Drug testing of welfare recipients

Friday, January 1, 1904

Many companies require job applicants to undergo drug screenings before they can be offered a position. So it is reasonable that lawmakers in Alabama are considering drug testing of people who apply for welfare benefits.

"I don't think the taxpayers should have to help fund somebody's drug habit," Rep. Kerry Rich, R-Albertville, told The Associated Press.

Critics of the plan say that if a welfare applicant is denied benefits because of drug use, his or her children would also suffer. But if those children are being raised by a drug abuser, they are already in an awful situation. And handing cash aid to users of illegal drugs is no guarantee that the money will benefit the children.

When tax dollars are on the line, it is sensible to expect lawful behavior of the recipients of those dollars.