Pubdate: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO) Copyright: 2001 Columbia Daily Tribune Contact: 101 North 4th Street, P.O. Box 798 Columbia, MO 65205 Feedback: http://www.showmenews.com/forms/formletter.htm Website: http://www.showmenews.com/ Author: Jim Kistler 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Kirk Bauer