A legislative tug-of-war started Tuesday over proposals to require laid-off workers to take a drug test initially and sign up for community service later to receive unemployment payments.
Both proposals won approval from a Senate panel despite warnings the steps probably would be challenged by federal labor officials as too harsh on many of South Carolina’s nearly 214,000 jobless.
The drug-test requirement breezed to initial acceptance amid complaints it is punitive. Making a test a condition for benefits doesn’t send “the right message,” said Sue Berkowitz, who runs a Midlands legal service for the poor.
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But Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, said such tests are standard to be hired for many jobs. Those out of work would be reimbursed for the tests if they are found drug-free.
Adding another requirement — that those unemployed for at least five months must agree to temporary service — also ran into protests of appearing harsh.
It would be better to make temporary service of 16 hours weekly at a charity, school or other state agency optional instead, state officials who assist the unemployed said.
“We have to be sure we find the right fit,” said Abraham Turner, director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
Supporters of the proposal said such service could open the door to jobs.
“It gives you the opportunity to network and keep your skills current,” said Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Berkeley, sponsor of the measure.
Berkowitz, who heads the Appleseed Legal Justice Center in Columbia, urged the service plan be made optional at first to see how well it works.
Forcing the jobless to become part-time volunteers could create confusion at charities and problems with child care and transportation for families, she said.
Sen. Kent Williams, D-Marion, said care should be taken against assignments that the jobless would deem humiliating.
“In the private sector, we see every day people take jobs they’re less accustomed to,” he said. “It’s just the way things are and the economy we’re living in today. But at the same time, we want to be careful not to let something good turn to something negative.”
Turner pledged to avoid such problems if his agency oversees such service.
The service requirement would begin after five months of unemployment, although some supporters would like it to start sooner.
Another measure would require the unemployed to seek full-time work, banning payments if their goal is part-time employment.
That change would penalize workers who juggle part-time positions to make ends meet or to care for children and parents, Berkowitz said.
The trio of proposals go to the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee for review. It could decide on them as soon as Thursday.
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