In spite of the fact that neighboring Governor Rick Scott's bill mandating drug testing of those on food stamps was struck down in federal district court, GA Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a similar bill into law today.
HB 772 does not require that all those receiving food stamps be drug tested, only those whose case workers suspect drug use. The Florida law was struck down because, “The court finds there is no set of circumstances under which the warrantless, suspicionless drug testing at issue in this case could be constitutionally applied.” By only testing those specifically suspected of drug use, Georgia may be hoping to avoid this legal objection.
But Governor Deal's plans to not end with drug testing suspected food stamp recipients. He also wants a state-wide drug treatment program for those testing positive for drugs. His plans extend to testing those on unemployment as well.
We can fool ourselves, but drug use is the thing that causes people to lose their jobs many times, it causes people not to be able to get a job because they can’t pass the initial screening. Until we confront that and require them to confront that, we will continue to cycle people through the system – whether it be food stamps, whether it be unemployment benefits. You name it.
I find it interesting that in a state so fond of tax cuts Gov. Deal is proposing a drug treatment program that won't come cheap. Still, those on food stamps who are required to be tested will be paying for the test themselves, an undue burden on those who are financially struggling.
In Florida, before the drug testing program was ended, only 1% to 2% of those on food stamps tested positive for drugs, much lower than the general population's drug use of between 10% and 12%. Deal may be calculating that his proposals will make him look both tough on drugs and statesmanlike in an election year. Ultimately, this bill may do little if anything to end drug use in our most economically disadvantaged citizens while burdening them with the cost of this test.
I am surprised that Governor Deal attributes drug use as a significant cause of unemployment. He has provided no figures indicating that this is a fact, nor am I aware of any. Oh, right. Election year.
Mon May 05, 2014 at 5:15 PM PT: 7:57 pm EDT, May 5, 2014. Thanks for the rescue. Since I've got time before this hits the front page, I've tried to add some facts on the causes of unemployment. I can see why Gov. Deal chose a place both dark and posterior for his facts because the answer isn't easy. But the causes seem to boil down to economic rather than social. There is frictional unemployment caused by changing jobs as for better pay or new workers (i.e. students, etc.) entering the workforce. Structural unemployment occurs when worker skills and jobs available are mismatched. Cyclical unemployment is due to a drop in demand which causes lay-offs. This is a thumbnail sketch as there are different schools of thought on the subject, but nowhere did I see drugs mentioned.
Jason Carter, former President Jimmy Carter's grandson will be the Democratic nominee for governor.