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State Senator Wants Drug Testing For Those Receiving Unemployment

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By WHITNEY RAY

Capitol News Service

Published: March 10, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Many people are used to having to take a drug test when applying for a job. Now a Bay-area state senator wants to extend the same idea to those applying for unemployment benefits.

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, says he wants to make sure none of the more than half a million Floridians receiving unemployment checks are using the money to buy drugs. He has filed legislation calling for random drug screenings for those seeking unemployment benefits.

"I do believe that the people who are taking that money should be qualified and ready and able to work. I want to make sure that we're not supporting somebody else's drug habit who is not willing and able," Bennett said.

The bill calls for random testing of one of every 10 people who apply for unemployment. The drug tests cost about $30. The person applying for benefits would have to foot the bill.

Not everyone thinks the drug tests are a good idea. One argument against it is that people who have been laid off have paid into the plan and shouldn't be barred for any reason.

"I'm not a drug person, but I can say I don't think it's right people got to go through that just to get the money they worked for," said Ether Hunter. Hunter was laid off from her housekeeping job two months ago.

Gov. Charlie Crist said he's not ready to endorse the idea but said it is worth debating.

"Whether or not it's a good idea, I think it is certainly worth considering," said Crist.

With jobless claims rising daily, lawmakers during this legislative session will consider if the state's unemployment fund can keep up with the growing number of people filing for unemployment, and if drug testing will save the fund money.

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