RESEARCH LINKS
Issue 1: Offshore Drilling
Heritage Foundation: How Offshore Oil and Gas Production Benefits the Economy
Oceana Report: Safety Measures Will Not Make Offshore Drilling Safe
Press Release from Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Announcement
National Ocean Industries Association Offshore Energy Industry Publications
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Statistics and Facts
U.S. Department of Energy Report “Today in Energy”
Issue 2: Welfare & Drug Testing
H.R.2179 – Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
Think Progress: States Spend Millions to Drug Test the Poor, Few Positive Results
National Conference of State Legislatures Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients
Study: “Assessing the Effects of Substance Abuse Among Applicants for TANF Benefits”
Snopes on Drug Testing Welfare Recipients
Chicago Tribune: “Wisconsin’s Walker Proposes Welfare Overhaul Plan”
President Trump’s 2019 Budget Proposal
CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS
Issue 1: Offshore Drilling
- Traditionally, Republican lawmakers have favored offshore drilling in U.S. waters. Why do you think some of them are now voicing opposition to it?
- What is your opinion on offshore drilling? Do you think it should be allowed in the U.S.? Why or why not?
- Do you think offshore drilling in U.S. waters harm the environment? Explain why or why not.
- Compare and contrast the pro/con congressional quotes on p. 3 of the newsletter. Whose opinion do you agree with the most, and why?
- Would you want offshore drilling to take place in your own community? Why or why not?
Issue 2: Welfare & Drug Testing
- Please read the Think Progress report (see link above). Do you think drug testing welfare recipients is worth the cost? Why or why not?
- Does your state require drug testing for recipients of welfare programs like SNAP, TANF, etc.?
- Research the answer if you don’t know. Do you agree with your state’s policy?
- Do you believe the poor are more likely than other groups (such as seniors) who receive government money to use drugs? Why or why not?
- Read President Trump’s proposed changes to the SNAP program in his 2019 Budget Proposal (link above). Do you think these changes are a good idea? Why or why not?