First the States, Now Congress OKs Drug-Testing for Unemployment Benefits

[DreamSmoker]

As several states are considering or implementing policies that require recipients of government benefits such as welfare to undergo drug tests, the federal government has shown approval for the same flawed rationale. Last week, President Obama signed into law an agreement reached by Congress which maintains the payroll tax cut and extends unemployment benefits, but also allows states to drug test people who seek unemployment benefits if they were fired from their previous job for using drugs or if they are seeking a job that would ordinarily require drug tests.

What percentage of those applying would be forced to pee in a cup? Although the numbers are unclear, Republicans had cited a study claiming 84% of employers required new hires to pass a drug test. Initially, Republicans had pushed for drug testing all applicants, but this was opposed by Democrats. In order to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment, however, Democrats caved on the issue of drug testing.

http://blog.norml.org/2012/02/29/first-the-states-now-congress-oks-drug-testing-for-unemployment-benefits/

[bowens43]

1. unf*cking believable. So much for small government republicans....oh yeah FU dems.

[KansDem]

3. "So much for small government republicans"

Yeah, really! What's with Republicans and their obsession with vaginas and bladders?

Isn't this a fetish of some kind?

[DJ13]

2. "however, Democrats caved on the issue"

Same song, different verse.

[newfie11]

4. so unemployed have to pay

For this when they have no job or money. Heartless congress!

[Newest Reality]

5. Looks like

our owners have every right to test their livestock as they see best.

[FiveGoodMen]

6. Livestock is the right word!

That's exactly how they see us.

[limpyhobbler]

7. What a huge waste of money. This is bullshit.

Drug users, the unemployed, and poor people make great scapegoats.

[noiretextatique]

8. once again, our government is out-of-touch with reality...especially republicons

they want to deny a bunch of people benefits to save money, which will probably end up costing more than paying the fng benefits. and they are doing this NOW, when so many people are unable to find jobs. they wants us all in the street, begging for crumbs i use marijuana for medical reasons, so what will happen to people like me?