CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT OF 1998 (8/6/98)
The House of Representatives recently passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 (HR 3853) by a vote of 402-9. The bill, S. 2203, is currently pending in the Senate Committee on Small Business.
BACKGROUND
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 would provide $10 million in demonstration programs that would be awarded to non-profit organizations with experience in drug-free workplace services, including employee assistance programs. The funds would be used to help small businesses (with under 25 employees) set up and operate drug-free workplaces. The legislation would require that the program services include:
- A clear and written policy on a drug-free workplace;
- Two hours of alcohol and drug abuse prevention training;
- Drug testing program by certified labs with positives
reviewed by a medical review officer;
- Employee access to assistance programs; and
- Continuing alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs.
The legislation also urges states to help make drug-free workplace programsmore affordable for all companies through innovative programs like worker's compensation premium discounts.
NCADD Affiliates could apply for these demonstration grants, if this legislation is enacted into law and if funding is appropriated.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Write (sample letter follows) to your senators and the members of the Small Business Committee and urge them to support S. 2203. Or e-mail your senators at The U. S. Senate.
SAMPLE LETTER
The Honorable --
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator --:
I strongly urge you to support S. 2033, the Drug-Free Workplace Act. This legislation will begin to help reduce alcohol and other drug use in the workplace by helping small businesses develop and implement drug-free policies.
Since most alcoholics and other drug users are employed, it makes sense to target efforts at the workplace. It also makes sense, as the bill requires, to require drug-free workplace policies to include alcohol and drug abuse prevention training for all employees and access to employee assistance programs. This will include assessment, referral and short-term problem resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Members of the Small Business Committee
Christopher S. Bond, Chairman (MO-R)
Conrad Burns, (MT-R)
Paul Coverdell, (GA-R)
Dirk Kempthorne, (ID-R)
Robert F. Bennett, (UT-R)
John W. Warner, (VA-R)
William Frist, (TN-R)
Olympia J. Snowe, (ME-R)
Lauch Faircloth, (NC-R)
Mike Enzi, (WY-R)
John F. Kerry, (MA-D)
Dale Bumpers, (AR-D)
Carl Levin, (MI-D)
Tom Harkin, (IA-D)
Joseph I. Lieberman, (CT-D)
Paul Wellstone, (MN-D)
Max Cleland, (GA-D)
Mary Landrieu, (LA-D)
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Policy Office via e-mail at publicpolicy@ncadd.org.