My son's mother has received disability retro active since she was 16 for a mental health disability. She has never worked, lives with her parents. They pay for everything, including her car. The girl is 29 now. I am the custiodial parent. I know for a fact that she has spent up to 90% of her SSI disability money on drugs and going out. Now they tell me they can't discount money from her SSI for child support. Tell me how that is far bleeding hearts.

Nunya you hit the nail on the head. How is this racist? This is an attempt to make sure that benefits go to the right places. I work hard for my money and I don't want it wasted on someone who is taking advantage of the system. I have to pass random screening at work - so why shouldn't someone that is using the system? I do not agree with the recipients paying for the testing though (unless they are found dirty!).

Saying that this is racist may be one of the most racist comments I've ever heard. Referring to this measure as racist is implying that only minorities are on assistance, or they are the only ones who do drugs.

a. drug test, i have to submit to a drug test to get a job ... why can't they? and b. make welfare recipients wait in line every friday to pick up their bread, milk, cheese, and peanut butter ... necessities ONLY. let them live off that for a while, and endure long lines for food and see how fast they get job. they take advantage of the system because it's so easy to do! America's welfare recipients live large compared to other countries ... free housing, free food, free cell phone ... why bother working? There is NO INCENTIVE.

Yes, drug test and everything else. This people live off of our pay checks and are rised to live on welfare and I think it's time to slow it down. Children at school just go to get checks and live on welfare after school because they state they don't have to work because they will get a check-car-phone. I am tried of working and keeping up the dead-beats in this country and giving my hard working money to them and they pay for NOTHING and receive a bigger check then I bring home, tax free and etc. I pay high health care because of this people. I think, you work, you receive, no work, no money This country needs to change and that is starting with welfare to these dead-beats and make them work or no pay.

@Dale Brown Sr: I'd love to see pictures on those EBT cards but unfortunately a lot of people would be hurt by that because there are incapacitated adults who need someone to do their shopping for them. I have brainstormed solutions but I've come up with nothing. Maybe if the person is truly disabled they could have a special exception noted on the card, but only those who truly prove to need it would get it.

@shoppingczar: I agree. Those situations are the most stomach turning.

@WGS: I wonder if they're really dumb or just apathetic? I would think that in that job the guilt would kill you if you actually cared, so developing apathy is their survival mechanism. For what they earn it's their best strategy. Sad.

Drug testing isn't the solution to the problem. A complete overhaul of the system is clearly needed. Drug testing sure wouldn't hurt though.

If any of you welfare recipients on here defending yourself knows any good way to get the hook up let me know, I need a vacation from my hard working job! That was a joke, but what is not a joke is the many people in this area that receive assistance that wont look for work! I recently had a new employee transfer from another location across the country, being here only a couple months made the comment that it seemed that more people were on welfare or sold drugs than people working real jobs. It was pretty embarrassing for me having grown up in this area and knowing she was right. And dont get me started on SSI, what a joke its even easier to receive a check from them, the people that work there are so dumb its not even funny, but i guess thats what you get when you pay minimum wage!

Not only do I think it is a good idea for drug testing, I think the state should put a limit on the number of people in a household that can receive benefits from the state. I see too many people around me that have been living off of the system for years and now they have teenage kids that are having kids. I am tired of my husband working 70+ hours a week, to have some bum perfectly capable of working partying 7 days a week and living a better life than the working man. IT IS TIME FOR "WELFARE REFORM"

Racist my bum ! I get drug tested at work ! I think it is a great idea. It's about time someone tries to clean up the system. !!!!

I am all for the drug testing,I have watched welfare people sell their food stamp card and go buy drugs with the money,I would also be in favor of putting the picture of the persons allowed to get food stamps on the card and when purchasing at the store they ask to see it if the picture doesnt match NO SALE

I believe those who receive state benefits should be tested for drug use. I do not beleve the concept is racist, or discriminates. I feel if a welfare recepient is forced to take a drug test, maybe some recepients will be forced to come clean and therefore become more employable. Often times hard working citizens may at some point in time need state benefits, however there are others who lie and steal from the state. It's sad to know how many take advantage of this privledge when there are hard working people out there who really need the benefits in order to make it through a rough time. I also feel its the scummy welfare takers who give the welfare system a bad view, this is why some people who really need benefits will never apply, because they don't want to be associated with others who are receiving state benefits.

Hey Ms. Susman, the following is a direct quote from the Websters dictionary on racism. Welfare is not a race. If it is, please enlighten me as to how. Read it (the dictionary) some time, you'll find amazing information that will not make you look so stupid. I think drug testing for any type of government assistance program recipients would be beneficial to all of these programs. Testing would save them millions of dollars in the long run. Ms. Susman maybe you need to step down for failure to be knowledgeable. The following is the definition of racism: rac·ism Pronunciation: \?r?-?si-z?m also -?shi-\ Function: noun Date: 1933 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination

It looks to me like people on welfare in the state of West Virginia barely make enough to survive!! and the average payment of food stamps is $70 a month! Rent costs more than what these people make! A family of 3 gets about $350 a month, can own no more than $2000 in assets and can make no more than $6,780 a year to get any benefits! What is that guy talking about when he says only EBT cards pay for "name brands"? I've never see anywhere that people on welfare or food stamps are only allowed to buy name brands? Makes no sense! Why would the government demand something like that? Also, from what I am reading about welfare and food stamps, people are only allowed to get it for up to 5 years, then they also have to PROVE they are looking for a job to keep the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) --TEMPORARY!

I believe something needs to be done with the people that pop out kids to either stay on welfare or to get more money to support their habits. I love walking in to a store and seeing folks with their kids running around half dressed for the weather or in bad need of a bath but yet when they get to the checkout it's Marbolro cigarettes and mountian dew. Nothing for the kids that the money is suppose to be for! Be it drug testing, which could be paid for by simply pulling a small percentage from welfare benefit checks of the recieptants, or not letting the cycle be passed on from parent to child by means of not letting youngsters who have dropped out of school or became pregnant at 17 get welfare. The welfare system nationwide is a JOKE! People that are in need can't get help or are run through the wringer and denied for the most obscore reasons. The people on welfare are the wealthest people in my opinion for the simple fact that they don't have to work, they have no worries because the state will always show up and take care of any problems they have, and they don't have to worry about their children ever making it in life because, again, it's the cycle of parent to child that is never going to end unless something drastic is done! In my opinion drug testing should only be part of the requirements to get welfare. How about mandatory job fair attendances with a minimum number applications that have to be filled out for folks under 40 that are not disabled. Or make parents keep a journal of items purchased with their welfare money with receipts to back it up. There are many ways that would not cost the state any or very little money to reform the welfare system. The money saved by getting the people that are more than able to work off the system would more than pay for the extra cost to implement reform. America needs to wake up!

I propose all voters submit to an IQ test and US citizenship test before being given a voter's registration card and the right to vote in any and all elections in the United States of America.

I propose all driving citizens be given blood alcohol tests at random locations on random dates without forewarning. If drivers fail, they will be required to do 100 hours of community service work at the discretion of law enforcement for every infraction. After being caught 3 times while driving under the influence, they will lose ALL driving privileges for the duration of five years time, and be required to enter a rehabilitation facility at their own expense.

It is true. I have seen it happen on different occasions. People will pull out one EBT card after another and hit different PIN combos to try and complete the transaction. I am sure that most of the cashiers don't care, either. Have you been to a Wal-Mart lately? Most of them don't exactly love their jobs. What incentive would they have to hold up their line and make their jobs harder because some numnut is trying to commit fraud with an EBT card. As long as the transaction goes through, so be it!

The other issue here is the fact that it still doesn't cut down on stupid purchases and the wasting of taxpayer money. Since certain things aren't covered, they will put them back and get something better instead. Why is it that I am buying generic crap at the store and I see somebody with brand name everything paying with, sure enough, an EBT card?!?! I thought that this assistance was to help them out, not let them live better than the rest of us who can't get assistance?!?! It is a real shame, too, because there are lots and lots of hard-working folks out there who are getting this help legitimately, are buying the necessities, and stretching it as far as possible. The scumbags that we are all talking about really put a stigma on public assistance.

At the root of it all, though, is the drug testing issue. How is it either racist or unconstitutional to ask someone who is receiving taxpayer assistance to take a stinking drug test? If I was not a drug user, and getting welfare, I would have no problem submitting to this testing, if for no other reason than to show people that I am clean! It seems to me that only someone that used drugs would object.

Why is it that the lawmakers/politicians "exclude" themselves from the very laws that they try so hard to pass and/or enforce upon citizens of a low/middle class!?!. . . while its okay for some politicians and such to use cocaine and other drugs on a daily basis!!! DEFINITELY A CASE OF "DOUBLE STANDARDS"....... Some people need to practice what they preach and quit trying to play GOD!!!!!! (a perfect example of hypocrisy)

H.S. has it wrong. Food Stamps or "SNAP" (EBT) distribution is NOT always on the FIRST OF THE MONTH! They are distributed by the first letter of the last name of head of household and can fall on any weekday. Any caseworker can tell you that, or just call your local DHHR office and ask them. Cash or monetary benefits maybe distributed @ the first, but not food stamps. As for people buying groceries at Wal-Mart using numerous EBT cards for one shopping checkout--I would think the cashiers might be quite suspicious? I just might call Wal-Mart and ask them what they are doing about this.

Wow, is all I can say. How we as West Virginian's sit in judgement of all the people that get State Help. While I tend to agree with some are just lazy and keep having kid, after kid, to get more help from the state. There are those that have worked, and something has happened to them, that they can no longer work, and that would intitle them to get help from the goverment, eaither Federal or State.

I am one of those people, I worked for 16 years at the same job, fell and now I have had to have a hip replacement, and other problems from the fall. While I agree that the state needs to cut down on people using the system because they just keep having kids, and there eaither making it better on the the system getting a check each month, SNAP or other help.

The system needs to be looked at, and redone. I think that once you have two children on the system, then that's all the help you get. I know for a fact there is a couple in our town here that has 5 kids, and they have said to many people that it's easier to stay on state help, then it would be for them to go out and work.

I also know of a girl that told the county office that her and her husband were not together to get more help on SNAP...and they are living together, someone has reported them but they have never came out to check it out. So, you see it's not just people using the system it's the county's not doing there jobs.

When someone says "food stamps" these days, it's a figure of speech.

H.S. has it straight. You can hand an EBT card to someone who simply enters a pin, there's no signature needed. You don't even need the person's name. I have not participated in it personally but have been asked by strangers on three occasions.

The next time someone asks me in the grocery store though, I will oblige them and I'll be sure to get their name and maybe even snap a photo so I can report them straight away, since it does no good.

I know first-hand how reporting things does no good because I have reported people I know of for drug sale near schools, drug use with children present and other various criminal activities over the years and so far I have yet to see results come of my anonymous reports.

If you think I'm giving my name you're nuts. Some of these people are criminals or have criminal associates who would have nothing to lose by coming after me if they found out.

I'm certainly not getting involved in all that. My safety isn't worth it when the police themselves or the state should take responsibility for their own matters. They're the ones getting paid to either follow or ignore our anonymous tips.

Response to the person thinking some fraud has been eliminated by using the debit cards instead of old-fashioned food stamps: Next time you are waiting in the check-out line at Walmart around the beginning of the months and somebody in front of you has to make calls on their cell phone to different people to sort out pin numbers for a handful of EBT cards they are using to pay for their stuff, THINK AGAIN!!

From the WV EBT DHHR website:

"What is NEW with EBT?

Important notice about paper Food Stamp coupons!

Coupons will no longer be able to be used after June 17, 2009." --www.wvdhhr.org/ebt/

It appears people are posting stories on this string that are not true in order to appear "outraged" about something that the state of West Virginia has already made impossible to commit fraud & abuse by selling food stamps in order to buy drugs etc as people on here allege, by creating the EBT system for food stamps.

How do people sell food stamps, when it was just pointed out to me that the government now issues "EBT" cards that people use like debit cards to buy food etc? This person who told me knows because they work in a grocery store and has not seen anyone use actual "food stamps" for years. Are people on here making up stories?

Sussman is not very educated to say this is a rascist idea. How is it racist? Rascist against what particular group? As far as I know all kinds of people recieve government help. We have a fraudulent problem, and instead of complaining, mabye she should put in some clock hours to come up with a workable plan that would cost less money but get rid of fraud. Would she be willing to do that?

Yes, everything that has been stated about people selling their foodstamps for cash and drugs is happening. Yes you can report the person to the DHHR and to CPS. You want to know what happens.....nothing!!!!! How do I know, because I reported someone. This person has been on assisstance for 12 YEARS, that I know of, possibly longer. (Now this person collects an SSI check) Not only was this person collecting welfare and sitting on their backside, but they also had a significant other that lived in their "HUD" approved apartment, who was making $600-$700 a week under the table-TAX FREE. Because this person said they were too "SICK" to work they got several prescriptions a month that they turned around and sold. This person went to UHC's ER 5x in an 18 day period, in which they left with over 200 some pain pills. They had received so many prescriptions that their name was flagged with the Board of Pharmacy. This person has children. They even had to take drug tests as a requirement to see one of their kids and failed them. Did anyone do anything???? NOPE. My friend is now raising one of their kids and because she is on SSI they receive no support for the child. ABSOLUTELY DRUG TEST ALL WELFARE RECIPIENTS AND SSI RECIPIENTS!!!

FYI-I also received Welfare Assistance while I was putting myself through school and raising a child. I am now married with 4 kids, and my so-called education isn't enough. I will be in debt with student loans until I am 60. I am still having a hard time making ends meet, but I do without so my kids can have what they NEED. I work extra hard to provide them the things they WANT.

I am the one who brought up selling food stamps, concerned parent was only responding.

While of course I agree with turning people in, it's hard to call DHHR on someone you have never seen before who randomly approaches you in a grocery store. I kid you not, this has happened to me on multiple occasions.

Some junkies are apparently so desperate for a fix they'll risk asking strangers in the store.

I'm sorry you feel the system is failing you & your situation there seems hopeless. I was a single parent, myself, and I know how very difficult it can be, and also how the acts of others can ruin things for the rest of us. I know there are people out there abusing the system, but I also know that the majority don't. I also realize that we are not only in a serious recession, but we also live in a very poor state. Have you considered going back to school, or furthering your education/training in some way? "Flipping burgers" and working in the service industry for minimum wage may not provide much for one, let alone a small family, but those jobs are all that are available to people who are uneducated right now. I'm pretty sure you can ask about financial aid & what benefits may be available to you should you decide to further your education.

what i am saying about our law here is that you can call them and you get we can't find anyone in route, they stay in madison and danville and it is hours before you here anything...what if myself, my girls were being robbed? well any way i have reported these people and they have trained those kids what to say to cps...it is such a sad thing...i don't want to argue about this..i am just concerned about all these kids that are the one's who suffer what the parents do.and another thing you have to be careful about calling cps and the law around here if it leaks out that you were the one who called in on them,then you can count on it that your car will get keyed etc,and if you are found out to be gone out of town then yes your home will be burned and or broke into.that is how most of and i said most of as they say roll here in boone county..i am moving out of this county as soon as school is out.i hate to have to take my child out of the school here but i am thinking of my girls when i do this..i love my girls dearly and i don't want them growing up dhhr benefits they deserve much better and i am moving to better our lives and get a job..i am on foodstamps just to feed them right now.there are no jobs here in wv.except flipping burgers.i want something better and i will get it..i am one of those parents who do what ever it takes to make sure my kids aren't put in the word as welfare trash.i would like to thank our dhhr for helping us in time of our need.but a person can not live their whole life on it..well some do.but i am one that will not do it..but thank you for the number i already have it where i have called them before...if you get the right person something might be done to these people but i have seen nothing done to them yet...it is just a sad story for the kids that have to live in those homes...

You have no law enforcement in Boone County WV?? That's interesting.

Are you actually concerned about the children in this home you speak of? If so, you need to call the number for CPS. Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline ( 1-800-352-6513 ) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

to the person who said i need to turn these people in well for your info it has been done and we do not have law enforcement here in boone county...and about cps well that don't work either...and for your info i don't give them food if you had read my post right you would have seen i said that they get mad if you don't give them any food.....sounds to me like this person receives dhhr benefits,and i hit a nerve! if you don't then you should be concerned about where your tax dollars are going! that you work hard for...or maybe you have someone you know that is ripping the state off....sorry i have hit a bad nerve but something needs to be done with these people that abuse their benefits that they would not get if it was not for the kids.!!!!!!!!!!

"Nurse", you cite one example of a person abusing the system and want to propose a costly test in order to keep people from obtaining benefits to SAVE your tax dollars? As a nurse, you ought to know that people find ways around drug testing...and if this legislation is passed I guarantee you that will merely become another form of "fraud" people will attempt to commit and another senseless drain on the system.. As far as I know there is already a "time limit" on how long able-bodied people are allowed to collect benefits & must prove they are looking for work. I believe it is called "welfare reform", and was implemented by President Clinton. Look it up, or better yet call your local welfare office and ask them for a copy of all of the rules and guidelines. Like I told "concerned parent", if you are aware of someone illegally abusing the system, report them.

So, it would be unconstitutional to test these people, but it says in the Constitution somewhere that I am responsible for paying for these people and their healthcare? I definitely don't see how it is racist, considering the benefits are not based on race, and I certainly don't see a problem with making sure that the money that WE are giving these people aren't going to drugs or who knows what else!

I work for a living, and I could use some help from time to time, but instead, I have to see these scum bums living it up better than me while they sit on their butts! I know that there are some who legitimately need help, but there are plenty of scamsters! I remember being in a grocery store as a child, watching a family buy steaks for their dogs because food stamps wouldn't buy dog food!

I think its a brilliant idea. I am a nurse and had a patient who wrecked his car on 79, his blood alcohol level was over .300, he had $600 in his pocket coming home from his poker game (we had to put it in a safe) and his health "insurance"? The medical card. Nice to know our taxes are paying for his hospitalization for drunk driving which could have killed anyone reading this. The welfare system in this country is nothing but a way of life for a lot of people and a money drain, not only should they be drug tested, there should be a time limit until they have to find work.

"Concerned Parent", if you are aware of parents committing fraud by selling food stamps in the way you describe you need to REPORT them to the DHHR office or Charleston. There is an 800 number you can call, I'm sure. If you are aware there are parents buying and using illicit drugs with children in the home, you need to call the police and CPS and also report that. As to why you are repeatedly allowing people to bum food from you, well, frankly, that's your own fault for allowing it. You can say "no", instead of complaining about it in a public forum.

No only is this idea too expensive for West Virginia to consider. It would be a trial lawyers field day. Secondly testing one group of a population not related to employment is unconstitutional under bot the West Virginia and US Constitutions in part for the same reasons the current Health Care Legislation is unconstitutional. Delegate Blair is just trying to make a name for himself so he can run for a higher office.

I RIGHT NOW RECEIVE BENEFITS FROM DHHR,AND I AGREE THOSE THAT RECEIVE HELP FROM THE STATE SHOULD BE DRUG TESTED! I KNOW OF MANY PEOPLE THAT DO SELL THEIR FOODSTAMPS FOR HALF OF WHAT EVER THEY GET...JUST SAY THEY GET 400.00 WELL THEY WILL SELL THEM FOR 200.00 AND THEN THEY ARE OUT BUMMING FOOD FOR THEIR KIDS BEFORE THE MONTH IS OUT.AND IF YOU TURN THEM AWAY THEY GET MAD AT YOU! WELL THEY NEED TO BE TAUGHT A LESSON IF YOU CHEAT THEN YOU MUST PAY WITH LOOSING YOUR BENEFITS.I KNOW I MAY SOUND SHELFISH TO SOME OF YOU,BUT I AM TIRED OF PEOPLE SELLING THEIR STAMPS TO SUPPORT THEIR DRUG HABIT AND THEN KNOCKING ON MY DOOR TO BUM FOOD TO FEED THEIR KIDS THE REST OF THE MONTH.AND THESE PEOPLE RECEIVE ALOT MORE THAN I DO..I ONLY GET FOODSTAMPS FROM THE STATE.MY KIDS PAY HIS CHILD SUPPORT I DO NOT RECEIVE A MONTHLY CHECK FROM THE STATE.SO I SAY YES I AGREE 100% WITH THE DRUG TESTING...IT DOES NEED TO BE DONE! CHILDREN DO NOT NEED TO BE IN A HOME THAT THE PARENTS TAKE THEIR BENEFITS TO SUPPORT THEIR HABITS...THOSE CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER. THEY DO NOT DESERVE TO BE FEED PART TIME! BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT IS GOING ON ALL AROUND US EVERYDAY.

So everyone is guilty and they need to prove they are innocent. And if they come back with a positive result you are gonna take away support for their children based on the poor decisions of the parents? This is gonna cost $57.50 for each test? Not everyone is a drug user. I think that money could go to the people that welfare turns down that really need it. And find some other way to find all the drug users that are on welfare. Maybe the ones that are arrested and charged with drug possession. Oh no that wouldn't work that makes sense.

Is it really cost-effective to pour millions of tax dollars into expensive drug testing (which people can find ways around by "cheating", btw) or is it more feasible to put money into things like work programs, education, supporting small businesses and work incentives and child care? There are women out there with small children to care for, alone. There are families struggling to make ends meet, WORKING families, who are finding it very difficult to pay rent, utilities, buy food, pay for transportation & medical & clothing expenses. There are women coming out of domestic violence situations who also need help, most with children. Before we start throwing away more money on "moral" legislation...why don't we all try and put our heads together to find ways to help keep struggling families heads above water?

Many years ago I had to go on welfare and it was very difficult to make it.

I have never, nor ever will use drugs. I do not smoke and only drink 2-3 times a year. Welfare helped me and my child when I needed it.

While I do not completely agree with the drug testing proposal, I would take it in a heartbeat if ever needed to go back on it. This day in age is not like what welfare used to be, or at least it's not in Ohio, you have to work off your pay and food stamps, so it's not a free ride.

If they are working their welfare off, I would imagine drug testing could be considered necessary since many companies require drug testing and they could be operating machinery. Even using a weed eater or lawnmower could be hazardous if someone is high.

Also, in Ohio you can only receive cash if you have children and even then are only allowed to be on it a total of 36 months. At least that's what it used to be.

I have been saying for years that West Virginia would SAVE money by drug testing people on welfare. Everyone I know who is on welfare is only on welfare because they are too messed up from drugs to hold down a job to support their kid(s). They use the welfare check to support their habits. If a person needs the welfare to support their child, how in the HECK can they afford their drugs? It ticks me off that my spouse and I are drug free and work hard for what we have, but yet a crack head or pill head can lay up and have 4 or 5 kids and let the welfare set them up in a nice house or apartment for them to get high in, and pay their bills. As far as it being racist: BULL S**T! How is that any more racist than me having to take a drug test to get a job? As far as it targeting lower income families: My spouse has a federally funded job that REQUIRES random drug tests, and it is NOT a low income sort of job. Maybe that is racist!

some work every day last year i was off 3 months with broke leg and foot that happened on the job went to dhhr to get a lil hepl and the first thing we was asked is do you own this or that like boat motorcycle any thing you had worked and payed for had to be sold before we could get any help the hole dam system is wrong its not to help the ones in need or the ones that are not able to work its a family treadeation fou alot of people and not only from wv yes all on it should be drug tested and if drugs are found they need to be brought up on frud charges & eather pay back what they go or locked up its time someone stands up and trys to fix this problem the working people of wv can stand much more think about it why work when you can set home get paid to take your kids to the dr get gas money get your heating billed payed so ya wv its time to change and save some of the working peoples tax dollars durg test them all

Drug Testing Should be Mandatory for Welfare Recipients!! People who work for a living to support themselves and their families are tested to get jobs and keep jobs for their paycheck. The same should pertain to welfare recipients. Get tested - Get your check! In the state of Michigan it didnt pass because it was in violation of Fourth Amendment Rights - what about our rights? If that's the case - why are We tested? I have nothing against the welfare system when it's used properly for people who Need it. When it is abused the way it is I have a Big problem with it.

I work for a living and pay taxes and have done so for 30 years. I am subject to drug testing as are many people employed in the workforce. I agree that welfare recipients should be drug tested also. Nothing racist about it.

I think she's racist for thinking this is a racist idea.

Why does race always have to come up. This is not about race, it's about people using the system. I know quite a few individuals who live in government housing and receive assistance and sell/use drugs. They are out every weekend acting like they are living the high life. This is just common sense. If you don't have enough money to pay your bills how can you afford drugs?

Isnt's calling this idea racist, racist? She's implying that persons on welfare are minorities. She is not very bright.

I forgot only YOU can post a comment on here.Just go ahead and read your own post. I'am done. God bless you. Yes now i feel better.

HELLO is back, you're not the real HELLO. You're using punctuation.

bob, state-funded people will just have to go ahead and succumb to The Man like everyone who works already has. If working people have to suffer because of "hemp prohibition" then so should everyone else.

Question for all: How many of you know someone who would happily sell you their food stamps for half the value in cash?

Something needs done, but not by this racist State Delegate in question. Something needs done in every state because the abuse of welfare programs is staggering and only getting worse.

Dear Hello is back, please stop getting all fired up. I appreciate you speaking for everyone. I posted what I posted becuase of what i see. I NEVER stated that EVERYONE IS LAZY. Please stop picking which words you like and then running back and stating I said these words. I have always stated that there are people that DO Need this service and I AM glad that is does exist. I am not putting anyone down and I am not saying that I am better then anyone. PLEASE - think before you write something. I have fallen flat on my face and I picked myself up pal! I am not going to sit here and get into everything with you becuase you will choose to just read what you like. Its easy for you to pick a fight on message boards I see, but I just hope...that with all of those taxes you arepaying that you are happy where this money is going. AS long as you can sleep at night becuase you feel you are helping out then kudos pal! It is clear that it doesnt bother you if anyone is abusing the system or if they are doing drugs and sitting around etc - im fine with you allowing it. I just ask that you take some time and look at the bigger message instead of quickly pointing out something that I am not even saying. Understand my point before you attack it. Look at the facts, look at the history of welfare and look at the repeat offenders - and YES I do use the word offenders - I am not implying that EVERYONE is an offenders just the ones that choose not to better themselves becuase "they have a good thing going". I want you to take some time to also explore that the welfare system does not encourage anyone to better themselves as well - once you are in sure there is a sliding scare but we both know you cant better yourself becuase the minute you do - YOU are out of the program. THERE is no winging off. SO again, I say to you HELLO IS BACK...what is it you do? I am just curious at this point. Why is so hard for you to see my point and why is it so easy for you to jump on me and my opinion?

What makes me even more sick is you speak of sympathy...I spend plenty of time (donated time) in which I want nothing back. I spend time helping out at shelters, soup kitchens. I donate any extra jackets, clothes, food I have becuase I know where it is going. WHat is it you do that makes you so great and makes you the voice of the welfare people? I try and look at it from both sides - like i said earlier I HAVE fallen flat on my face and You and everyone else in this state knows just how easy it is to do so. Its a matter of picking yourself up and dusting yourself off. I cant just sit around and expect someone to feed me and expect someone to feed my kids (again as stated earlier I do not have children so I can only imagine how tough it is). I have gone hungry before so others can eat - I know who I answer too - so if you would like to bring God into - please do. Does it make you feel better to mention his name? I answer to the same God as you. I will close with this - I never intended to put anyone down with my post, and I didnt intend to group everyone together - those who need assistance understnand and those who abuse the system also understand. There I narrowed it down to two groups to make it easier.

Its just nasty to call names. You know God don't like ugly. Stop kicking dirt! Every one getting assistance is just lazy? I'll just overlook your statement because of your ignorance.I know people who have recieved assistance and their down right good people who has faced hardship and swallowed their pride so they could pay the heat bill AND put food on the table.So you and BT can stop.Maybe you'll fall flat on your face someday and you can get treated with your same sympathy.Because it's not about the drug testing to either of you.Its about running your mouth about people who are less fortunate than you.No matter why their less fortunate.That is exactly why i commented.

I agree that the government should make all recipients of welfare be drug tested. There are probably a lot of people who receive welfare that do not deserve it. There is also people out there that really need the help and that are trying their best to get on their own feet that can not even receive any help. I am a recipient of welfare for myself and my child. I have a full time job and I work every day but I am lucky to have some help. I am not bragging that I am on welfare but I do need the help and I am a very hard worker but I go into the DHHR office and you see some people there that you know are capable of working and trying to make something of themselves but they would rather live off of the government. The government could save so much money if they would drug test everyone that needs help rather than just to give thousands of dollars away for people who sell their food stamp cards or buy other people food for drugs, money and etc..

Hello, can you be serious? You actually sit there and think that you are above everyone because you pay 12,000 in taxes? SO this would mean you either 1. own a business or make like 100k...if so then what makes you so gifted to see this "bigger picture" I read your statements and you go back and forth as well, so either you are having some typing problems today or you are just arguing to argue. It is clear you do not have a problem with anyone taking your 12,000 dollars in taxes and giving it to people that do not even need it becuase they are lazy and refuse - REFUSE to find employment. They sit back and live off of the state. I read bout times statements as well and I see what he/she is trying to say - it was not about name brands it was the fact that WIC approves certain items yet some people NOT ALL OF THEM tend to go for the better brands instead of taking what is given to them. SO please stop crying. Keep paying your taxes and know that you are a Modern Day Robin Hood helping out others. Moron.

I think the state should absuolutely drug test the welfare receipiants!! I had to take a drug test to be employeed. Why shouldn't they?? I have seen first hand how welfare money is spent and it's amazing to me how many sell the benefits for cash drugs etc

In most cases when you say you are against something and it is a great idea you are usually one who is involved! I know someone who was getting $600 in foodstamps and they sold them for drug money. They bought someone food and they paid them a less amount for what they spent. This person finally got caught in fraud after 6 months of receiving them but not because of the drug problem. USUALLY THE ONES WHO NEED HELP CAN NOT GET HELP BUT THE LAZY ONES WHO DO NOT WANT TO GO GET A JOBS RECEIVE EVERYTHING!!

Anything on the subject of drugs is about control By controlling drugs they controlled hemp which gave them control of the economy "Prohibition...goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." Abraham Lincoln, December 1840

Absolutely NOTHING wrong for testing welfare recipients or anyone recieving entitlements. As stated before, many people must submit to drug testing for employment purposes (medical field, military, large coporations). If the avg Joe wants the job, THEY DON'T DO THE DRUGS! Spending $57.50 per test might actually SAVE millions of dollars because if the recipient fails the drug test, they won't get the thousands of dollars they recieve per year. It might actually motivate some to stay clean. It's our taxpayer money and there needs to be some guidelines in place. There is no such thing as a free lunch. The Race comment was just stupid. In WV the proportion of caucasions on welfare is at least 10 times greater than any minority group on welfare.

You are not close to home.You are not consistent with your words.You ramble on and on.I pay over 12,000 a year in taxes. And....I like Robinhood. I just don't choose to throw stones.And I guess I am grown because i understand the "bigger picture". You clearly pick at everything.What they live in,how they dress,what they eat,what BRAND they eat,what they say! Yes,I'll say it again some people probably use the system.Iam not against the drug testing.But I do believe it will cost us millions.Like someone else said let it be on individual basis.You pass judgement to easy.You will have to excuse me.Iam going shopping today and i have to get all dressed up!

You people are disgusting. Spend more time worrying about your own life, and less about a welfare recipient getting, God forbid, name brand products. You people have obviously never been poor. This law maker used a poor choice of words in "racist," as that doesn't really make sense, but I'm not for drug testing welfare recipients. Prejudiced is the word she should have used, and if she ever needed any proof to back up her argument, she could come right to this comment thread. Prejudice all the way down the line. God, this area sucks.

I think that it is bull. I think that if a person receives state assistance that they should be made to do a drug test if there is a reason to believe that a person is doing drugs. If not this there should be a law that says if you are arrested for DUI, Illegal Drugs, then you loose your benifits for a period of time. I know several that state they cannot work due to this reason or that reason. Well go sign up for SSI and if they determine that you can work then guess what you will not get that assistance. I am tired of hearing people say well I will be crippled if I work, how many people do we see that are in wheelchairs that are working. Give me a break...

I don't see how race has anything to do it. What this woman seems to forget is this: illegal drugs are ILLEGAL ! If you don't have a job, and you're living off the system, then buying illegal drugs really shouldn't be in your budget. If you're working for your cash, then fine, do what you want. If I'm helping to support you, I have a problem with you using MY contribution to your household being used for drugs.

Dear Hello. I also have to disagree with you. I feel that "Bout Time" might have just hit the Nail right on the Head. I do not think he was implying anything or making fun of people. I also will disagree with you that find a job is not the problem. Sure there are hardships and Unemployment is very high but I drive by tons of places that Have "HELP WANTED" signs up. It might be Mcdonalds or some other fast food place, but still its a job. I think that some people feel they are above some jobs. I wish that people that were in office today worked at a Fast Food place, or an industry in which they Had to deal with people on a daily basis rather then coming from money, or being a lawyer. Then they would see what it is really like on the streets. Thoughts?

To HELLO, Please dont turn this into a battle...and please re-read my posts - I simply stated how I FEEL and also WHAT I SEE. Sadly anyone that goes to walmart doesnt have to "scan" or look too far. I also stated that - if you took some time to read instead of getting all fired up - that I am not above anyone nor was I raised. I am just at a point in which I am angered and outraged that people that DO NEED IT have to fight harder then the people that DO NOT NEED IT. Please dont take this the wrong way but it isnt me that needs to grow up - I already have - I work, pay taxes, vote etc. I do not have children so it is unfair for me to imply that some people do not need it. THAT IS WHAT IT IS THERE FOR and I understand that. I also know its called Temporary assistance for a reason. Please dont be a person that takes offense to things that are said that hit a little too close to home. If you are offended then all I can do is offer my apology and ask again - please reread my previous post. I am not putting anyone down nor would I gain any personal pleasure by doing so. I see children everyday go hungry, do not have proper clothing as well as lack of education becuase their parents feel that its easier to simply live off the state and get what "they" need instead of putting the child first. I know there were some little jabs in there but it was all for fun. I also stated that there are plenty of people that use the system the proper way and I support them and have no problem with that. To answer your other question...NO I do not scan the grocery store for people that "look like" they are on welfare. That would be stereotyping...I do, though, listen to all the hoot'n and hollar'n that goes on while im trying to make my way down the aisle and it becomes a little difficult becuase some one is in my way with their cart turned sideways bragging about how much they just screwed the state out of and how much of an increase of SNAP and foodstamps they got. Serisously....Everyday its abused and I am not about to point my finger at you but there is no need to be a Robin Hood for welfare at this point. I will end this with this - TO ANYONE that I might of offended that is using welfare for all the right purposes, please understand that I am, in no way, attacking you, nor would I ever put you down or "stereotype" you at walmart while "scanning" for people. TO the ones that do mistreat the program - I am attacking you and as a matter of fact I am calling you out - GET A JOB and stop living off other people. Stop pretending to be sick, or "cant work".

Also, Hello...my job was stated earlier. Please take the time to re-read my post.

Might I ask you...what you do?

I like how everyone that has a job thinks its OK to assume.Just because you are lucky enough to keep a job in this state does not give you the right to belittle some one else! Does putting down a welfare recipient make you all feel better? Drug testing at work is done mainly because you could hurt someone else on the job.As for you BOUT TIME what do you do? Scan the grocery store for people that LOOK LIKE they get welfare. Grow up! I am sure there are people that try to use the system.But just stereo typing everyone is a load of crap.Hardly anyone one can get assistance if their not working. Finding a job and keeping it is the problem.

THANK GOD I am not the only one that feels that there are too many people out there living the "good life". I agree with most of you guys - INCLUDING BOUT TIME - I have no idea how people get around such large loop holes. I over heard one lady telling another lady just how easy it is to get assistance - EVEN SAID MENTION MY NAME TO SO AND SO AND YOU WILL BE GOOD TO GO...Its like a whole underground network, or a gang. To me its a crime plain and simple. The lawmakers look the other way. I can see in 10 years just how ugly this monster will be. I agree, there is nothing wrong with drug testing, everyone has to do it anyway. Yes, WV works you do have to be "enrolled" in a program - but trust me its not hard to do that and then not show up or half ass it...which again you are not drug tested and then that person goes and sits with older folks (could be one of your parents) now do you want some druggie sitting there with them? Its easy for "us" to sit and point fingers and the funny thing is almost everyone on welfare that doesnt need it is real quick to defend it. It also amazes me that most of the are so lazy to the point their cases get shut down becuase they couldnt mail a simple packet in and then they have to travel on down to the good ol DHHR - which most of them are on a first name basis - and reapply. To them its a fun trip, to the worker its hard not to speak your mind. I WISH workers in that field could say how the feel and let that be part of the application process. DONT GET ME WRONG I agree with the couple of people on here that work in seasonal jobs and work hard too - and then they get turned down becuase they are "over income". Basically the states says "hey thanks but....sorry boutcha luck". Again, it will never get better. There is no reason to even worry about it - I really need to get to work becuase if im not working I cant put ciggerettes in peoples mouths.

kelli has a degree? Where is her grammar, syntax, etc. This is a complete run-on sentence. No, I am not prejudiced against welfare recipients, it's just that I believe that in order to get certain entitlements, one must be willing to undergo certain qualifications - LIKE DRUG TESTING! I also believe that drug testing needs to be done with public servants also. The welfare system is set up to assist people who really need help, but it is engineered wrong. Let's renovate it, making it a supplement to people honestly trying to get on with their lives. You need to get a job, and then we'll help you, or be trying to get a job, we'll get you through this. YES TO DRUG TESTING!!

well i get food stamps for my family and a medical card for my daughter and i work every single day and pay my taxes that pay for the benifits i get i do not get money from that state so not all welfare recipients get cash and just because u get cash doesnt mean u use it to buy drugs or anything else i have recieved money before but that was when i was going to college to get my degree which happens to be in criminal justice and i dont use drugs at all but i dont believe in drug testing what u do in ur own home is ur business and all you people who are saying she was wrong for saying racist well u all are being predjuiced against people who get welfare by saying that they all spend there money on drugs i need it cause i couldn't find a good job here making decent money with my degree and had to take a minumin wage job and i cant afford to pay all my bills rent clothes personal items and the numorus other item we need to live i have a right to feed my child and get her medical care and like i said i work and pay for my benefits and if u knew anything about wv works checks you would know u have to be in some type of school or program to get u cant just sit at home and do nothing and get a check also you can only get it for 5 yrs so people who get wv works has to go to school work or volunteer to get there money it aint just free money

Seems to me the money they would save from not paying the one's who fail would take care of the cost. I work construction and have to take drug tests all the time. Now, like every winter, laid off, broke, hungry, struggling to pay bills, no one gives me any aid.

hey why are we voicing our thoughts here? i say we all go to the capital and tell old girl to get out because she is the only racist thing i see.

Drug testing RACIST?? What planet is this lady from, or is she a mugwump? I am a member of a minority, although my looks do not indicate it. I am NOT opposed to drug testing, in fact, I promote it for anyone applying for a job, applying for welfare, etc. I am now retired, and never had to go through drug testing, but I would have gladly done so. But, since drugs are the greatest cash crop in WV, I do not believe that the powers that be would go for it, as it might eliminate some of the floating cash. And that $$$ is non taxable, tracable, etc. $$$$ speaks volumes. LET"S TEST EVERYONE!!!! DO IT NOW !!!

I think that the statement by Ms. Susman is racist in itself. By her statement that drug testing is racist, she is presuming that the welfare recipients are african american. Why is it racist to require the same thing of welfare recipients that most businesses require of their employee ?. The last time I saw a report , the majority of people on welfare in WV are white and I don't see a problem with drug testing them. Susman's statement is racist. How dare she immediately think " african americans" when she hears that someone wants to test welfare recipients. Her statement really shows who the real racist is and she need look no farther than in the mirror.

I agree with all the comments that welfare recipients should do drug tests. Not just W. Va., but every state. Ever try to get a job without a drug test, it doesn't happen. Everyone is tired of supporting their cell phone, cigarette and alcohol (drug) habits. It's time a lot of things change. I am not a racist, I have seen what the welfare money is used for.

Drug test them, do follow ups on their homes to make sure people aren't living in the home that aren't supposed to be. Cut out the cell phones, if they aren't working who in the hell do they need to call. Cut out the car program, if they're not working why do they need a car, better yet ride the bus. They also need to limit the kinds of food allowed to be bought off a food stamp card...no chips, soda, candy....and make the people who are on welfare do community service to pay the taxpayers back instead of free-loading.

I have nothing more to say that Bout time... hasn't already covered.

they dont only need to test welfare reciepts they need to test the ones that are so called SSI,,, i dont have problem with people getting help but when they use it to do their drugs and drink it up then wonder where their next mdeal is coming from,some need the welfare and some need the SSI,but laot are just pure lazy,,as when my daughter was around 7 she was in the post office with me mailing my bills and she heard some one say SSI and she said mom whats SSI mean and before i could tell her what it meant she said does it mean super stupid individual and i said no honey but in my mind i thought some pretend to be to get it,,,,sounds like a good idea to me

This lady is crazy - the Military makes you take a drug test. Any major corporation makes you take a drug test. What excludes welfare from doing it? How could it be racist? If it is racist someone needs to tell the military.

I don't see anything wrong with recieveing welfare IF you NEED it,But I do NOT think they should be paying for cellphone's for people.Our welfare system is really messed up,I for instance am disabled and I get a medical card.Instead of them paying for the medication that works for me and keeps me out of the hospital(I have Crohn's Disease),They will only pay for medication that doesn't work...But they will pay for a cellphone that honestly probably gets used to make drug deals or something like that.I think if they can't drug test everyone that gets welfare because it is racist,then maybe they should at least be able to test those that get caught with drugs,even if it was a simple possesion(sp).

Thank you to all of the taxpayers that pay for my medical exspenses that I am unable to,I only wish that YOU could say what gets paid for and what doesn't.

I have a great idea!!! Why don't we just stop giving welfare to PEOPLE THAT DON'T DESERVE IT!!!!!!!! These welfare offices are full of people that are going in there to work over the caseworkers that don't know, or even care, anything about what they are doing.

The Democrats are pushing for taxing life itself and the Republicans are pushing for drug testing people just for being poor. Do we have any rights left to take? Our State and Federal governments are really getting out of hand.

I belive people on welfare should be drug tested. They talk about how expensive the drug tests. Why don't they take the money they allow welfare families to get a vehicel/vehicel maintenance with or buying them a cellphone and minutes for those phones. They will buy 200 minutes every two weeks for the cellphone they buy. How do I know this you ask, I know a person on welfare. She told me her brother and family/friends also take advantage of the same program. It's time to start cleaning the welfare system up. If your not born into the system good luck trying to get help from them. Drug testing is definitely a step in the right direction!!

First off how can this be racist. I believe there is more than one race on welfare. Unless of course this person is suggesting that only minorities are on welfare. So which is it? Second. Welfare is not mandatory. You don't want to get tested then don't put your hand out. Pretty simple. I think they should be tested. I think we all know at least one person that gets welfare and none of the money goes towards their children or food. Instead it is used on drugs, alcohol or gambling. Sorry but I really don't think we should be paying for their addictions or habits.

delegate sally susman basically is saying only minorities collect welfare,isnt that a racist thing to say!think before you speek delegate susman.

Wow....I do not even know where to begin. I will say that growing up here in West VIrginia you do see a ton of poverity - most of it can be avoided - it boils down to someone making a stand and doing something about it. I used to think that Education was the key - and then i found out that education is actually the problem. I sit and watch ever day (I work for the state as a social worker) and I see how parents take something so simple like 'SHORT TERM assistance" and beat the system. I can tell you that there are people that have been on this short term help for 20 years and then EDUCATE their children to do the same thing. It amazes me that no one in this state follows up on them. You have someone working at the local DHHR making 7.50 and hour and you know that they do not care about their jobs so they just pass on through these people. I dont even think that Drug testing will help much - a simpler and even cheaper test is all that is needed - have them fill out an application and that should be the test! You can test for laziness as well. It will amaze everyone that you have someone that hasnt worked in years - nor voted for any public figure - yet they have a big screen tv, a boat, and every new video game and empty pizza boxes outside of their "hud house". It further frustrates me that the network they have in which they barter, trade and get what they need to survive another day until they can tune into Days of our Lives. I mean, i hate going to walmart at the begining of the month and watching parents let their kids run around in shorts inthe middle of winter while their cart is loaded up with cheese, milk, beer, every item from the "as seen on tv" section along with ice cream, microwavable pizza and good ol dr pepper, not dr thunder but the good stuff...dr pepper. There is no morals or ethics just quick to slam their car into yours and not say excuse me but rather just look at you like you are dirt. I am tired of hearing everyone bitch about "oh they need it" and things like that. I WISH the people that did need it, would make a stand and say HEY I NEED THIS AND here is why! The state will never follow up on any person that is getting snap or anything like that becuase it is too cost effective. YET I pay my taxes, took my drug test to get a job that helps support them and on top of that, I have to walk out of wal mart pissed off becuase i know that none of those children are getting any nutrition and they watch what mommy and daddy do and grow up to be just like them...I pray every day that someone one day will be standing at the DHHR and start turning people away that are not willing to work or do anything to contribute back to society. Does that make me racist? NO it makes me a working person that wants to see where my money is going - what my taxes are being used for. This state will never get better - same way with health insurance...I mean...what is the motivation to working...I wonder what would happen if EVERYONE in the state of WEST VIRGINIA just quit their job at the same time...and then we all went down the DHHR and applied...I mean..I wonder if that would cripple this state? Sadly we all would be screwed becuase there would be no one working to ring us up at walmart...

AND PLEASE...feel free to get on this board and defend it...dont get me wrong..I did not come from a back ground of money, I do not drive a fancy car and I do not go out to eat every night - I went out and worked, managed to get an education and continued to work. I am not above anyone nor was I raised to be. I treat everyone fairly - even the clowns at walmart pushing the carts around and slamming into me.

I did not realize that dope addicts were a distinct race. Or does this Dumacrat from Raleigh Co believe that using drugs is something that African Americans only do?

Goes along way to support the backdoor racism and classism that many liberal elites have by funding pittance payments to the poor to keep them quiet and dependant upon Big Brother.

I agree with the working class people. When appling for a job it is most likely mandatory that a drug test is given. My husband & I have worked all of our lives since early teenage years and have had to ask for assistant a few times during Coal Miners strikes. They treated us like we were the lowest forms of life when we would ask for food stamps during these times. And may I add if you owed a car or paying on a home you did not qualify. We were not trying to make a career out of it as I have seen so many people do over the years but as a temporary thing until we could find another job or get back from a lay off that was not our fault. I was told once by the Welfare office years ago that b/c I worked 40 hrs. per week and my husband still lived in the home with me that we could not get $50 clothing allowance for school clothes. So should I bust up my family and quit my job to get $50 for school clothes? The laws are totally messed up. I feel not everyone who has to ask for assistance is on drugs so what is the problem. If there is nothing to hide why the big fuss. The state spends all this money for high priced meetings and parties but can't afford a benefit that would help the people. Bottom line -Children are the ones who suffer in the long run. My heart goes out to them. They are the ones that need protected from drugs and parents who are not interested in getting an education and a job to show them the qualities in life. As parents we have to set a good example for our children, our future leaders and teach them that hard work and dedication is the only way not drugs & who you know in life. Honesty is and has always been the best policy to live by but unfortunitely in today's society hiding behind the truth is the wave of today. Today's society is entirely to Political.....Get back to the Basics- Get off the Racist Ban Wagon- We are all God's children. No one is better than anyone else. I don't feel that when all is said and done that we are going to be segragated by color or who we know or how much money we have but how we have treated people along the way no matter if they have more money or a nicer car or house. Pills are taking over this country folks and we are letting it in every way that we can. No wonder American's look so rediculous to everyone else. We are suppose to be much more intellegent than that. God Bless Us All!

At first, I thought the quote in the third paragraph was a mistake. I now realize they really meant 'conscious' as in barely awake. Racist? What race would that be Ms. Susman? Throwing around reactionary buzz words without knowing what they mean doesn't make you look real sharp. As far as the drug testing being too expensive, spending $57.50 to potentially save thousands doesn't seem like a waste of money to me.

Racist? How can that be? I think they plan on testing ALL of them not just ones of certain race. A "crack-pot" idea, well, that's what they should be testing them for both crack and pot.

I think this woman as deserving to be a lawmaker as a rabbit is to fly the next space shuttle mission.

I STRONGLY AGREE THAT ANYONE WHO RECEIVES WELFARE RECIPIENTS SHOULD BE DRUG TESTED~WHY SHOULD PEOPLE WHO WORK EVERYDAY DOING THE RIGHT THING PAY FOR SOMEONE ELSES DRUG HABITS~HOW IS IT RACIST? IT AINT A LAW THAT SAYS ONLY WHITES GET TESTED OR ANY OTHER COLOR~ITS EVERYBODY WHO RECIEVES WELFARE NO MATTER WHAT THERE COLOR IS~EVIDENTLY SOMONE NEEDS TO GET THIS WOMAN A DICTIONARY~ITS ALMOST LIKE SHE IS SUPPORTING DRUGS~WHY DONT WE HANG A BANNER SAYING MOVE HERE WE WILL BUY YOUR DRUGS~I MEAN REALLY I DONT THINK ITS A BAD IDEA AT ALL~TAXPAYERS WORK HARD FOR THAT MONEY AND I THINK ITS ONLY RIGHT THAT THE TAX PAYERS KNOW THEY AINT SUPPORTING ANY DRUG HABITS~I THINK THE NEXT TIME COMES AROUND WE REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT HER STATEMENT AND MAKE SURE THAT WE GET SOMEONE IN OFFICE THAT CARES ABOUT THE TAXPAYERS INSTEAD OF PROTECTING THE ONES THATS ABUSING THE SYSTEM~WELFARE IS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE HELP TO THE PEOPLE WHO CANT PAY THERE BILLS AND NEED HELP WITH THERE CHILDREN~SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO GET THIS WOMAN OUT OF OFFICE~MY HUSBAND WORKS VERY HARD FOR HIS MONEY AND IT WOULD BE NICE THAT THE TAXES TAKEN OUT WOULD BE FOR PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY NEED THE HELP~

What is the welfare rate in Raliegh County? Did Ms. Sally Susman get voted in by welfare receipents? Don't get me wrong ~ there is a need for the program and no shame in using it legitimently. But for an elected offical to basically state that they don't care if the benefits go to drug addicts? Has this lady had her head under a rock most of her life?? Someone please educate this woman! The money saved by refusing to provide for someone testing positive for illegal drugs would more than cover the cost of testing. It may even open up avenues to those addicted to get help for their abuse. It would also discourage folks from using the system as their means of managing their habit!

I think it is a great idea! The money the government would save from not providing drug addicts with welfare will help pay for the cost of the drug testing. There are too many people that take advantage of the welfare system. I have heard from the mouths of the recipients that they do better on welfare than with a paying job. Of course they do and get to sit on their butts in the mean time living off our hard earned tax dollars.

I agree welfare recipients should be tested for drugs. For me to get my current job I had to pass a drug test. What is the difference? My hard earned money is going to welfare recipients that are using drugs. Not only that their medical card that is furnished by the welfare will get them treatment for drug addiction. This is just not fair. My insurance only gives me 5 mental health visits. It seems people on welfare we don't want to infringe on their rights, but what about the working person. When are they going to stop infringing on our rights.

i think this is a GOOD idea...it would definately cut down on the drug use and maybe even clean up the welfare system...it definately make people think about what that money is for and maybe their children could get an extra pair of shoes instead of mommy and daddy getting an extra high