American Civil Liberties Union

If they tested all current members receiving benefits the failure would skyrocket.

How many people didn't apply lnowjn they wouldn't pass the test? I'd anyone else sick of opinion writers who post numbers as if theyve done their due diligence?

I agree...current members receiving benefits should be tested. There would be your number of positive tests!

Not true, Florida saves more than 100 percent of what it pays over the annual span of their budget. 240 a month is nearly 2880 a year thus SUCCESS.

I applaud Florida for what they're doing.....we drug-test those who work for their cash, so we should also test those who don't.

i agree, there should be random testing too! we'll see how many negatives then!

i agree, there should be random testing too! we'll see how many negatives then!

I believe that once the current case loads come up for re determination then we will see more of a savings.

At 240/month, it only takes 5 months and the state comes out ahead...

How often do the recipients have to drug test?

The only way this is failing is in not being required nationwide.

I would much rather my tax dollars be used for drug testing, than to allow someone without a job to buy them.

Um. So you've proved there is a 5-month ROI on this law. I don't think that counts as a hit.

i support this testing. the deadbeats abusing the system should find another way to get money for their fixes.

His wife owns the drug testing company, so the Gov is profiting off of this decision.

There's always some pessimist...

#4: $240 a month "saved" over the course of a year ends up at $2880.

$1,140 over the course of six weeks winds up at $9880 spent.

Net loss: $7000

Mind you, this is with continuing trends, which are never a given. But seriously, please do ALL the math. This was a bad idea, and it continues to be a bad idea.

because the person who pushed for this bill to test all applicants, owns a lab that does drug testing. He is getting paid straight from the state coffers.

How are those who test positive suppose to subsist. Why not spend the money on treatment?

When will Florida begin drug-testing public officials? Do they not receive public monies?

why don't we drug test congress!

yes and if they keep going with the same rate they're losing it will be around $13,680 which is quite a bit more than $2,880. so its not success its $10,800 lost. idiot.

You are allowing the government too much power. What's next? Search anyone who "looks" suspicious?
Or better yet, they will all drink now instead of puffing on a joint so the state makes the money off of it.

numbers 2-5 are idiots.

Random Drug Testing is the only real way to catch people and it's cheaper.

Statistically, the percentage of current recipients on drugs would be consistent with the percentage of new applicants that test positive. The only thing testing current applicants would achieve is wasting a massive amount of money.

The reason for doing so is not fiscal. It is punitive. They will not say it, but they believe unemployed people should be punished.

Florida is a cesspool.

One reason the program will not be canceled for the foreseeable future is Governor Rick Scott's wife owns the sole firm that Welfare recipients MUST use to test. This is not a safety check, it's a profit center to Scott.

"we drug-test those who work for their cash, so we should also test those who don't."

this is just ignorant.

You're a bunch of cowardly haters, hiding behind "Anonymous" so you can't be responded to individually. I hope you or your friends/family never find yourself in the situation of having to apply for aid or of suffering from addiction. Don't think it can't happen to you, because it can.

So, they spent $1140 to save $2880 during the six month probation on the two applicants that failed? Sounds like a good investment to me

To expect drug addicts to quit drugs to maintain their welfare checks is silly.
Lock your doors and carry a weapon 'cause they are going to get money somehow.

They need to make it a randomized test. Called up today, test tomorrow. If your a no-show your benefits are discontinued.

Where's your compassion folks? Do you really blame poor people for your problems, or are they just easier to beat up on than the wealthy elite who are sucking your blood every day?

It's painfully obvious that this ACLU hippy didn't major in accounting.

Two crackheads X 12 months x $240 per month = $5,760

Testing Costs = $1,140
Taypayer net savings = $4,620

Let's go ahead and drug test everyone. Before Johnny can go to 1st grade he has to make some lemonade.

Wow... you guys really hate poor people. You must be poor.

Seriously people, how many of you objecting to this program really work and pay a significant amount of taxes? Are you seriously impying that you WANT to be taxed to pay for programs that give cash to addicts?

I dislike that the law targets a specific class of people. If everyone who applied for unemployment, or even everyone applying for any job were tested for illegal drugs that included over use of prescription drugs and employers were prosecuted or fined for hiring the positive testers, then it would be fair. Expensive, yes!

According to my calculations if the state payed 1,140.00 to tset people and denied applicants at a savings of 240.00 per month thats 2,880.00 per year at a savings to the state of 1,740.00 it appears to me the the state is saving money. And I can't see the state paying 240. oer month for 2 people so am sure they are saving even more money than I have calulated. just sayin.

Why don't we drug test the real parasites in today's society, Government and the CEOs.

So, in six months it will compensate the cost.
Good deal

Fear mongering - Check
Red Herring - Check
Another way to waste taxpayers money - Check

I can see why our math test scores are among the lowest in the world.

I agree, the guy didn't do his math. Over time this will save tons of money

"$240 a month "saved" over the course of a year ends up at $2880.

$1,140 over the course of six weeks winds up at $9880 spent.

Net loss: $7000

Do your math again, $1,140 over the course of six weeks is $1,140/6 (weeks) or $1,140/38 (recipients). You copied the text but didn't read it.

Someone said why don't we drug test congress. Umm, we do. All federal employees are subjuect to drug testing. We drug test people before we give them a job why not before giving them welfare. Explain the difference to me.

$1140 over the course of 6 weeks is $1140.

It took 6 weeks to spend it. It doesn't say PER it says OVER THE COURSE OF

If they press me about it, I'll submit to one of those hair tests. But they're gonna have to pluck it from their front teeth. ; )

Financially, this exactly like the State of Florida being able to buy 1 year bonds that yield 150% over that year.

This is an enormous money maker for the state.