LETTERS: JUST SAY NO TO STATE BENEFITS FOR DRUG USE

To the editor:

Recent unemployment-compensation rulings have concluded that testing positive for illegal drugs while on the job is not misconduct. Legislation before the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate attempts to establish whether the policy should be to encourage or discourage illegal drug use.

Under these proposals, a positive drug test for an illegal substance would be deemed misconduct. If an employee tested positive for illegal drug use, the employer could suspend or terminate the employee. If suspended, the employee would be eligible for unemployment compensation if the employee participated in a treatment program. If terminated, the employee would be disqualified for unemployment. However, this disqualification could be amended if the employee sought treatment. In the event of termination, unemployment benefits awarded would not be charged against the employer.

There are those opposed to penalizing people who use illegal drugs. Liberal interest groups and organized labor contend it is unfair to deny someone state benefits because they use illegal drugs. It boggles the mind when government bureaucracies subsidize individuals fired for illegal drug use.

If we are willing to send people to prison for illegal drugs, should we give them taxpayers' money so they can buy more drugs? Associated Industries of Missouri believes we should just say no.

JIM KISTLER

Director of Government Affairs

Associated Industries

of Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo.