HARDEN OUTLINES DRUG TEST BILL

Not on my dime.

That is the core concept behind state Rep. Michael Harden's
much-publicized bill requiring random drug testing for people
receiving public assistance.

The bill is a hot topic of conversation throughout the state and
across the nation as lawmakers and citizens alike debate the
provisions of the bill.

It has yet to be voted on by the state House of Representatives.

"My hope is that, of everyone tested in Georgia, we don't have one
failure," Harden said of the bill that would deny benefits on a
temporary basis to applicants or recipients who fail a drug screen
test.

"I'm not out to get anyone; this isn't a game of gotcha, its simply
saying that the majority of taxpayers go to work (and) submit to a
random drug screen to pay into the system, it's only fair that those
receiving its benefits do so also," he said.

Harden has been thrust into the national spotlight following his
introduction of the bill last week, and says he has received
tremendous support both locally and nationwide.

"I have absolutely (received) support - from other legislators and
nationwide," he said. "We have gotten e-mails from Alaska, California,
Montana; but the most important support is right here at home, not
only the legislative leadership but most importantly the people right
here at home."

A majority of the people contacting Harden - by phone, e-mail,
Facebook and his newly-created Website, NotOnMyDime.net - have
expressed support of the bill, according to Harden.

"We have had 88-90 percent of people in favor (of the bill), and a lot
of those 10 percent that were not in favor of it, wanted to remain
anonymous - it makes you wonder why," Harden said.

A large number of people who express opposition to the bill are
concerned about the effects of the bill on children, the severity of
repercussions for failing a drug test, or privacy issues, Harden said,
adding that many who have spoken against the bill, had not read the
bill, but instead were relying on word-of-mouth versions of the
legislation.

"Some of that 10 percent haven't read the bill, once you correct that,
that 10 percent shrinks even more," he said, explaining that wording
in the bill takes steps to protect children.

"This legislation will not affect any children under the age of 18,"
Harden said on his Website. "We will not allow the children of this
state to fall between the cracks because of mistakes of their parents.

"Our hope is that no one receiving tax payer dollars is spending them
to subsidize illegal drug activity, but if they are they need to be
identified so they can get treatment," Harden said.

Funds will be set aside in the state budget to make sure people who do
fail the test get the help they need, said Harden.

According to provisions in the bill, those who do fail a drug screen
test would lose benefits until they are able to pass a drug test, and
will lose their benefits for two years following a subsequent failure.

"Taxpayers are going to know that the money they pay into the tax
system every (payday) is going to people that truly need it," he said,
adding that the repercussions are justified.

"I've had people saying we should go a little softer, or go with a
three-strike (system)," he said. "My argument to that is, it could
take someone five years to get three strikes, and even one day we go
using tax dollars to subsidize illegal drug behavior is a day too long."

For more information on the Harden's proposal, visit
www.notonmydime.net.

To view the house bill in its entirety visit
www.legis.ga.gov/legis/200910/fulltext/hb139.htm