DRUG USERS SHOULDN'T GET UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Editor, the Tribune: Common sense tells us the state should say no
when asked to provide money to illegal drug users, but two recent
cases have permitted employees discharged for illegal drug use to
collect state unemployment checks. A quick review reveals a
disturbing trend. In both cases, scientific evidence of drug use is
ignored.

We believe legislation is needed to strengthen Missouri's policies
discouraging illegal drug use. After weeks of work, language was
achieved that had the blessing of the state and federal departments
of labor. Or did it?

Upon achieving this compromise, a representative of the Missouri
Department of Labor began a systematic effort to eliminate bills that
might serve in a capacity to pass this legislation. Inside the
Capitol, even common-sense proposals such as this do not pass easily.

Senate Bill 114, sponsored by Sen. John Loudon of Ballwin, simply
states employees fired for illegal drug use cannot collect state tax
money, in the form of unemployment, for the first four weeks. After
this initial four-week period, the state may award unemployment
benefits.

Opponents quickly point out that this proposal will be unfair to
recreational drug users. Recreational drug users? Opponents feel this
legislation will treat recreational drug users differently than
people who don't use illegal drugs. This is already the law. The laws
prohibiting the use of illegal drugs were designed to treat drug
users differently.

Associated Industries of Missouri believes taxpayers do not want
their tax dollars supporting the sale and consumption of illegal
drugs.

Jim Kistler, director of Government Affairs

Associated Industries of Missouri

411 Jefferson, Jefferson City