[Nfbmt] A ridiculous Question

Tue Jan 7 03:57:15 UTC 2014

hmmm dan I didn't know that there was a way for disabled workers to keep 
ssi or medicaid. I also didn't know that the state has some one to work 
with people on this.
On 1/6/2014 8:44 PM, Dan Burke wrote:
> 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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>