Apparently, some hardships are more equal than others.
The first postponed paycheck for furloughed federal workers occurred on January 11th. One week later, Rep. Cleaver issued a plea to banks on behalf of these workers, in order that those banks might 'offer short-term loans and/or concessionary agreements to alleviate any financial hardship facing these borrowers.'
Congressman Cleaver has long been a high-ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee that handles legislation regarding the banking industry. I wonder how many letters Cleaver wrote to banks on behalf of all laid off or unemployed construction workers, coal miners, power plant technicians, hospital employees, farmer workers, truckers, or railroaders during one of the worst economic recoveries for 8 years under Obama? Get back to me on that, please.
Also one Jan. 18th, Rep. Cleaver added, "Workers are being evicted from their homes, losing SNAP benefits, and rationing their medical care. I recently spoke to a woman who was unable to pay for her child’s medicine due to the shutdown. No federal worker—an individual who has chosen to serve their country—should have to choose between putting food on the table, a roof over their head, or medicine to keep their child healthy,” said Congressman Cleaver."
"Chosen to serve their country." No, sir. They are employees in a politically volatile line of work. There have been 20 partial government shutdowns since 1976. The private sector downsizes and lays off as a matter of business. Stuff happens. Be prepared or find a different employer.
Losing SNAP (food stamp) benefits? From the AP: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service directed states to issue food stamps early because of the shutdown. "Missourians will get February food stamps early because of the federal government shutdown."
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture this applies to all states administering food stamps. They will pay out for January & February. That makes March the end of the line. So who, exactly, is losing SNAP benefits, Congressman Cleaver?
"Workers are being evicted from their homes." This was claimed by Cleaver one week after one postponed paycheck for these federal workers. One week. Being evicted? Name a single furloughed federal worker who is being evicted. Just one.
The second postponed paycheck for federal workers is tomorrow. It's a hardship. I don't wish a furlough, layoff, or unemployment on anyone, but these federal workers will receive their back pay, eventually. Every week in the private sector workers are laid off or unemployed, and they don't see a fraction of the cynical pearl clutching by the political class on their behalf. And certainly no back pay.
"Me taking my check has nothing to do with anything going on,” said Cleaver. Obviously. Here's a clue, Congressman. You submit a rider into the current budget bill to include $5.7 billion for border wall funding - which is basically a rounding error in the federal $4 Trillion budget. Trump will sign it. Problem solved, and these furloughed federal workers will be able to pay their bills.
But methinks that's not your goal here.
