Name Title of Article and APA Citation Proposed legislation would require some Michigan welfare recipients to take
drug tests LewAllen, Dave. "Proposed legislation would require some Michigan welfare recipients to take drug tests." WXYZ Detroit. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <http://www.wxyz.com/news/political/proposed-legislation-would-requiresome-michigan-welfare-recipients-to-take-drug-tests>. Complete summary of Article Last week a bill was passed in Senate in Michigan that will enact a year long (5Ws and H) (Who, What, When, pilot program in which welfare recipients will be required to partake in drug Where, Why, and How?) testing. The bill is currently in a House committee. The bill is meant to ensure that welfare recipients are not using the money from the states assistance program to purchase drugs. Some people support the bill, while others believe it is a waste of money, ($500,000 for the program), as well as an attack on low income people. Core Democratic Value(s) Common Good Minorities free from tyranny of the majority Rationale for each of the CDVs Common Good: I believe it is in the the best interest of not only those on (Why does the CDV you chose fit welfare, but the entire community to take advantage of an opportunity to rid this issue?) our community of drug use. Drug use may be hindering some of those on welfare -as well as those not on welfare- from living to their full potential. If those people were to stop using drugs, they could attain higher paying jobs and eventually rise above the restraints poverty has placed on them. Minorities free from tyranny of the majority: Although I do not agree that it is cruel treatment, I can understand how those opposing the bill view it as mistreatment of low income people. The program would only affect those on welfare, who are people with low income. Branch of Government indicated Legislative: The legislative branch encompasses the Congress. Congress in this issue AND how do you primary duty is to write, debate, and pass bills. This bill has already passed know? through Senate and is currently in a House committee. Congress is made up of both the House of Representatives and Senate. Level of Government with State Level: This bill is being passed within the state of Michigan, not across jurisdiction AND how do you the nation. know?
2-3 Focus questions how would Do you believe passing a bill that targets a specific minority group is just? you lead a substantive discussion What about when that same bill is being passed for the common good of the on this article as it relates to the community? Core Democratic Values? Do you believe requiring welfare recipients to partake in drug testing impedes on an individuals privacy? What if that individual is requiring privacy to take part in illegal activities, such as drug use? Should each citizen living in this state submit to drug testing, or only those receiving government assistance? Can you think of another way to use the $500,000 to help rid Michigan of drug use?
