Drug Testing

Entitlement programs are pronounced in the United States and account for a large portion of the federal budget. One primary concern about these programs is their impact on other possible budget expenditures. Like the federal government, state governments have had to contend with complex fiscal challenges. 

Instructions:

Many states have instituted policies for drug testing welfare beneficiaries to qualify for benefits. Information about this policy can be found in two ways. First, watch this brief PBS news report about Colorado’s drug testing policy.

Second, search for the terms “welfare+drug testing.” Choose two reputable news sources to learn about how the policy works. Then, analyze how well you think the policy meets the policy criterion in the textbook. The relevance of each standard varies according to the policy option being considered.

• Effectiveness: What are the goals of this policy? Will the drug-testing program be effective at accomplishing these goals? Has it been shown effective in any state?
• Efficiency: How costly is this program to implement and enforce? Discuss the costs and effectiveness or benefits of this policy.
• Equity: Does this policy treat people fairly?
• Liberty: Does this policy infringe on any rights? Does it unduly restrict freedom?
• Political feasibility: Are there political forces that lend support or opposition to this bill? Which political party tends to favor this policy? Does it have the support to enact it?
• Social acceptability: What is public opinion on this policy?