This is a pretty good example of where conservatives' values collide, and one proves stronger: on the one hand, conservatives despise drug use as immoral, and they think it leads to crime and poverty; on the other hand, they want to cut government expenditures wherever possible.
In the case of drug testing for welfare recipients, it's a case of spending way more money on testing than can be saved by excluding drug abusers from welfare.
For example, since Florida mandated testing of welfare recipients last year, only 2 percent have failed the tests. Florida has had to eat the costs of tests for the 96 percent who passed.
But don't hold your breath waiting for Florida to cancel expensive drug testing. This is a case where conservatives want government to spend a lot of money to promote their values.
UPDATE (02.25.2012): GOP primary candidate Mitt Romney said that drug testing for welfare recipients was an "excellent idea," damn the costs. So there you go.
Commentary: Drug testing welfare recipients is a waste of taxpayers' money
By Mary Sanchez
February 20, 2012 | Kansas City Star
URL: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/02/20/139081/commentary-drug-testing-welfare.html#storylink=cpy
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