[Nfbmt] A ridiculous Question

Tue Jan 7 03:44:59 UTC 2014

Joy,

The points you raise are the very arguments that workshops make to
suggest that they are doing disabled workers a favor by paying them
less than the minimum wage.  It is custodialism based in their own
self-interests.  They get state money - taxpayers money - to pay their
workers less than the minimum and, since they get the labor for less
than the market value of minimum wages, they are in effect
double-dipping.  They are arguing, in effect, that they are doing us a
favor by standing on our throats.

The answers to this argument are important to know, as you ask.
First, there are folks in Montana, for example, whose job it is to
work with disabled workers to manage any impact that wages might have
on other benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid.  VR has paid for these
folks to get this training, and VR counselors can purchase their
services on behalf of their clients.  Second, Montana has a special
Medicaid category for workers with disabilities who are in fact
working.  So many folks really can't afford to lose that medical
coverage because of significant medical necessities.  This category
allows those folks to go to work and not risk loss of Medicaid which,
for some, would be devasting and otherwise would constitute a barrier
to considering going to work and getting off of other benefits.

The big picture answer is, of course, that if people earn enough - the
Montana minimum wage and 30 to 40 hours per week - they will be making
as much or more as with benefits.

Good discussion.

Dan

On 1/6/14, Rebecca Stewart <becca33 at bresnan.net> wrote:
> That's an awesome point, Sheila.  I like the way you're thinking outside
> the
> box:)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfbmt [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of sheila
> Sent: Monday, January 6, 2014 7:40 AM
> To: NFB of Montana Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Nfbmt] A ridiculous Question
>
> hi also, if disabled people were paid properly, there could be less
> dependence on programswhich could save a lot of money.
> On 1/5/2014 8:04 PM, Rebecca Stewart wrote:
>> Hi Dar.  You are right, things are tough everywhere but if our
>> government people who spend our tax dollars would use them more
>> wisely, I think things could get better and we shouldn't decide that
>> because someone has to take the loss of subminimum wages that it
>> should be disabled people.  In my mind, if disabled people were paid
>> the same minimum wage as everyone else, it would only help our overall
>> situation because it would help our economy.  We would have extra
>> money to spend on buying just like everyone else and this would only
>> help the economy.  We also need to think of what happens beyond
>> minimum wage also.  Once a person starts a job at minimum wage, he/
>> she usually has the opportunity to advance his/ her salary several
>> times during their employment so ultimately he/ she would be making
>> beyond minimum, closer to a very comfortable wage depending on how
>> hard a person wants to work and how long he/ she stays with a given
>> company.  The additional wages and benefits that most Americans are
> enjoying should not be denied disabled workers, not in America.
>> Becca
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Nfbmt [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dmgina
>> Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2014 12:47 PM
>> To: NFB of Montana Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbmt] A ridiculous Question
>>
>> Wow what did you have for breakfast to come up with such thoughts smile!
>> As it was shared on the news, Montana doesn't have the money to keep
>> up with the raises states are doing. They are doing well to keep jobs.
>> I do know to keep our mall open they need to come down in price for
>> renting a space.
>> No wonder we shop on line.
>> This is happening al over, not just the disabled, or the blind.
>> It is good to get out there and take a stand.
>> We are proud to remind others we too need a raise in the working force.
>> Don't know if I came close to your question, just my thoughts.
>>
>>
>> Dar
>> Every saint has a past,
>> Every sinner has a future
>>
>>
>>> On Jan 5, 2014, at 10:54 AM, "Rik James" <montanarikster at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>>
>>> I am appreciating what the NFB legislative team is doing. I am
>>> looking
>> forward to our trip to Washington, to be part of a collective voice to
>> express our dismay and disgust at what is, and has been going on for
>> much too long for our fellow blind persons.
>>> What we will ask them, the Congressional representatives to do is
>> important. For us, together and for each of individually, I guess I
>> feel like I need to get my head together and be informed.
>>> And to be able to boil it down into a few concise and understandable
>>> sound
>> bytes. Because that is what we will have in the way of time.
>>> Go around the room, if you please, now, fellow Fedearationists.
>>>
>>> Speak your mind now amongst ourselves.
>>>
>>> Sing the Dress Rehearsal Rag.
>>> (Oops, sorry! I drifted in to my music world for a moment, with that
>> Leonard Cohen song title.)
>>> What do you each know about the history of the minimum wage in America?
>>> In the general sense, I think this is valuable to understand.
>>>
>>> What are the big bullet points of that history, that have led us to
>>> right
>> now in time?
>>> History. All around us. Surrounding us.
>>> And the role we play, today, in that history.
>>> The future and the present. Unraveling all of it.
>>> That is what occupies part of my mind, as I try and see about what I
>>> would
>> like to be a part of in Washington at the end of this month.
>>> I wish I felt more optimistic. I have been following our Congress
>>> with
>> horror and dismay in the years since last I went on this advocacy
>> pilgrimage.
>>> And so it makes me rather a grim conversationalist, when sitting
>>> around
>> talking. Because I worry that we are all of us, sighted, blind and
>> whatever in a very rough patch for democratic principles, and anyone
>> without a huge money sack of lobby professionals, controlling the pie
> slicing in America.
>>> But I let that rest. Are you glad?
>>>
>>> But here is the next little thing I have to say. That beyond those
>>> few
>> moments with a congressmen or one of their staff, there will be time
>> with one another, us in the National Federation of the Blind, from
>> Montana, and other state affiliate members around the nation, once
>> again. Anything is possible. Especially when we remain as we are, and
>> continue to evolve and to work together.
>>> And that is also precious. Don't you think?
>>>
>>> I just am hoping now that by that time the weather will cooperate
>>> with us,
>> too. For our travel needs. It will be what it will be. But I wish for
>> it to be smooth sailing, smooth flying, and a waltz on concrete that
>> is not so dreadfully slippery as it is here today in my home town.
>>> Peace Love Joy.
>>> And man the barricades. We will not go back.
>>> As Doctor Jernigan and others have chanted lo these decades now for
>>> our
>> rights for equality and justice, and a fair shake at everything anyone
>> with complete normal eyesight has.
>>> Rik
>>>
>>>
>>> .
>>>
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-- 
Dan Burke
My Cell:  406.546.8546
Twitter:  @DallDonal