A controversial social policy I found is regarding future drug testing for food stamp applicants. This state bill is known as HB 772. This bill was introduced January 22, 2014 by Representative Greg Morris. (Greg Morris 2014, http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20132014/HB/772 ). The bill states that future applicants who want to enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must take a drug test and pass the drug test to receive the food benefits. Upon submitting the application a drug test would have to be administered. The test would be given to applicants within 48 hours. The drug test fee is $17.00. The drug test fee would not be federally funded and the applicant would have to pay the fee upon testing. If a recipient receives Medicaid then their drug test fees will be covered. The $17.00 drug test fee will be refunded to applicants only if they have negative test results and the refund will be added to their food stamp balance. If the applicant has children and failed the drug test, then another relative will be tested for the drug test and their results must also be negative. The testing cycle of individuals will continue until a family member with negative test results allegedly appears. Greg Morris 2014, http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20132014/HB/772 ).
Origin/ Support
There has been food stamp reform and outlash from conservatives for years regarding reducing the funding, resources and applicants for the food program. Many opponents feel that the program is a simple way for recipients to receive free food for themselves or children if they choose not to go into the work force. Other opposition for the program is recipients using their benefits for poor food choices or on wasteful items such as clothing. From my research the main SNAP abuse I discovered were store owners making illegal transactions by substituting the food benefits from the EBT card to cash to customers, this practice is known as “SNAP Trafficking” (Chad Stone, 2013 http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/05/16/facts-show-food-stamp-program-has-a-strong-record-of-efficienty).
To begin a reduction on the federal SNAP Program, Congress passed the Farm Bill that will eliminate $9 billion dollars from the SNAP program over the next decade (Valerie J. Morgan, 2014 http://www.ocgnews.com/index.php/mobile-home/2610-lawmaker-pitches-drug-tests-for-food-stamps-applicants). Conservatives believe people are simply looking for a handout when in reality due to the downturn of the Economy in recent years, fewer employment opportunities are available. With fewer jobs being available more people need economic assistance for food, while they are still responsible for their shelter, utilities, transportation costs, healthcare, or possible childcare expenses. A critical point I think for those who favor this bill must remember that according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities SNAP recipients are mainly children, disabled individuals, and the elderly, not adults who choose not to work (Chad Stone, 2013 http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/05/16/facts-show-food-stamp-program-has-a-strong-record-of-efficienty). .
Issues with HB 772
If a person tests positive for a drug they may possibly have an addiction problem and them receiving food assistance or benefits should not be denied because of their poor behavior choices.
Another question I thought was the rate for the test. If an individual is unemployed and not receiving financial assistance, where do supporters think the money for this test is going to come from?
According to Valerie J. Morgan, This program is federally funded and was struck down as unconstitutional in Florida, so my opinion is that this bill may not get passed in either the Georgia House of Representatives or the Senate (Valerie J. Morgan, 2014 http://www.ocgnews.com/index.php/mobile-home/2610-lawmaker-pitches-drug-tests-for-food-stamps-applicants.
If a person fails the test three times why is the retest date range from one month, to three months to a year?
Many recipients of food stamps may not have adequate transportation to return to the department for testing, so in that case are they ineligible and denied food benefits? That would be wrong and cause new problems for starving children. This bill may have originated with the views of the legislator thinking too many tax payer dollars are allocated for the program for unnecessary applicants. I also think proposing this bill was a response the legislator developed to reduce or eliminate food stamp fraud in Georgia.
Another question considered was why were poor individuals under attack for having a drug abuse problem compared to wealthier individuals who may have a drug problem but they are not penalized for their addiction and can afford their own food?
My overall opinion for this bill, is that if it was implemented it would ultimately cause more problems for individuals and
children receiving the food they need to survive. The testing process, the testing fee, or even being denied for SNAP benefits seems like a disciplinary approach for people who have addiction or substance abuse problems and it is not a fair policy for those struggling with addiction and are not financially able to purchase their food.
References
Morgan, V. J. (2014, January). Lawmakers Pitches Drug Tests For Food Stamps Applicants . Retrieved from On Common Ground News: http://www.ocgnews.com/index.php/mobile-home/2610-lawmaker-pitches-drug-tests-for-food-stamps-applicants
Morris, G. (2014, January 22). HB 772 Public assistance; drug testing for applicants for food stamps; require. Retrieved from Georgia General Assembly Legislatin : http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20132014/HB/772
Stone, C. (2013, May 16). The Facts About Food Stamps Conservatives Don’t Want You to Hear. Retrieved from US News: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2013/05/16/facts-show-food-stamp-program-has-a-strong-record-of-efficienty
Valerie Morgan , “Lawmaker Pitches Drug Test For Food Applicants” http://www.ocgnews.com/index.php/mobile-home/2610-lawmaker-pitches-drug-tests-for-food-stamps-applicants
Chad Stone “The Facts About Food Stamps Conservatives Don’t Want You to Hear”
Greg Morris “House Bill 772”
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20132014/HB/772