PORTMAN'S ANTI-DRUG BILL PASSES HOUSE

WASHINGTON June 23 (States) -- Another small battle was won in the War on
Drugs Tuesday, as the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998.

Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, who wrote the bill, called it "a critical
part of the overall effort to get America to kick the habit."

The Drug-Free Workplace Act would provide grants to non-profit organizations
promoting drug-free workplaces, encourages states to offer incentive
programs to employers, and provides technical assistance to small business
development centers.

"This bill is part of a measured federal response to ... the growing problem
of substance abuse in our society, and a move toward a drug-free America,"
Portman said. "By expanding efforts to identify and combat drug use in the
workplace, we can reduce the human cost to our society, and the direct cost
to our economy."

Anti-drug programs pioneered in Cincinnati were the basis for this
legislation, and several Cincinnatians testified on Capitol Hill in support
of the legislation.

The proposal must pass in the Senate and be signed by the resident before it
becomes law.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett