Florida is Requiring Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients-Truth!

Florida is Requiring Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients-Truth!

Summary of the eRumor:
This is a forwarded email that says that the state of Florida has become the first state to require drug testing of welfare recipients.

The Truth:
Florida's Governor Rick Scott made true a campaign promise and signed a new law that will begin testing welfare recipients for illicit drug use according to a May 31, 2011 article by Reuters. The article said, "supporters say it will help ensure that taxpayer money is used to get families on their feet and not to fuel drug habits at state expense."

The article also said that after July 1, 2011 any "recipients who test positive for drugs would be denied benefits for a year."   A three year denial of benefits would be enforced to those who failed a second test. The federal food stamp program will not be affected by this new law.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and Florida Legal Services are opposed to the new law and said they are considering filing suit against the state.

On September 9, 2011 VFTV in Orlando, Florida reported that "the fight over Florida's new law requiring welfare recipients to pass a drug test is heading to court, and an Orlando man is leading the charge. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of Luis Lebron."   The news report said that the case is scheduled to be heard at the federal courthouse in Orlando in September.

updated 8/30/11

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Florida is the first state - Hooray for Florida!!!! Florida is the first state requiring drug testing to receive welfare! In signing the new law, Republican Gov. Rick Scott said, "If Floridians want welfare, they better make sure they are drug-free.

Applicants who test positive for illicit substances won't be eligible for the funds for a year, or until they undergo treatment.

Those who fail a second time would be banned from receiving funds for three years!

Naturally, a few people are crying this is unconstitutional. How is this unconstitutional? It's completely legal that every other working people have to pass drug tests in order to get a J-O-B which supports those on welfare!

Forward if you agree!! Let's get Welfare back to the ones who NEED it, not those who WON'T get a JOB.....I AGREE!!!! 100%....