Who's a State Employee?

Joe owns a neighborhood convenience store. Joe has a little terminal on the counter that looks like a credit card machine. His customers on welfare can use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to pay for food (the modern version of food stamps), and the money is directly deposited into Joe’s business account.

Some of Joe’s customers applied for and receive monetary support from the state and they choose to spend some of the money they receive at Joe’s Corner Store. Therefore, Joe receives government subsidies. If he’s paid in government funds, he must be an employee of the state.

Mike has an old Schwinn bicycle he’d like to sell. His neighbor, Dave is on welfare and gets a couple hundred dollars in cash to spend how ever he sees fit each month. Dave can’t afford a car, and thought Mike’s old Schwinn might make good transportation for a while so Dave paid Mike $100 for the bike.

Mike received government money. Maybe he should join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union and pay some dues.

Jane operates a small Daycare from her home to supplement her family income while caring for her own 2 year old. She got licensed by the state and cares for 4 neighborhood kids along with her own during the day. Jane enjoys being self-employed.

Karen is one of the parents whose child Jane cares for. Karen needs a little help from the state with her daycare bill and is enrolled in a program called CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) through the state. It provides $130 per week toward her daycare costs.

Jane charges $150 a week for her service, but Karen can afford $20 more, so after the state covers the first $130, Karen makes up the balance.

Governor Dayton thinks since Jane receives state dollars, she should be part of a government employees union and pay dues. The $130 in CCAP money was meant to make Karen’s childcare expense more affordable so she can go to work, but AFSCME wants a piece of it, first. They want part of Karen’s subsidy payment, but since Jane ultimately receives what’s left, she’s a state worker and should be a union member.

It may be painful to try to follow along with these mental stretches, but for people who routinely walk around with their heads inserted into their own posteriors, these kinds of contortions are child’s-play.

Limber up.

Take Action: Attend the Childcare Freedom Rally at the State Capitol, Noon on Saturday, December 3rd.