Mandatory drug testing for those who wish to receive food stamps is something the Trump administration is pondering.
Some conservatives have been clamoring for this type of action for a while now. It would be considered a big win if it comes to fruition.
An official says the plan would be narrowly targeted, applying mostly to people who are able-bodied, without dependents and seeking some specialized jobs. Roughly 5 percent of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could be affected.
I think I understand why there is support for drug testing for food stamp recipients. Because many jobs require drug testing, taxpayers believe it's only fair to drug test those that are underemployed.
But let's be honest: some supporters are angry about their tax dollars be spent on the poor and want to "shame" recipients into moving up on the employment ladder.
I don't support drug testing for food stamp recipients for a couple of reasons.
In states where welfare recipients are drug tested, very few (if any) have tested positive. Taxpayers go through the expense of drug testing the recipients and then the additional expense of handing out benefits ANYWAY. I could understand testing if a significant number of welfare recipients LOST benefits and taxpayer dollars were saved - this actually COSTS the taxpayers moe money for no benefit.
Also: I am a Ronald Reagan Republican. Although Reagan was a conservative, his speeches frequently contained this word: "dignity." While he poked fun at liberals and warned of an overreaching government, he never used his policies to shame or demean portions of the American people. I believe opposing drug testing for food stamp recipients is consistent with his vision.