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
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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
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