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On Wal-Mart & McDonald's (See Wal-Mart & McDonalds employees on welfare & Medicaid here) Although the thought of employees not earning sufficient funds for basic living expenses is disgusting. There are basic economics to consider. We are in an "At Will" state. Employees are under no obligation to remain with any company or organization that doesn't provide sufficient income, benefits and/or career path. If you don't like the working conditions, seek alternatives. Regardless of limited alternatives available to the work force, companies cannot base compensation solely on local economic conditions or educational levels of the immediate market. Companies can only survive by meeting the demands of the consumers. Based on the desire for a low cost provider, consumers are driven to these stores. Would the consumers be willing to pay more or purchase less? Should the consumer families bear social burdens? The very reason these stores are popular and continue to grow is based on the ability of families to purchase items they could not previously afford. One could arguably suggest that the life style of middle America has improved as the direct result of these low cost providers. Companies and organizations must be profitable in order to support future growth,. Historical examples of societies that attempted to reallocate resources or wealth distribution have failed. Socialist economies limit risk takers, inventions and all but eliminate the entrepreneurial spirit. Who or what organization would invest in the pharmaceutical or health care industry if society dictated your return on investment. Society controlling the return or benefit of risk taking without limiting the potential loss will eliminate the very economy that is the envy of the world. The USA retains a 120 to 1 ratio of patents filed, as well as a significant advantage in new business creation. Limiting the return without a corresponding limit on the loss will not support a dynamic society. A social conscience should be based on all stakeholders, employees and the consumers. Let the voices of all stakeholders be heard with equal value.
from Cool Cleveland reader John Vincent PNJZATaol.com
I guess that coupled with the health care issues we are supposed to be shocked right? I find it interesting if not intellectually dishonest that the article does not show 1) where Wal-Mart and McDonalds fall on the list of the top 10 private employers in the state and 2) the percentage of employees of those companies that are part time workers. I think it is also dishonest that there is no mention of the volume tax dollars these companies pay into the system. I am neither a stockholder, employee or supplier to either of these companies and in point of fact, I do not patronize either with regularity but, you can not compare these giants who are career entry businesses (despite the fact that many are employed there because there are few alternatives) to employees of the State of Ohio, hospitals or high skilled industries. This is analogous to comparing Kmart with Nordstrom. We sure like to pile on don’t we?.
from Cool Cleveland reader Richard Boothroyd rboothroydATopusdesigninc.com
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services issued a report Feb. 24 itemizing how many employees and their families use public benefits at 40 Ohio employers that appeared most frequently in the department's data. The report covered Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance in 2004 and 2005. Policy Matters Ohio, which had sought such data, reviews some of the highlights in a new report. Among the findings: 1) The state of Ohio is paying about $90 million a year to cover Medicaid costs for these 40 employers. 2) These 40 employers account for nearly one in 12 of those receiving family and children’s Medicaid coverage in Ohio. 3) Roughly 7 percent of Wal-Mart’s Ohio employees were receiving Medicaid in 2005. A greater share of families with Wal-Mart employees was receiving Medicaid once you include children who receive benefits when their parents do not. You can read our report, find a link to the ODJFS report, and read about our efforts to obtain such data here:
http://www.policymattersohio.org/public_benefits_2006_03.htm.
from Cool Cleveland reader Jeff Miller, Policy Matters Ohio jmillerATpolicymattersohio.org
I would like to thank you for featuring my letter about the things I would miss about Cleveland if I had to relocate from here. I read the column about employees of McDonald's and Wal Mart winding up on Medicaid. This has been going on for a long time and will continue until our policical leaders decide to do something about the nation's health insurance problem. On that subject I can speak with authority. I currently work as an independent benefit specialist conducting employee benefit enrollments, meetings and advising employers about their employee benefit programs. I have been in the insurance business almost 30 years. Prior to that I worked for the Erie County Department of Human Services in Sandusky where my job was determining eligibility for Medicaid. Medicaid regulations haven't changed much since the mid 1970s, but the program has been expanded to include more working people as well as children. I saw then (at the Erie County Dept. of Human Services) where many companies refused to provide health insurance for their employees. Many of those employees were barely making enough to stay off welfare. However those people were working and not "on the dole". But should they or one of their children get sick, they would not be working and wind up in my office applying for Medicaid. Employers have been using Medicaid as their health insurance plan for a long time. Ironically those same employers are also firmly against any government sponsored universal health insurance program. How very hypocritical! The executives of Wal Mart are correct in saying that the problem of many of their employees being on Medicaid is part of a larger problem that is not Wal Mart's to solve. Face it, Wal Mart is a business and is not in the business of providing health insurance. This is a problem for our political leaders to solve but since Bill Clinton faced it in 1993, no one has had the courage to propose anything but meaningless "incremental" change. The United States is the ONLY industrialized nation in the world that doesn't have a national universal system of health insurance for their citizens. No other nation in the world comes close as to the cost of their health care system. In the United States, it is estimated that health care will consume 20% of the country's Gross Domestic Product by 2015. Currently health care makes up 14% of the country's GDP. In Canada, the United Kingdom and Japan health care makes up less than 10% of their nation's GDP. Japan and the UK also have a population that is also older than the United States. This country's employment based system of health insurance dates back to the second world war when companies, bound by strict wage and price controls and a tight labor market gave health insurance to their employees. It was a good bargain: companies had a more healthy work force and employees had access to the best health care. This was the hallmark of American manufacturing as generous health insurance benefits became the norm in that segement of the economy. Now those costs are threatening this country's lagest manufacturers. Employers are paying an average of 80% of the nation's health insurance costs. That represents a significant burden on employers that stifles the creation of new jobs as well as new enterprises. However unlike Europe, Japan and Canada, this nation already has a pretty good private health insurance infrastructure. For the most part our private health insurance system does a good job if evaluating and pricing risk, adjudicating claims and managing care. The problem is that it is all a function of where one is employed and whether or not they can afford to pay for the health insurance. If you are unlucky not to be working for a large company or to be earning enough to afford the cost yourself, then you are S.O.L. under the present system. That is wrong! Meidcaid currently makes up about 40% of Ohio's budget and is the fastest rising component of the state's budget. This impairs Ohio's ability to fund education and other programs. I met a hospital administrator a while back and he told me that a typical public hospital in Ohio has 25% of their total billings written off as uncollectable. Under law they are required to treat everyone the same regardless of ability to pay and so many uninsured have no means to pay. Meidcal expenses are the #1 reason for personal bankruptcies in the country. All this uncompensated care drives up the cost for those with the ability to pay (that have health insurance). The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (a private think tank devoted to isssues on health care) has stated that the cost of the uninsured now exceeds the cost of covering the uninsured. It is long past the time for our political leaders to address this issue. Since 1994 when the Clinton health care initiative was swept under the rug, the problem has only gotten worse. The week of May 1 - 7, 2006 has been dedicated as "Cover the Uninsured Week" across the nation. It is there to call attention to this growing problem. I urge everyone to take part in that week to become more informed and motivated to do something to cover the uninsured in this country. This is also an election year and we need to support those courageous candidates that aren't afraid to address this serious issue. We need national leaders more concerned about what is needed in this country than rebuilding other nations. Stop gap measures and "incremental change" will not work. That is like re-arranging the deck chairs on the "Titanic" after it has struck the iceberg. I believe that this nation can have a national universal health insurance system that is not a function of one's employment utilizing the current private infrastructure. I also have a definite idea on how it can be done. I could address that in another letter.
from Cool Cleveland reader Lee Kamps lee921ATatt.net
On Regionalism (See Jackson pushes regionalism here)) I think its an excellent idea. The only way for the region to compete globlally is through regional cooperation. We need to stop looking at Cleveland and surrounding suburbs as separate sovereign entities. Regionalism is the key to future economic prosperity.
from Cool Cleveland reader Doug Nobles sir2geesATyahoo.com
You are not seriously suggesting that the Mayor’s proposal is designed to benefit Akron or Youngstown. This is a money grab and until the city improves education, political process and services, no one is going to want to move companies with highly stratified compensation to Cleveland.
from Cool Cleveland reader Richard Boothroyd rboothroydATopusdesigninc.com
On WIRE-Net (See WIRE-Net tops in the US here) Thanks for picking up on the kudos to WIRE-Net. PolicyLink also recognized other Cleveland successes – the City’s landbank program for reutilizing vacant residential and commercial property for example, which is now being adapted by the Cleveland Department of Economic Development for business redevelopment of vacant/under utilized industrial property. While we appreciate the recognition that the Community Development Partnership’s Network gave us, the emphasis was clearly on just one aspect of our work – workforce development, training and job placement for adults. Our job placement and training work is only as strong as our relationships with over 200 manufacturing and related businesses, our understanding of their needs and opportunities, and our response to those needs with the right expertise, connections and support at the right time. This includes working with firms to enhance their competitiveness, and innovation, and work with City, State and other public sector partners to make sure that there are quality, connected urban business sites supported by modern infrastructure. This approach makes a great deal of economic and social sense, particularly in a slow or no-growth region like NE Ohio, where spraw just creates a more expensive development pattern supported by fewer residents and businesses.
from Cool Cleveland reader John Colm, President & Executive Director WIRE-Net johnATwire-net.org
On casinos (See Here come the casinos here) ) The idea of Casino’s concerns me. I understand the perceived benefits regarding increased revenues and keeping money at home that goes to Canada and Detroit. but have you gambled in Detroit? It is not pleasant and in no way has the fun and energy associated with a place like Las Vegas. In a town that is on the brink, but rising, like Cleveland, we should focus on opportunities to improve the arts, downtown, restaurants, shopping and bars. Positive ways to spend our money and our time in Cleveland is where are focus should be maintained. Gambling brings with it a whole host of problems. Spend some time in Detroit and feel the energy at the tables. Many of these people are playing for their lives and when they lose, they are not losing money on vacation or money they planned to lose; they are losing food money and money for their kids. I believe gambling in Cleveland can only lead us to this alternative. Personally, I do not want to head down the same path as Detroit. Let us continue to head down the path of towns like Louisville where they have 4th Street Live. Bringing in unique restaurants like Maker’s Mark and unique fun opportunities like a hip downtown bowling alley and bar. We are doing many of these things today with our own new area at 4th street. Let us be creative and positive. Let us not fall for the lowest common denominator by brining in Casino’s and all the problems they will bring. Staying focused on the Euclid project and other ways we are improving our town need time to bloom. Let us stay the course!
from Cool Cleveland reader Keith Garner tkgarnerATwowway.com
On the Sex Pistols in Cleveland (While the Sex Pistols are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they are considering boycotting the ceremony in NYC because tix for their guests & families cost $2500 each. –TM) Is there any way Cleveland can get the Sex pistols to come to Cleveland for their induction to the Rock Hall of fame as part of their protest against their ill treatment at the NY ceremony? It would be a big plus for the Cleveland, and a foot in the door to get other artists to accept their honors here at the rock hall.
from Cool Cleveland reader Glenn Murray lgmurrayATnetzero.net
On Cleveland's residency requirements No mention of these employees who signed the residency agreement when they were hired, now they say its "unconstitutional"? Did someone hold a gun to their head telling them if they wanted to be employed by the city of Cleveland they need to sign the agreement?
from Cool Cleveland reader Kevin Kubovcik kkubovcik1ATyahoo.com
On... well, actually... everything Fantastic site/concept/only emailed newsletter I have not banned to the perpetual spam box and continue to receive and read weekly/etc - in a nutshell - You're bloody brilliant! Now, on to ME! I just had a couple ideas. Since it seems quite a few of my fellow readers insist on piping up only when they have negative things to share or to put someone in their place for whichever pompous reason of the moment, I'd like to see a collaborative story of sort made up of a top 10 list for the major cities across the nation people have actually lived - and it could serve a few purposes from idea sharing to what not to do to just saying, hey Clevelanders, this is why people belonging to so and so city think it's pretty great, too. Believe in Cleveland would be easier if people had ideas, even if they are borrowed, humans by nature are continually re-working the wheel and usually ending up taking steps forward, know what I mean? I've lived in a few major cities, and I've often noticed when people write or comment on them regardless of length of stay, they share rather mainstream things. Did they not live as Romans live? Those who lived in New Orleans, did they ever stop to chat with the little old blind black man who stood every single night for 40+ years in the piano bar portion of Pat O'Brien's in the French Quarter tapping on a metal plate as an extra beat collecting tips? He was a staple to the bar, the culture, the nightlife, he didn't survive Katrina - well near a century old, the lil ol sweet pea just plum tuckered out when he could no longer stand up there entertaining the masses tap tap taping away. Or how about the notorious Huey P.? Any "local" has great things to say about the scariest bridge you will ever travel in your life and their amazement at how it was constructed let alone remained standing so many years, yet it is a major connector from the West Bank to the mainland. Kind of like a backdoor entrance. How about 4am oyster or shrimp po'boy sandwiches at the neighborhood Danny & Clyde's gas station/convenient shop/restaurant that are open 24/7 when you are done partying at least for tonight - or is it this morning? I will stop boring you, if I am, please accept my apology, but I'm looking for those little things that endear a place to a person's soul. I'd love to see the cities I've yet to travel through another's eyes, especially when it's through a fellow Clevelander's eyes focusing in - when they cease tourist or visitor status and become, at least passable, locals looking on? Just post the hard core "these people actually paid attention and attempted to live as Romans," ones to the article, and maybe have everyone include one such little ditty about Cleveland that everyone isn't aware of even existing - Like how many people absolutely love the view of downtown Cleveland from traveling North on State Road completely elevated above the world (and pittsburghers call us FLAT? The audacity!) Or holding your breath as your take Dead Man's Curve, even if you are only traveling 5 mph, just because the simple name of the evil roadway scared the crap out of you? Going "rock-hopping" in the Brecksville reservation behind the Center - and one MUST ppoint out how someone appearing under the age of 30 cannot drive in the vicinity of Brecksville after 11pm without getting pulled over and usually searched just because they've not much else to do? How about all the fantastic ethnicities making up what I feel is a great melting pot city, although we don't have the traditional Chinatown that say NYC or Boston do, or what large Jewish, Greek, Russian, Czech, Asian, Indian, Italian, etc communities we have with all of their little intricacies be it a local deli or a landmark like the DeerHunter church (I think St. Theodosius on Starkweather?) or the huge islamic temple on West 130th Street that forces my thoughts to allude to the Taj Mahal, not that I have any clue what it must look like but something that big, serene, and powerful looking ought to demand some sort of world wonder status right in our own backyard, right? Cleveland and its burbs are absolutely HUGE, I haven't seen half of it, I'm sure, I'm a southwesterner and we Parma people tend to stick in our neck of the woods unless the alcohol is cheaper or the booty is hotter (did I really just type that?) but right there, one more thing that makes Cleveland what it is - Parma people are apparently known for sticking around home and rarely traveling outside of our circle (I'm not included by the way, I have moved out of state several times and besides I was born in SW Florida) the crazy pierogi eating, pink flamingo sticking, white sock wearin' polish twice removed never go anywhere because everything we'd ever need is within a 5-10 mile radius! Look at all the great little hole in the wall bars that hold so much character - or lack thereof - every little Cleveland community has its own way of life, its own story to tell and share, and even though we share a friendly rivalry with the other neighborhoods, or you know how the farthest extremity neighborhoods view themselves as better or wealthier than the ones stuck in the middle - these things all make up awesome fun things about Cleveland - it's part of the cameraderie that makes us GREAT just as we are, without a new convention center, without whatever they do to the bridge (I am SO tired of that subject on your site by the way), I want the little insignificant things that make Cleveland what it is. There must be millions of little things like these, what shall we call them? Character traits? Show me how cool Cleveland is through the eyes of EVERYONE, the locals or the people posing as Romans to try to appreciate the way the locals do it - instead of the constant college aged synicism and condescendance that gets tossed all over lately. WHO CARES about the bridge enough to waste time arguing daily about it? If the annexation happens for whichever pro and con reasons, is it necessay to hash and re-hash? I'd rather hear about this awesome little spot in East Cleveland... Jackson is bringing Casinos to Cleveland? WHO CA-um, wait... ABOUT TIME! Maybe if I weren't a suburbanite I would have voted for him, he must also be bloody brilliant to FINALLY start going the high rollin route...you know, bring tourism in, bring major cash in, maybe we'll even be a cool casino place where you can drink for free while you gamble! Can you start recruiting some writers or the opinion posters rather who view Cleveland through a Clevelander's eye? No, we aren't LA or Hollywood, or Philly, or Chi-town, we'll never be NYC, but we ARE Cleveland, We have childhood memories of an Old wooden Chief wahoo painted above the old stadium home to both the Browns AND the Tribe, whose favorite argument on Cleveland is who makes the better corned beef between Slyman's and Goodman's? now that's story worthy right there...mmmm I'll sop chewing your ear off now because I tend to lose focus of my original bantering anyway, and besides, now I'm starving. Thanks, good evening and good night! And keep the good stuff comin! LOVE IT!
from Cool Cleveland reader Maria C. Vourliotis mariav0806ATyahoo.com (:divend:)