Congress Approves Bill Requiring Drug Testing to Receive State Benefits

April 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Congress approves a bill allowing states to implement drug testing in order to receive unemployment benefits.

The federal government has approved a bill that allows states to implement drug testing in order to receive unemployment benefits and the right to deny benefits if test proves drug usage. While extending unemployment benefits and maintaining the tax cuts, the agreement also gives states the right to drug test people seeking employment that would require drug testing and those who have been fired from their previous job for engaging in drugs. Is the government justified in requiring drug tests in order to receive unemployment benefits or is taking away benefits from a person struggling with a drug abuse problem leading to more problems? This is just one of the many debates between supporters and critics of the bill.

Supporters of this bill believe it is time to take a serious stand against illegal drug users who are using government funding to support illegal drug use. Supporters believe those seeking employment should not be engaging in illegal drug use, because it could be impairing their chances of getting a job. A prolonged job search increases the dependence on the benefits. Since most jobs are already requiring drug tests for employment, drug testing for unemployment benefits will ensure that those seeking employment are qualified for a job. Supporters also believe this bill can make those seeking benefits more accountable, while encouraging a drug-free America.

Critics of this bill, however, are discouraged by the millions of dollars spent to administer the drug testing and inability to determine if a drug abuse problem in fact exists. There is also the fear of drug users shifting their drug usage to synthesized drugs that may be harder to detect in a urine sample screening and often more harmful to the person's health. Critics also believe drug testing for benefits challenge the constitutional rights of those being tested and may bring about legal challenges. Many believe that because working individuals had once paid into government assistance programs, they are rightfully entitled to their assistance.

Are unemployment benefits something a person is guaranteed no matter what or is it acceptable that a person needs to earn the right to them through drug testing? This will be for the state legislatures to decide.

Perhaps the biggest concern of the bill is whether or not it will make the problem worse for those already battling substance abuse problems, who do not pass the drug test. Substance abuse and addiction are serious and growing problem in the United States and around the world. If a person is battling a substance abuse or addiction problem, getting that person professional treatment should be the first step of action. Whatever the final outcome, each state's top priority should be getting those battling substance abuse problems the professional help they need.


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