Drug Testing for welfare recipients

[KSig RC]

How much will random drug testing really cost?

We don't get pissed at random drug testing for government jobs, yet we're going to decry an already-inefficient system for adding a layer that may or may not pay for itself in reduced services? Really?

The only argument that seems really convincing to me in this thread is the potential for punishing children or families by punishing the drug user. However, that's already an endemic flaw in the system, and we can't be specifically sure that the money is going there now (or what percentage). It does seem somewhat inconsistent to argue that the cost of the testing would dwarf anything saved, then turn around and say that you're depriving money from children who didn't do anything wrong - if the former is true the latter is minuscule, right?

The "re-branding" of welfare might actually be a solid component, but that's not really a tangible benefit, and we can guess (from other sources) that the lack of welfare funds will be only a minor deterrent (if any at all) to drug use.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

We don't get pissed at random drug testing for government jobs, yet we're going to decry an already-inefficient system for adding a layer that may or may not pay for itself in reduced services? Really?

Exactly. If you can't make your own money because you fail your drug tests and aren't hired, then don't take my tax money. I have no problem whatsoever with welfare recipients having to pass drug tests.

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

How much will random drug testing really cost?

For a standard urine test, the testing company we use charges ~$50. I'm sure the goverment would pay less with the volume of people they would be sending.
This checks for all illegal drugs as well as excessively elevated levels of prescription drugs. It is also a non-attended drug screen. So the person is outside the door, not in the room with the person as they give the specimen. Attended screens cost more. ( They do check the temperature of the specimen. If it is out of a certain range, then it is rejected).