I see this suggestion on FB all the time and think of it as small thinking for a bigger problem.

Doing this will not save the taxpayers any money, just direct food money from the children of these deadbeats and give it to government deadbeats who are administering the program.

Will lead to starving children and more crime, and of course what is says about the morality of those advocating this type of system is even more outrageous.

If I had to pass one to pay for their welfare, they should have to pass one to receive it.  If the money can be used for drugs (which it can), then this should be done.  Yes the costs are high and the system could be flawed, but no more flawed than the families I see driving their brand new (still with paper plates on) BMWs and Mercedes to an out of town grocery store and then having their kids go in and use the EBT card to buy food because they don't want to be seen doing it.  Rampant in the San Fernando Valley.  Southern California has what I believe to be, the lionshare of welfare fraud.  People actually educate others on how to abuse the system openly and brag about it.

I think the entire welfare system needs to be overhauled.  Unfortunately, I have no idea how to do it in such a way to prevent fraud and actually help people in need.

That is deep Roy. If drugs were legal then the cartel would be out of business. If you could buy drugs legal for pennies (what they are really worth) many people would not be spending all their money on this crap. 

I can't give you a clear answer but will say that there are people who take advantage of welfare.

Yes, I have brought that up to my elected officials already

Drug addicts are very resourceful and cunning. Lets not challenge them here

I don't see it being able to be managed and the extra costs will have to come from somewhere. I don't think it will solve anything. 

I think it should be part of realtor license requirement too.

I've read that the cost outweighs the benefit: see some results at the bottom of this article:  http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/02/26/3624447/tanf-drug-testing-states/

Yes, and it should only be granted if the applicants accept and attend life and skills training.  Child care provided while in training.  

Good morning Roy. That won't solve the problem. We have to get people off welfare, it will take a creation in jobs and the only way that will happen is lower taxes for those that create them.

I had a different answer until I read Bob Crane 's answer.  I tend to agree with him.

Positively and there needs to be a greater effort to defeat the generational cycle of welfare families

Yes and for getting a real estate license!

Roy,

I know less than nothing about this issue, and I think Susan Emo makes a valid point. A

I do not think so. Many of those people are sick and are heavily on the prescribed drugs. 

Perhaps providing child care and job training will help get these families on their feet. Prescription drugs are a huge problem, too.

My first answer is yes, but after thinking about it, the cost outweigh the benefits. A better idea is to have them work for it. Clean up the highways, or at least do something for it. Job training needs  to be better, so that we can get people off welfare.

Only if the ones making the rules are themselves tested.

Oh, Roy, you had to go there, didn't you? I cannot say yes or no to this question because it begs the bigger question about government programs, how they are run, and how people can take advantage of the system. I am an advocate for training people and putting people back to work in America. 

They should go back where the people picked up bulk items of food and set some guidlines for adding children after the fact.

Until I read this thread I knew my answer, now I am not so sure. Hmmmmmmmm, I need to sit in a corner, and ponder now! ("time" to ponder)

yes, it certainly should.... heroin use is running wild across the country....

I am divided on this. What drugs? And how to avoid gov't overreach bleedover into other areas they need to stay out of?

I am all for it!!!!

Good luck.

Thats a tough call. Would you deny a single Mom welfare benefits if the test showed she smoked a little pot? A young healthy person..yeah they should be tested and trained for a job skill if they don't have one.

If the intent is to 'save money' regarding programs to help those in need, drug testing could be a tool to disqualify people.

If the intent is to provide those in need with the resources needed to sustain life until they can get on their feet, testing may prove counter to the goal.

What is the intent of the heart?

Upon that intent will one be ultimately judged.

why not just enforce the already existing fraud rules? adding new regulations of any kind w/out enforcing what exists just creates more beauracracy. 

the commiters of fraud are so well versed in it, they'll get around a drug test just like they get around the other regs.

waste of time/money IMO

I think it could be a wise decision.

I have no problem with that being a requirement.

Most Definately. 

      No. 

     Instead, abolish welfare for any working-age, able bodied individual.   Stop giving welfare to illegal immigrants.  Stop paying single mothers for every baby that they have.  Etc.

Testing for what? There are SO many prescription drugs around, what would it prove or show?

I absolutely think YES! But not just when appling, there should be monthly test required!

Yes, absolutely, and ongoing at unusual times.

NO