How important is it to get out the vote this midterm election? Ponder this… Sen. Orrin “Drug Test the Unemployed” Hatch (R-UT) with jurisdictional control over unemployment insurance benefits, Social Security, Railroad Retirement, pensions, international trade and Trade Adjustment Assistance.
It could happen – if Republicans gain control of the Senate on Election Day, November 2, 2010.
Currently, Sen. Hatch is the senior minority member of the Senate Finance committee, which oversees a significant amount of programs aimed at assisting the jobless and America’s working class. If the GOP gains enough seats, Hatch – as seen in UCubed’s Bite Back ad suggesting the jobless should be required to take drug tests before receiving unemployment benefits – could become the committee chair. With his new post could come an end to many of our nation’s important safety-net policies and programs.
“We should not be giving cash to people who basically are just going to go blow it on drugs,” said Sen. Hatch as he and his fellow GOP Senators repeatedly blocked unemployment insurance benefits for millions of unemployed Americans this past summer.
“It is extremely imperative that voters – particularly jobless voters – show up at the polls this election day,” says IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “We must not give power back to those responsible for this economic crisis, and those who heartlessly turn their backs on Americans who need them the most. We have the power to win on November 2nd. Tell everyone – family, friends, neighbors, etc. – to get out and vote.”
Tue. October 19, 2010
Why not drug test them I need to be drug tested for employment adn DOT certification. If they want my tax money test them and make them look and accept jobs. TEST THEM before paying themTue. October 19, 2010
Although a case could probally be made against drug testing those receiving unemployment benefits, it is not an issue I would use to rally the troops. We are subject to random drug tests on my job, and I feel it has prevented injuries and accidents since it began. Not many I work with would look at this being an anti-labor issue. But we certainly do not want to support a Senator who would threaten the safety net in place for the unemployed. That is an issue vital to each of us and our family.