Florida’s much-publicized law requiring welfare recipients to undergo drug testing has not saved the state money. In fact, it has turned out to be just the opposite.

 

During four months of testing last year, 2.6% of the welfare applicants failed their drug tests. Under the law, the state must reimburse those who pass the test. At about $30 per test, Florida wound up paying $118,140—which was more than it would have paid out in benefits to the people who failed the test. In fact, the state ended up paying an extra $45,780. Of those who failed the test, most tested positive for marijuana.

 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida has sued the state to halt the testing program, arguing it is unconstitutional, an invasion of privacy and a waste of money.

 

Other states are following through with their version of the Florida law, including Georgia, which is just starting to institute its program.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinksy

 

No Savings Are Found From Welfare Drug Tests (by Lizette Alvarez, New York Times)

Florida Tests Show Welfare Recipients Less Likely to Use Illegal Drugs (by Noel Brinkerhoff and David Wallechinsky, AllGov)