OKLAHOMA to require drug testing for welfare.

[powderman]

http://www.yahoo.com/_ylt=AvwXIlygqxPnCApWdxtVEq2bvZx4;_ylu=X3oDMTVqMGlzczg1BGEDT2tsYWhvbWEgd2VsZmFyZSBhcHBsaWNhbnRzIHRvIGZhY2UgZHJ1ZyBzY3JlZW5pbmcEY2NvZGUDcHpidWFsbGNhaDUEY3BvcwM2BGcDaWQtMjI4NzE2NQRpbnRsA3VzBG1jb2RlA3B6YnVhbGxjYWg1BG1wb3MDNwRwa2d0AzIEcG9zAzEEc2VjA3RkLXBvbARzbGsDdGl0bGUEdGVzdAM3MDEEd29lAzEyNzc1MTUw/SIG=138366qqk/EXP=1337311823/**http%3A//news.yahoo.com/oklahoma-welfare-applicants-face-drug-screening-232747446.html
 
 
 Oklahoma welfare applicants to face drug screeningBy Steve Olafson | Reuters – 3 hrs ago         OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) - Oklahoma will require welfare applicants to submit to screening for illegal drug use under a bill signed into law on Wednesday by Republican Governor Mary Fallin.
Oklahoma became the fourth state this year to approve such a measure, joining Utah, Georgia and Tennessee. Fourteen other states had similar proposals pending, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The law takes effect on November 1 for adults who apply in Oklahoma to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for benefits. Applicants will be denied benefits if they fail the test or refuse to submit to screening.
"Hard working taxpayers shouldn't be asked to subsidize drug abuse, and this bill will help to ensure they are not," Fallin said in a statement.
Applicants who test positive for illegal drug use and undergo substance abuse treatment may reapply for benefits six months after their denial.
Drug screening will not be required in cases involving just children or underage parents, and an alternate recipient may be named if a parent has been denied benefits.
When the measure first passed the Oklahoma House in March, Democrats opposed to the proposal tacked on an amendment that would have required all candidates for public office in Oklahoma to undergo a drug test. The amendment was dropped in the Senate.
Since federal welfare reform in 1996, many states have proposed drug testing welfare recipients. Michigan became the first state to require testing, but its law was struck down as unconstitutional by the Michigan state appeals court in 2003.
Florida approved a law last year requiring drug screening for welfare applicants, but a federal judge blocked it temporarily. Arizona and Missouri also approved similar laws last year.
(Reporting By Steve Olafson; Editing by David Bailey and Peter Cooney)   

[r29l20]

http://www.yahoo.com/_ylt=AvwXIlygqxPnCApWdxtVEq2bvZx4;_ylu=X3oDMTVqMGlzczg1BGEDT2tsYWhvbWEgd2VsZmFyZSBhcHBsaWNhbnRzIHRvIGZhY2UgZHJ1ZyBzY3JlZW5pbmcEY2NvZGUDcHpidWFsbGNhaDUEY3BvcwM2BGcDaWQtMjI4NzE2NQRpbnRsA3VzBG1jb2RlA3B6YnVhbGxjYWg1BG1wb3MDNwRwa2d0AzIEcG9zAzEEc2VjA3RkLXBvbARzbGsDdGl0bGUEdGVzdAM3MDEEd29lAzEyNzc1MTUw/SIG=138366qqk/EXP=1337311823/**http%3A//news.yahoo.com/oklahoma-welfare-applicants-face-drug-screening-232747446.html
 
 
 Oklahoma welfare applicants to face drug screeningBy Steve Olafson | Reuters – 3 hrs ago         OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) - Oklahoma will require welfare applicants to submit to screening for illegal drug use under a bill signed into law on Wednesday by Republican Governor Mary Fallin.
Oklahoma became the fourth state this year to approve such a measure, joining Utah, Georgia and Tennessee. Fourteen other states had similar proposals pending, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The law takes effect on November 1 for adults who apply in Oklahoma to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for benefits. Applicants will be denied benefits if they fail the test or refuse to submit to screening.
"Hard working taxpayers shouldn't be asked to subsidize drug abuse, and this bill will help to ensure they are not," Fallin said in a statement.
Applicants who test positive for illegal drug use and undergo substance abuse treatment may reapply for benefits six months after their denial.
Drug screening will not be required in cases involving just children or underage parents, and an alternate recipient may be named if a parent has been denied benefits.
When the measure first passed the Oklahoma House in March, Democrats opposed to the proposal tacked on an amendment that would have required all candidates for public office in Oklahoma to undergo a drug test. The amendment was dropped in the Senate.
Since federal welfare reform in 1996, many states have proposed drug testing welfare recipients. Michigan became the first state to require testing, but its law was struck down as unconstitutional by the Michigan state appeals court in 2003.
Florida approved a law last year requiring drug screening for welfare applicants, but a federal judge blocked it temporarily. Arizona and Missouri also approved similar laws last year.
(Reporting By Steve Olafson; Editing by David Bailey and Peter Cooney)   

+1

[Duke0313]

C'mon, TEXAS....catch up!!!

[guzzijohn]

"When the measure first passed the Oklahoma House in March, Democrats opposed to the proposal tacked on an amendment that would have required all candidates for public office in Oklahoma to undergo a drug test."


The above should be applied to any state that requires drug testing of any state workers, welfare applicants or any other group in the state. Not only candidates but random testing from the governor on down when in office including for alcohol.
GuzziJohn

[kynardsj]

Another +1

[woodchukhntr]

"When the measure first passed the Oklahoma House in March, Democrats opposed to the proposal tacked on an amendment that would have required all candidates for public office in Oklahoma to undergo a drug test."


The above should be applied to any state that requires drug testing of any state workers, welfare applicants or any other group in the state. Not only candidates but random testing from the governor on down when in office including for alcohol.
GuzziJohn

Now there is a great idea!  Anybody who is receiving taxpayer funds should be tested.  If they are government workers, their work and safety could be affected by their drug use.  For those accepting government funds in some program, if they have enough money to buy drugs, they don't need our money for other purposes.  By the way, have you noticed that many of the "poor" have enough cash to supply their cigarette habit?

[nw_hunter]

"When the measure first passed the Oklahoma House in March, Democrats opposed to the proposal tacked on an amendment that would have required all candidates for public office in Oklahoma to undergo a drug test."


The above should be applied to any state that requires drug testing of any state workers, welfare applicants or any other group in the state. Not only candidates but random testing from the governor on down when in office including for alcohol.
GuzziJohn

Now there is a great idea!  Anybody who is receiving taxpayer funds should be tested.  If they are government workers, their work and safety could be affected by their drug use.  For those accepting government funds in some program, if they have enough money to buy drugs, they don't need our money for other purposes. By the way, have you noticed that many of the "poor" have enough cash to supply their cigarette habit?

At least we can take comfort in knowing that almost half of the cost per pack, will go back into the Governments coffers! A Phillip Morris study found about 56% of the cost is tax.
 The state of Washington being the Highest taxed. 4.00 per packExcise tax in Wa.

[tcencore3006]

I am starting to wonder is drug testing should be required for politicians as well!

[m-g Willy]

Yeah test em!
I just love when people have to PROVE THEY ARE INNOCENT!!!!
 

[guzzijohn]

+1
GuzziJohn

[BBF]

I suppose the DOJ or some other outfit will try to block that.

[Cuts Crooked]

Yeah test em!
I just love when people have to PROVE THEY ARE INNOCENT!!!!

Interesting! You apparently equate applying for a hand out with being adjudicated in a court of law?

Nobody is being adjudicated here. They are, however, proving that they are eligible for the handout they are seeking.

[nomosendero]

Yeah test em!
I just love when people have to PROVE THEY ARE INNOCENT!!!!

Interesting! You apparently equate applying for a hand out with being adjudicated in a court of law?

Nobody is being adjudicated here. They are, however, proving that they are eligible for the handout they are seeking.

 
Correct!!

[mcwoodduck]

I am starting to wonder is drug testing should be required for politicians as well!

How about anyone getting a regular check from the Federal government.
Welfare, Foodstamps, Government employees, ellected officials, and those collecting a pension.

[Cuts Crooked]

I am starting to wonder is drug testing should be required for politicians as well!

How about anyone getting a regular check from the Federal government.
Welfare, Foodstamps, Government employees, ellected officials, and those collecting a pension.

Uh....I'm a federal employee. And I'm subject to drug testing at any given moment. Most of us are.

[mcwoodduck]

I am starting to wonder is drug testing should be required for politicians as well!

How about anyone getting a regular check from the Federal government.
Welfare, Foodstamps, Government employees, ellected officials, and those collecting a pension.

Uh....I'm a federal employee. And I'm subject to drug testing at any given moment. Most of us are.

 
OK what I was trying to say is that if one is, all should be.
When was your last test?
Are there any punishments if you fail a test?
If there are the same punishments should be the same across the board. 

[Cuts Crooked]

Three weeks ago.
I get fired if I fail.
Insofar as I know, everyone gets treated the same....at least within the agency I work for.

Of course, some are treated "more equal" than others.

A number of years ago an employee got nailed with a bad test. That person immediately went to the union, took administrative leave, then enrolled in a "treatment program". After which he returned to work and the union negotiated a transfer to another department for him. Ultimately that person was able to retire at a much higher pay grade than he could have managed within his original job.

[mcwoodduck]

No I ment anyone collecting a federal check, ellected officials and all.
Once a year on a random schedule and if the ellected official fails he gets terminated.  Can you say special ellection!

[Duke0313]

I'm a DoD contractor and we, too, are subject to testing at any time. I've got no problem with that.

[SwampThing762]

No I ment anyone collecting a federal check, ellected officials and all.
Once a year on a random schedule and if the ellected official fails he gets terminated.  Can you say special ellection!

Drug testing little old ladies that receive a Social Security check?     That could get messy.

ST762

[jlwilliams]

Wizz quiz for the Congress Critters!  This country needs it.  I think that democrats and republicans alike can agree that when you look at the decisions our 'leadership' makes, they must be high.  Besides, if they are going to mandate drug testing for their constituents, they should lead by example.
 
  Seriously.  Drug testing for welfare elligability makes sense, so does drug testing for government employees.  That means blue collar, white collar and elected employees.

[mcwoodduck]

No I ment anyone collecting a federal check, ellected officials and all.
Once a year on a random schedule and if the ellected official fails he gets terminated.  Can you say special ellection!

Drug testing little old ladies that receive a Social Security check?     That could get messy.

ST762

Social Security is a Ponzi scheeme Annuity that was paid for by the recipiants.   Think about this if you were allowed to put 2/3 rds of your social security payments into a private annuity you would not need social security and you would be able to pass it on to your loved ones. 
But I was thinking more of the people recieving food stamp money that is federally funded on the state level as well as any making the ellected and appointed governement workers (with the amount they are paid we can no longer call it public service) follow those same rules and regulations.
 

[Cuts Crooked]

(with the amount they are paid we can no longer call it public service)

Oh really?!?!?! I'm curious, how much do you think that is?

[blind ear]

I think members of Congress should be required to have a minimum IQ score as well. The intelligence of the voters would come into play then.  Dang, never mind, we don't have a chance of common sence ruleing.
-
There needs to be a "Common Sence Quotent" test. At this point in time it is doubtfull that the country as a whole would pass it. Guess we will know in a few months. We're done. ear

[BBF]

............
................................
-
There needs to be a "Common Sence Quotent" test. At this point in time it is doubtfull that the country as a whole would pass it. Guess we will know in a few months. We're done. ear

With a 49% overall approval rating for Obama presently  I agree with your "We're Done".

[mcwoodduck]

(with the amount they are paid we can no longer call it public service)

Oh really?!?!?! I'm curious, how much do you think that is?

The Governer of Ca is currently drawing three pensions of over 400,000 before he gets his pay for his current position.
I think that is more thna enough to call it a problem and to call it a lot.
ten years ago only 7,000 federal government employees made over 100,000 a year.  Now there are more than 80,000 that do?
Years ago the idea was that a government employee gave up pay for a secure job and pension.  Now these same government fuctionaries are making more than most private sector with pensions that far exceede the private sector.
I see a problem when the ellected officials have written themselves huge pay raises and generous pensions.

[powderman]

I don't consider ssi as welfare. Most of us have paid in on it for many years, we've EARNED it. Welfare is another matter all together. It was designed as a lift up, not a way of life and is badly abused. YES, drug test the baby incubators. Test + , lose your check. There are other programs to care for the kids, but no reason to support mama, or daddy, if our tax $s are buying their dope. POWDERMAN.