on welfare now are the people who, until 2 years ago, were part of a functional work force and were productive contributors to economy. Now their lives are in chaos, their investments for the future are disintegrating before their eyes, and they are reduced to lesser prosperity. So... let's kick them while they're down and imply that they're drug abusers as well!

I would like to test all TeaBrains receiving medicare for liver functions. A full panel. If they are drinking and/or smoking, I say we cut off their blood pressure, heart, and diabetes meds.
 
It is a urine test.

That would certainly be more accurate and the pitcure tends to point in that direction but it's certainly not clear by the artice.
 
That would certainly be more accurate and the pitcure tends to point in that direction but it's certainly not clear by the artice.

Oh, sorry, I read it another place, but dont recall where. I don't want to look it up right now where it was, but a google of "Florida drug test welfare urine" would probably find it if you are interested in knowing.
 
Even cracked-out welfare thieves have enough sense NOT to submit to a drug test when they know they can't pass it. Read and disseminate ALL info if u expect to be taken seriously.
 
If the ACLU believes it's unconstitutional then they should just pursue action against that and stop prancing around - it was debated, enacted and finally put into full swing and is now going on and they still haven't done it. Do they care or not?

The state should upfront pay for the test - no one should have to pay out of pocket. If one fails then they just don't get benefits and maybe they pay back the $30.00

2% is still high in my opinion for how few people they tested and for how short of a time they've done the testing.
 
It depends on the test and what drug the person has been taking, how much and for how long

Blood and urine tests are good for shorter periods of time. Hair samples will pick up drugs for a much longer period of time

For low to moderate uses, cocaine will be out of the system in a few days, pot, a fair bit longer (hair testing picks up pot quite well months from the time of taking (provided a period of heavy use)

Heroin, I cant comment on, neither do I have enough knowledge to comment on speed, or MDMA and how easily they are detected after time. I expect herion to be fairly easily detected.


I have never heard of the mouth swab method for detecting drugs. I cant see that being very effective as the metabolites are more concentrated in the blood and urine rather then the saliva

I'm by no means an expert, but it's my understanding that virtually every controlled substance besides marijuana clears the system within a matter of days for drug testing purposes. Obviously this depends partially on the type of test.
 
I'm not making accusations. I'm just curious what sort of test they are gave? I have twin 20 year old sons. They smoke some pot. eh, anyway they've got a lot of jobs lately through the local jobs agency. They have to take a drug test whenever they get hired. I asked them about being able to pass them. They told me they are gave a swab to put in their mouth. According to them as long as you don't put your tongue on it, you pass.

If they are only getting two percent, then it raises questions. Are there too few to worry about, thus making the test a waste of money? Or did we waste money doing the test wrong? Or the wrong test?
 
Oh, sorry, I read it another place, but dont recall where. I don't want to look it up right now where it was, but a google of "Florida drug test welfare urine" would probably find it if you are interested in knowing.

Thanks, I'll take your word for it. A urine test should be accurate enough.
 
If they are only getting two percent, then it raises questions. Are there too few to worry about, thus making the test a waste of money? Or did we waste money doing the test wrong? Or the wrong test?

I would expect in the US the most popular drugs for those on welfare would be pot, crack, and meth

Crack and Meth from what I read would be picked up, while pot would not using the swab test
 
If the ACLU believes it's unconstitutional then they should just pursue action against that and stop prancing around - it was debated, enacted and finally put into full swing and is now going on and they still haven't done it. Do they care or not?

Yes they care but they know they would likely lose. I have to get drug tested at work. I have an option if I would rather not. Quit. Same here. Now if someone decided that to vote you needed to take a drug test that would get tossed very quick.

You have an option here and welfare is not a Constitutional gaurantee.

The state should upfront pay for the test - no one should have to pay out of pocket. If one fails then they just don't get benefits and maybe they pay back the $30.00

2% is still high in my opinion for how few people they tested and for how short of a time they've done the testing.

Yes, having to pay up front can be problematic IMO. There have been times I didn't have $30. Then if the numbers applying drop by 25% you can not conclude it was because they were on drugs and didn't want to be tested. Maybe they just didn't have $30.
 
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