TESTING UNEMPLOYED FOR DRUGS SENSIBLE

Bravo to Sen. David Thomas for proposing a bill that would require
those receiving unemployment benefits to prove they are free of
illegal drugs. It should be no different than what occurs in the
workplace: If you are found to be under the influence of illegal drugs
while working, you will be fired, plain and simple. One need not be
shown to have performed his or her job poorly while under the
influence. Do drugs and lose the privilege of keeping your job.

Similarly, if you earned the privilege of collecting unemployment
compensation, especially where benefits have now been extended to more
than one year, those benefits should be lost merely on the showing
that the recipient is using. Zero tolerance is the key.

The quid pro quo for these unemployment benefits being provided, or
restored, to an out-of-work individual, should require that they pay
for, take and ultimately pass a drug test. This cost of the drug test
can be a pass-along tax, placed on those receiving the compensation.
Such expense can come directly out of the person's earned benefits.
The remainder of the compensation would then be withheld if they
failed the test (and forfeited, unless a future drug test comes back
clean). In the alternative, the balance would be paid out, as usual,
if the test results were negative.

It may be harsh, but it ain't unfair.

J.R. Mule

Greer