Indiana’s unemployment rate is 8.2 percent; just under the national average of 9.1 percent. The Hoosier state continues to slowly make progress, but let’s not lose focus on the fact that there is still progress to be made.
Our neighboring states aren’t so lucky. Kentucky (9.8 percent) and Michigan (10.3 percent) both have unemployment rates above the national average.
In 2010, Indiana’s Gross Domestic Product grew 4.6 percent, compared to the national rate of 2.6 percent,which results in the third highest growth rate in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. This statistic, among others, proves Indiana is continuing to make progress as we break ground and lead the way through the recession, but we can still do better.
My first priority is to find more ways the state can lower the unemployment rate. The obvious solution would be for the state to foster job growth. But what about improving our state’s unemployment benefits program so that the system isn’t being abused? Shouldn’t that be considered as a way we can improve our state’s standings?
Indiana puts a lot funding into facilities, such as WorkOne, to provide additional training and resources for those on the job hunt or returning to the workforce. I believe it is only fair to ensure that applicants receiving those state benefits are drug free.
Starting July 1, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is implementing mandatory drug testing for Hoosiers who receive training paid for through WorkOne. The policy was approved by the State Workforce Investment Council (SWIC), which oversees WorkOne operations throughout the state.
DWD wouldn’t be doing anything that a normal employer wouldn’t routinely do when screening for applicants. In addition, this policy is consistent with federal law.
If we are using state resources—taxpayer dollars—to train these individuals, they shouldn’t be taken advantage of especially during a time when we are already in short supply of resources.
If someone is using illegal drugs and completes a training program, the chance of them being hired is slim due to so many employers drug testing prior to employment. Therefore, the money spent on training them for their return to the workforce was a waste of time and valuable resources.
According to the DWD, individuals who test positive for controlled substances will be unable to participate in training for three months. If a participant passes a subsequent drug screening, he or she will be reinstated to the program. However, a second positive test will result in a one year waiting period. In addition, all individuals who test positive for controlled substances will be referred to substance abuse counseling.
The drug screening implemented by DWD applies only to applicants for third party training programs; it does not apply to unemployment insurance benefit recipients. The legislature, however, implemented legislation this past session that would prevent claimants from collecting unemployment benefits if they fail or refuse a drug test offered by a prospective employer.
This legislation goes into effect on July 1.
These implementations are some of the ways we are working to improve the unemployment benefits program, while also encouraging those that want work can without using drugs as a distraction.
