I-Search Paper
Draft 1
Porscha Bowler
English 100
April 15, 2015
I-Search Paper
Should the America government drug test for welfare?
Proposal
In this I-search paper, the student has chosen to write on why the American government should drug test for welfare assistance. This student believes that the topic is interesting. One of the reasons is she personally know individuals who receive such benefits. Most of the people she has encountered either had employment with good jobs or unfortunately are unemployed and looking for work currently. In result of the economy dropping a lot of people searched for other channels to survive. Another reason for this research is for self-education and it is informative to others that are interested in this topic. In this I-Search paper, the student will use different sources to gather information to find out why should the government drug test welfare recipients and applicants. Search engines like Google, Ask.com and the local school library database will be my main source for information. In her personal opinion, she believes that the American government is looking for ways to save money. Unfortunately, the targets are the welfare recipients or people who apply for assistance. On the other hand, she may be wrong however, that is the purpose of this research.
Process
In order to write my I-Search paper I will first search for a question that I can possibly write on. Most of the questions came from classroom discussions. At first, I wrote down three questions and asked my colleagues including Professor Sabatino which question is worth writing about. Once I chose my question I begin to research the question: Should the America Government drug test for welfare? After searching through some literature I then copied the articles off the internet. Next, I read through the articles to get a better understanding. In the process of working on my paper I also visit family members and friends so that I would not be distracted from daily activities. when I am in the comfort of my home. The format type I chose for my I-Search paper will be MLA. Although, this my first time using MLA I hope this attempt goes well.
Paper
So far twelve states have already passed legislation regarding drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients (Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.) (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
As of February 2015, at least 14 states have proposed legislation requiring some form of drug testing or screening for public assistance recipients. The states include: Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx.)
Although lawmakers attempt to experiment with similar legislation in different states, the constitutionality of those laws has been questioned each time. (http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/should-welfare-recipients-be-tested-for-drugs)
2014 Legislation
Legislative proposals:
At least 18 states introduced proposals or had carryover bills that would require drug screening or testing for public assistance applicants and/or recipients in 2014.
Legislative enactments:
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed HB 4118 and SB 275 into law on December 24, 2014. The bills require the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a suspicion-based drug screening and testing program in at least three counties. The department must screen applicants and recipients of the Family Independence Program in the pilot counties using a valid substance abuse screening tool.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) If the screening tool gives the department reason to believe the person has a substance abuse problem, the person will be required to take a substance abuse test. If the applicant refuses to take the test, benefits will be denied and they may re-apply after 6 months. For those who test positive, they will be referred to a department-identified community mental health entity and can be eligible to continue receiving benefits. If the individual tests positive, the cost of the test is deducted from their benefit amount. The department must report to the legislature on the pilot program within 60 days of its ending.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
The Alabama legislature passed SB 63 and Governor Bentley signed it into law on April 10, 2014. The bill requires applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and certain recipients upon reasonable suspicion of illegal substance use to undergo drug screening, defined as a chemical, biological or physical instrument to detect the presence of drugs. Reasonable suspicion exists for those with a conviction of use or distribution of drugs within five years and for those who test positive to screening. If a person refuses to take the test or delays the test, benefits can be denied.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) A positive screening results in a warning that benefits may be lost. A subsequent positive screening will result in loss of benefits. The bill specifies that if parents lose benefits, the child(ren) may still receive benefits through a third party.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 49 into law on March 24, 2014. The bill requires all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to complete a written questionnaire to determine the likelihood of a substance abuse problem. If the results indicate a likelihood the person has a substance abuse problem, the applicant must submit to a drug test. The test is paid for by the state human services department.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) If the applicant tests positive, the person may be eligible for benefits if they comply with an approved substance abuse treatment plan and test negative at the end of treatment. If the applicant refuses to participate in a treatment plan, or is otherwise noncompliant with the plan, benefits are terminated. The bill takes effect July 1, 2014.
2013 Legislation
At least 29 states introduced legislative proposals requiring drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients in 2013.
Legislative Proposals:
Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
Legislative Enactments:
The Kansas legislature passed SB 149 and Governor Brown back signed the bill into law on April 16, 2013, requiring the Department for Children and Families to establish a drug screening program for applicants and current recipients of cash assistance when reasonable suspicion exists that the person is using controlled substances. Kansas SB 149 requires the Department for Children and Families to establish a drug screening program by January 1, 2014 for applicants and recipients of cash assistance when reasonable suspicion exists that the person is using controlled substances. The suspicion can be based on a person’s demeanor, missed appointments, police records, termination from previous employment due to substance use or prior drug screening records. If the drug test result is positive the person is required to complete a substance abuse treatment program and a job skills program. Those who refuse to take the test or participate in the treatment and job skills program are ineligible for benefits. Those deemed ineligible for these reasons can designate a protective payee to receive benefits on behalf of the child(ren). The bill also makes those convicted of a drug felony after July 1, 2013 ineligible for cash assistance. First time offenders are ineligible for five years; repeat offenders are forever ineligible. (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
North Carolina passed HB 392 in July 2013, which included a provision to require drug testing of the state’s welfare applicants or recipients for whom the department had reasonable suspicion are engaging in illegal use of controlled substances. The Governor vetoed this provision of the bill in August recommending further study of the issue because existing law already required drug screening and treatment as a condition of receiving benefits. The legislature overrode the veto in September. The county departments of social services are now required to test all applicants or recipients if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use. Those who test positive are denied benefits. The cost of the test and any subsequent treatment is paid by the individual. The department must report to the General Assembly on implementation of the program by April 1, 2014 (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx).
Porscha Bowler
English 100
April 15, 2015
I-Search Paper
Should the America government drug test for welfare?
Proposal
In this I-search paper, the student has chosen to write on why the American government should drug test for welfare assistance. This student believes that the topic is interesting. One of the reasons is she personally know individuals who receive such benefits. Most of the people she has encountered either had employment with good jobs or unfortunately are unemployed and looking for work currently. In result of the economy dropping a lot of people searched for other channels to survive. Another reason for this research is for self-education and it is informative to others that are interested in this topic. In this I-Search paper, the student will use different sources to gather information to find out why should the government drug test welfare recipients and applicants. Search engines like Google, Ask.com and the local school library database will be my main source for information. In her personal opinion, she believes that the American government is looking for ways to save money. Unfortunately, the targets are the welfare recipients or people who apply for assistance. On the other hand, she may be wrong however, that is the purpose of this research.
Process
In order to write my I-Search paper I will first search for a question that I can possibly write on. Most of the questions came from classroom discussions. At first, I wrote down three questions and asked my colleagues including Professor Sabatino which question is worth writing about. Once I chose my question I begin to research the question: Should the America Government drug test for welfare? After searching through some literature I then copied the articles off the internet. Next, I read through the articles to get a better understanding. In the process of working on my paper I also visit family members and friends so that I would not be distracted from daily activities. when I am in the comfort of my home. The format type I chose for my I-Search paper will be MLA. Although, this my first time using MLA I hope this attempt goes well.
Paper
So far twelve states have already passed legislation regarding drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients (Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.) (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
As of February 2015, at least 14 states have proposed legislation requiring some form of drug testing or screening for public assistance recipients. The states include: Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx.)
Although lawmakers attempt to experiment with similar legislation in different states, the constitutionality of those laws has been questioned each time. (http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/should-welfare-recipients-be-tested-for-drugs)
2014 Legislation
Legislative proposals:
At least 18 states introduced proposals or had carryover bills that would require drug screening or testing for public assistance applicants and/or recipients in 2014.
Legislative enactments:
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed HB 4118 and SB 275 into law on December 24, 2014. The bills require the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a suspicion-based drug screening and testing program in at least three counties. The department must screen applicants and recipients of the Family Independence Program in the pilot counties using a valid substance abuse screening tool.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) If the screening tool gives the department reason to believe the person has a substance abuse problem, the person will be required to take a substance abuse test. If the applicant refuses to take the test, benefits will be denied and they may re-apply after 6 months. For those who test positive, they will be referred to a department-identified community mental health entity and can be eligible to continue receiving benefits. If the individual tests positive, the cost of the test is deducted from their benefit amount. The department must report to the legislature on the pilot program within 60 days of its ending.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
The Alabama legislature passed SB 63 and Governor Bentley signed it into law on April 10, 2014. The bill requires applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and certain recipients upon reasonable suspicion of illegal substance use to undergo drug screening, defined as a chemical, biological or physical instrument to detect the presence of drugs. Reasonable suspicion exists for those with a conviction of use or distribution of drugs within five years and for those who test positive to screening. If a person refuses to take the test or delays the test, benefits can be denied.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) A positive screening results in a warning that benefits may be lost. A subsequent positive screening will result in loss of benefits. The bill specifies that if parents lose benefits, the child(ren) may still receive benefits through a third party.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed HB 49 into law on March 24, 2014. The bill requires all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to complete a written questionnaire to determine the likelihood of a substance abuse problem. If the results indicate a likelihood the person has a substance abuse problem, the applicant must submit to a drug test. The test is paid for by the state human services department.(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx) If the applicant tests positive, the person may be eligible for benefits if they comply with an approved substance abuse treatment plan and test negative at the end of treatment. If the applicant refuses to participate in a treatment plan, or is otherwise noncompliant with the plan, benefits are terminated. The bill takes effect July 1, 2014.
2013 Legislation
At least 29 states introduced legislative proposals requiring drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients in 2013.
Legislative Proposals:
Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
Legislative Enactments:
The Kansas legislature passed SB 149 and Governor Brown back signed the bill into law on April 16, 2013, requiring the Department for Children and Families to establish a drug screening program for applicants and current recipients of cash assistance when reasonable suspicion exists that the person is using controlled substances. Kansas SB 149 requires the Department for Children and Families to establish a drug screening program by January 1, 2014 for applicants and recipients of cash assistance when reasonable suspicion exists that the person is using controlled substances. The suspicion can be based on a person’s demeanor, missed appointments, police records, termination from previous employment due to substance use or prior drug screening records. If the drug test result is positive the person is required to complete a substance abuse treatment program and a job skills program. Those who refuse to take the test or participate in the treatment and job skills program are ineligible for benefits. Those deemed ineligible for these reasons can designate a protective payee to receive benefits on behalf of the child(ren). The bill also makes those convicted of a drug felony after July 1, 2013 ineligible for cash assistance. First time offenders are ineligible for five years; repeat offenders are forever ineligible. (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx)
North Carolina passed HB 392 in July 2013, which included a provision to require drug testing of the state’s welfare applicants or recipients for whom the department had reasonable suspicion are engaging in illegal use of controlled substances. The Governor vetoed this provision of the bill in August recommending further study of the issue because existing law already required drug screening and treatment as a condition of receiving benefits. The legislature overrode the veto in September. The county departments of social services are now required to test all applicants or recipients if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use. Those who test positive are denied benefits. The cost of the test and any subsequent treatment is paid by the individual. The department must report to the General Assembly on implementation of the program by April 1, 2014 (http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/drug-testing-and-public-assistance.aspx).
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