Robert Vickers of the Harrisburg Patriot News first noted that just 3.5% of those seeking jobs who take a drug test fail it. Sean Kitchen then pointed out that the rate of failed tests has been falling slightly since 2007.
The facts show that Pennsylvania is at the bottom of job creation over the last 12 months, that gas drilling alone will never create enough jobs to meet Pennsylvania's need for 6.5 million, and that 96.5% of job applicants pass drug tests.
Governor Corbett is uniquely ill-informed, and he at least should stop scapegoating and slandering those seeking jobs in an economy that he has made tougher not better.
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteWe may disagree on a lot in the Shale industry, but what do you think about Corbett pinning this on Pennsylvanian's in the Shale region. He said he was referring to the gas industry. The same industry that is outsourcing it's labor to out of state workers...
Corbett slanders those seeking a job or a full-time job in and outside the shale counties when he suggests that employers in PA just cannot find enough folks who can pass a drug test. The data that Robert Vickers found and you also cite is consistent with my understanding. The vast majority of applicants subjected to drug testing pass it. The Governor really does not understand the diversity of PA or its economy. This drug comment reminds he is a career prosecutor and not well suited to the demands of the Governorship.
DeleteNot to take a position either way, but most people these days that know they can't pass a drug test aren't even going to apply for the job in the first place. So I don't think "failed test" statistics are indicative of the question at hand.
ReplyDeleteAlso, while I know that Raging Chicken Press hates Corbett, I cringe seeing them cited on a respectable blog such as this one. I've had many direct interactions with Sean Kitchen, and he's pretty far off the deep end (I'm trying to be kind). He lovingly refers to you as the "Shale Shill" candidate.
Mike
I value all civil comments and especially enjoy broad diversity of views. To me a comment's merit is about its substance and not who makes it or why. Sean was correct to pick up on the fact that Robert Vickers first published that 96.5% of those taking drug tests pass them. I also don't shill for anyone--my views on energy include a gas tax and strong oversight, as you know. They also reflect 29 years of energy expertise that has taught me the strengths and weaknesses of all energy sources. I live in the Three Mile Island evacuation area. I have been the Chair of Pennsylvania's Coal Mine Safety Board. And I am a strong proponent of renewable energy and energy efficiency and actually smile when I see wind turbines. I also have the wounds from those who cannot stand wind and have fought many of the PA wind farms that I have supported. Yet, I would also readily agree that some criticisms of wind are accurate.
DeleteSean,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you treating John with the respect he deserves instead of calling him names. Kudos.
As far as the drug issue is concerned, it it definitely an issue. It's not the MAIN issue, but it's one of several. Personally, I think this state needs to take a serious look at its drug laws that make criminals out of otherwise law abiding people. Mr. Hanger has pledged to do so, and I support his platform 110% on this issue. But that's another can of worms.
There are lots of people that I know who are unemployed who are also "on drugs". They simply don't apply for jobs that require you to pass a drug test. That's a choice they make, and it often limits them to lower paying, less stable employment, or no employment at all.
Lack of adequate training and experience is another large hurdle. As Mr. Hanger aptly points out though, the natural gas industry isn't a panacea. But if properly harnessed, which means aggressive plans to increase use of the fuel, large gains can be made. Many Pennsylvanians will benefit, in many ways, from direct employment, indirect employment, increased wages, getting to breathe cleaner air and drink cleaner water, paying smaller utility bills, not getting shipped off to some foreign country to be blown to bits, etc.
Just my $.02
Mike