Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998

House Approves Anti-Drug Measure

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Small businesses would get financial incentives and technical aid to adopt drug-free workplace programs under legislation approved by the House Tuesday. The measure, approved 402-9, is part of a package of anti-drug bills the Republican leadership has made a top priority over the past month. Sponsored by Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, the bill encourages states to provide financial benefits to small businesses that meet minimum standards for drug-free workplaces. Portman helped develop a program in his home state that reduces workers' compensation insurance premiums by up to 20 percent for companies participating in drug-free programs. The bill also provides an average $12 million over five years for demonstration grants that would encourage small businesses to join community-based anti-drug coalitions and offer technical assistance through existing Small Business Development Centers. Portman cited figures showing that substance abusers file five times as many workers' compensation claims as nonabusers and have three to four times the number of workplace accidents. Small businesses realize the costs of drug abuse, he said, but need help in implementing anti-drug programs. ``Just as we provide technical assistance in developing business plans, identifying loans and other important small business services, we need to provide assistance with drug-free workplace programs.'' The bill, H.R. 3853, still needs Senate consideration.