Lawmaker wants drug testing for unemployed workers

A Florida lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require workers applying for unemployment benefits be randomly tested for using drugs. Florida State Senator Mike Bennett told Foxs Steve Doocy that Florida is running out of unemployment money and wants to make sure that only those that are able to work get unemployment payments. it was nothing against the people who were using the drugs, Bennett said.

Bill Piper with the Drug Policy Alliance thinks the bill is unfair to worker who have already paid into the system. These are tough economic times. This is pretty cruel, and to require them to pay for the test themselves is even more cruel. Its pretty degrading, you have to urinate in front of another person. You have to disclose what prescription drugs youre on, you have to tell complete strangers if youre on birth control or viagra or if youre suffering from depression, and normal everyday Americans shouldnt have to go through that, and these people have already paid in through the unemployment system, theyve been working hard, and its unfair to throw another hurdle, said Piper.

This video is from Foxs Fox & Friends, broadcast Mar. 16, 2009.
Rawreplay.com

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• lawmaker
• drug testing
• unemployed workers
• Piper
• drugs
• require
• benefits
• Senator Mike Bennett
• Florida
• unemployment money
• payments
• news

[jado818]

Even if they have a drug problem, they worked for the benefits and should receive them.

[freightmaster2]

Do these POS politicians take a piss test? If not, why not?

[Mikebos32]

This guy is just another shining example of our leadership. Personally I would like to see more blue-collar background people in office. Easier said than done though. Ever watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? A real life scenario like that might be just whats needed. These guys are so out of touch with the reality of the working class it is just wrong.

[mallory287]

Imagine the cost!! And they want us to pay?? They should test the people applying for welfare. Then when they legalize pot then what it's like alcohol?? Alot of waste of money I feel. So if I take ambien for sleep problems does that disqualify you! They get the required sleep and are wide awake in the morning.

[gusto1978]

I so fucking agree with you there Bro. im in australia so expect to see drug tests being conducted on bosses and polititians... did u know that it's illegal to have weed plants in australia but not in its capital city.

[gusto1978]

hahahaha i went to a job interview today and also the doctor for the drug test... i didnt pass OVBIOUSLY LMAO but i told the truth when he asked if i had smoked grass lmao I told him Hell today imma get an Ounce shit probably have it for breakfast I started to laugh at his face Stupid FAT ass! now i got no proper job but i still make paper HAHAHAHA

[dave777blaster]

What is really needed in America

is all salaries for politicians be  reduced by 2/3

and have them do drug tests.

[Therafterman55]

all these suckers of dick are completly out of control,,, zap their asses now

[hermbilliamherm18]

I agree, if unemployed people have to take the tests, then politicians should too!

[Gunnarsguns]

what a facsist pig....DRUG TEST THE POLITICIANS!

[ckekinit]

This guy really thinks he is a newsman? They have money to test for drugs but no money for a health check-up? Morons! the thing is "they really don't want to pay"!