TOTALLY GEEKED!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Maine mayor pushing bill to post welfare recipients’ addresses online

Lindley · Guru

That is a awful law.

karl271 · Guru

OK, granted there are some deadbeats on the dole. There are a lot of legitimate claims for welfare, too. I do not think posting these names is of any kind of benefit at all. He evidently wants to go back to the early 30's or before when being on the dole was a very shameful thing... Ain't gonna happen.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Yea I don't like this one bit.

sweet tooth · Member

Yea, I don't like it either. I'm very much a fiscal conservative and I think a lot of people on welfare should not be on it, BUT many people who are on it do have a legitimate need and reason to be, and they should definitely not have their privacy invaded like this.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Totally uncalled for.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Wow, that's just horrible. And mean.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

It is awful for those recipients that legitimately need it. I see he is frustrated by people "flaunting" their benefits in the grocery store, but those same people wouldn't care if their name was public, they have no shame.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Why is that "awful"? How is that any different than publishing the salaries of other teachers in the paper?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Where public money goes should absolutely be accounted for. If you don't like it, then don't take the public dole.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Why is that "awful"? How is that any different than publishing the salaries of other teachers in the paper?

They publish that by name where you are?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Yes, they have. It's public information. The public has the right to know how the budget is being spent. They don't put in every year and I have not as a board member, but in previous years other boards did publish it because it is public information.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Yes, they have. It's public information. The public has the right to know how the budget is being spent. They don't put in every year and I have not as a board member, but in previous years other boards did publish it because it is public information.

It is public information to say "this much goes to teacher salaries". Posting each individual's salary should not be.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Why is that "awful"? How is that any different than publishing the salaries of other teachers in the paper?
They publish that by name where you are?

I have never seen that done either. I have seen the salary ranges posted with the requirements for each range. But I have never seen the salaries posted by name. Wow. Tacky. Does your town also post the salaries of all the government employees by name? For example the people who work at the court house, the police, etc? All of their salaries are paid by taxpayers as well.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

By name and address. Each individual salary is listed? I find that incredibly hard to believe.

That violates some kind of privacy code or something I am sure.

Now what is released here is the budget.

It has a lump sum for each category.

Teachers and staff = $$$$
Maintenance = $$$$
Meal programs = $$$$

Like that.

It doesn't even divide it up between schools. Much Les individuals.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Holy crap. They actually do.

www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp

huskerbb · Guru

I don't know about this bill, but I do have an issue with the term "legitimate" or not being used in this context. Theoretically, everyone on welfare falls under certain income guidelines, so in that aspect, all such claims are "legitimate".

I have an issue in general, however, with people thinking it is the governments (meaning taxpayers) responsibility to bail you out of your financial situation no matter what the circumstance, so in that aspect, I don't really think any welfare is truly "legitimate".

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

It doesn't violate anything. It is public information. Not saying it doesn't make people uncomfortable, yes of course, but that doesn't make it wrong. It is what it is. And, if you are on the dole, I think the public has the right to see where their tax dollars are going.

Personally, I was not in favor of publishing that list in the paper. However, if you wish to come to to the school and READ the entire budget, as a citizen you may do that and that info would be there which it should be. But, this particular schoolboard member was trying to create a lot of animosity during a contract negotiation year so that is what that was about. As, I said, I was not on the board when he did that. We have choose not to do this.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Just curious - did they explain the salaries at all? Some teachers make considerably more because they take on more "supplemental contract" work. If you coach track, are the student council advisor and the newspaper advisor you could add about $10k extra to your income. People might not be aware that a particular person has taken on all that additional responsibility.

The OP is disgusting. I don't think they should shame people on welfare. They should not allow them to be on it forever either, it isn't a lifestyle. But shaming people who are already feeling crappy about their situation and are struggling to get it together won't exactly give them the confidence to run out and improve their circumstances.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

That's just all kinds of wrong.

You do live in a crap town. No way I'd want to raise a family in a town like that.

As for the OP, there is so much wrong with the welfare system. As someone said, shaming will change nothing because the ones who are abusing it, don't care already.

There needs to be a cleansing of the system.

Starting with proving citizenship.

Then need.

Then limits.

It needs a complete tear down and rebuild from the foundation, up.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:

Just curious - did they explain the salaries at all? Some teachers make considerably more because they take on more "supplemental contract" work. If you coach track, are the student council advisor and the newspaper advisor you could add about $10k extra to your income. People might not be aware that a particular person has taken on all that additional responsibility.

The OP is disgusting. I don't think they should shame people on welfare. They should not allow them to be on it forever either, it isn't a lifestyle. But shaming people who are already feeling crappy about their situation and are struggling to get it together won't exactly give them the confidence to run out and improve their circumstances.

The supplementals are a separate issue.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:

That's just all kinds of wrong.

You do live in a crap town. No way I'd want to raise a family in a town like that.

As for the OP, there is so much wrong with the welfare system. As someone said, shaming will change nothing because the ones who are abusing it, don't care already.

There needs to be a cleansing of the system.

Starting with proving citizenship.

Then need.

Then limits.

It needs a complete tear down and rebuild from the foundation, up.

I live in a "crap town" because some school board member published that and I wasnt' even on the Board then? Oh, ok.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Mellow Momma wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Why is that "awful"? How is that any different than publishing the salaries of other teachers in the paper?
They publish that by name where you are?
I have never seen that done either. I have seen the salary ranges posted with the requirements for each range. But I have never seen the salaries posted by name. Wow. Tacky. Does your town also post the salaries of all the government employees by name? For example the people who work at the court house, the police, etc? All of their salaries are paid by taxpayers as well.

You can look up the salaries of all teachers, adminstrators, town workers, state workers. It's all part of the right to know laws.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

No, it isn't "wrong'. The taxpayers have the right to know what everyone is being paid at the school district. All salaries are voted on at public board meetings. Which is how it works at every public school district. It isn't hidden information nor should it be. However, there is a difference between that and putting it up on a billboard.

huskerbb · Guru

There would always be an easy way to avoid having your name published--don't take the money. It's a choice they make.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

It's Public right to know. You have the write to know what people are being paid by public entities.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
It's Public right to know. You have the write to know what people are being paid by public entities.

I understand that. I know how government works believe it or not. I am not an idiot. I just wanted to know if your town published the salaries of everyone whose paycheck was paid out of tax dollars or if they were just picking on the teachers. And you answered that by saying it was one rogue board member who was trying to stir up trouble.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Why is that "awful"? How is that any different than publishing the salaries of other teachers in the paper?
They publish that by name where you are?
I have never seen that done either. I have seen the salary ranges posted with the requirements for each range. But I have never seen the salaries posted by name. Wow. Tacky. Does your town also post the salaries of all the government employees by name? For example the people who work at the court house, the police, etc? All of their salaries are paid by taxpayers as well.
You can look up the salaries of all teachers, adminstrators, town workers, state workers. It's all part of the right to know laws.

Of course it is. But looking it up is very different than publishing it in the paper by name. Again, all public employees were not treated this way, just the teachers because of one rogue board member.

I know how government works. Why is everyone intent on the civics lesson this morning?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

There is a huge difference between having the right to look something up in the public records (tedious, time consuming and most people won't take the steps to do it) and having the information printed in the paper for anyone to open and see. Huge difference.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
It's Public right to know. You have the write to know what people are being paid by public entities.
I understand that. I know how government works believe it or not. I am not an idiot. I just wanted to know if your town published the salaries of everyone whose paycheck was paid out of tax dollars or if they were just picking on the teachers. And you answered that by saying it was one rogue board member who was trying to stir up trouble.

Yeah, I answered that already. That is what happened. No laws were broken for him to do that. Doesn't mean it was nice. But, he wasn't in the wrong legally to do that.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it isn't wrong.

Very bad form indeed.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

And just because something isn't illegal doesn't mean it's right.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Jinx lily!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

LOL....

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:

Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it isn't wrong.

Very bad form indeed.

Was somebody disputing that or are you just intent to argue?

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:

Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it isn't wrong.

Very bad form indeed.

Was somebody disputing that or are you just intent to argue?

Yeah. You.

Yeah, I answered that already. That is what happened. No laws were broken for him to do that. Doesn't mean it was nice. But, he wasn't in the wrong legally to do that.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

What did I dispute? I told you what happened. It was long before I was on the Board. I wasn't involved in that.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

You said it was legal. You said the public has a right to know. You've given excuses for the action.

But you haven't said it was wrong.

Matter of fact you defend it and deflect by saying it was before your time on the board.

So let me ask you this. You are an elected member of the school board. Our board members get paid. I assume you do.

How much of your personal financial information do you want published in the local paper? Complete with name, address, and tax deductible income.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

lilyofcourse wrote:
You said it was legal. You said the public has a right to know. You've given excuses for the action.

But you haven't said it was wrong.

Matter of fact you defend it and deflect by saying it was before your time on the board.

So let me ask you this. You are an elected member of the school board. Our board members get paid. I assume you do.

How much of your personal financial information do you want published in the local paper? Complete with name, address, and tax deductible income.

This is a bit ridiculous. Only the portion paid to an individual or company with tax payer dollars is published, as it should be. Tax returns, addresses, etc are explicitly excluded in right to know laws. The most horrendous act of a town pulling the wool over the towns people is that little town in CA where the town workers at the top paid themselves $800K+ each year. It wasn't until someone demanded the salaries be made public under the law that this was discovered. Publishing public sector salaries is not about shaming anyone, it is so the public can keep a watchful eye over where their taxes go.

Ohfour · Hooker

In TN, all states employees salaries (from governor to school janitor) are listed on a web site. I don't think their addresses are, but their name, position, length of employment, and hourly/salary wage.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:

You said it was legal. You said the public has a right to know. You've given excuses for the action.

But you haven't said it was wrong.

Matter of fact you defend it and deflect by saying it was before your time on the board.

So let me ask you this. You are an elected member of the school board. Our board members get paid. I assume you do.

How much of your personal financial information do you want published in the local paper? Complete with name, address, and tax deductible income.

Yes, I am an elected member of the School Board. School Board members in PA do NOT get paid. Nothing. Nada. No perks, bennies, nothing. It is purely community service.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

It doesn't matter what someone "wants". If you are being paid by the govt, then the public has the right to know who is being paid what. Not sure why you find that so threatening.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:

You said it was legal. You said the public has a right to know. You've given excuses for the action.

But you haven't said it was wrong.

Matter of fact you defend it and deflect by saying it was before your time on the board.

So let me ask you this. You are an elected member of the school board. Our board members get paid. I assume you do.

How much of your personal financial information do you want published in the local paper? Complete with name, address, and tax deductible income.

Yes, I am an elected member of the School Board. School Board members in PA do NOT get paid. Nothing. Nada. No perks, bennies, nothing. It is purely community service.

Wow. I'm shocked you can find enough people to run.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I think it is interesting that those on the Govt dole, especially welfare think they should have some right to not be known how much money they are sucking out of the taxpayers. Of course, the world is now BassAckwards so why should that surprise us? I take drug tests for my job. If you want the dole, you sure as HELL should be taking drug tests.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:

You said it was legal. You said the public has a right to know. You've given excuses for the action.

But you haven't said it was wrong.

Matter of fact you defend it and deflect by saying it was before your time on the board.

So let me ask you this. You are an elected member of the school board. Our board members get paid. I assume you do.

How much of your personal financial information do you want published in the local paper? Complete with name, address, and tax deductible income.

Yes, I am an elected member of the School Board. School Board members in PA do NOT get paid. Nothing. Nada. No perks, bennies, nothing. It is purely community service.
Wow. I'm shocked you can find enough people to run.

Well, I don't know anywhere in PA where Public School Boards are paid. Maybe in the cities. I really don't know.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

There is an annual budget release of funds appropriations in the paper.

It lists a total for each department.

But to list an individual name and address for each would be insane.

Talk about breeding contempt.

The misuse of funds in the welfare system needs to be stopped. I never disputed that.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

But really. What is to be accomplished by publishing a detailed list of who and what?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I do it for the same reason I do anything. I want to help make a positive difference. I coach 6th grade basketball and Y basketball for free too. I do a lot of free things. So what? We all have to pitch in.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:

There is an annual budget release of funds appropriations in the paper.

It lists a total for each department.

But to list an individual name and address for each would be insane.

Talk about breeding contempt.

The misuse of funds in the welfare system needs to be stopped. I never disputed that.

There is no contempt to be bred if people are using services as designed and without fraud and corruption. Why are you soooo afraid to weed out the fakers?

huskerbb · Guru

I've never heard of school board members getting paid.