Would the goverment please pay my employer so I can get my hours back!

[DollyM]

After many many months of looking I finally found a part time job last fall, 20 hours a week. I need a full time job but this at least helps as my husband is out of unemployment and can't find anything. Two weeks ago I was notified by my employer that my hours were being cut in half to 10 hours a week! It seems the state of Illinois has not paid them for services rendered (nursing home)since August so everyone's hours are being cut. Of course, the patients are still there and still have the same needs so I am volunteering some of my hours to keep up the level of care. Yet reality started to sink in today when I signed my hour sheet and realized I would only make about $200.00 this pay period, that means a total of $400.00 for the month is my paycheck! So, next week I am off to Public Aid to apply for Food stamps and energy assistance and whatever else I can find. Wouldn't it just be easier and more productive all around to just pay my employer so I can work and earn an honest days wage rather than me having to go back to the goverment and ask for a hand out. (Oh yes, food stamps are nearly the same amount as what I will make working this month.)

[Extend a Hand]

1. That's just terrible, DollyM

I recently read about Illinois not paying, and it's even worse to read how it's effecting a fellow DUer.
:cry:

[KT2000]

2. That is terrible

can you write a letter to the editor or call a tv station?

This makes me so mad because they know that the good people like you will be concerned for the people in the nursing home and they can count on you. I have never seen people work so hard as people who work in nursing homes. The money you earn can in no way cover what you give in heart and soul. Then to have your hours cut is unbelievable.

[skorpo]

3. Over 1 1/2 years of appointments at a large University hospital...

...I've seen the staff nearly cut in half as patients wait longer to see the doctors and have tests. Everyone except the doctors remaining in the department has had their hours cut and worries that they'll lose their jobs. The doctors are looking more frazzled, too. It's so sad seeing these dedicated people in this situation.

[snot]

4. K&R'd -- THIS, EASILY, is the stimulous we NEED!

[JVS]

5. You can't get food stamps if you have a certain level of savings

[DollyM]

7. savings????

I had to laugh at that one, several years of medical bills and lack of solid employment has exhausted our savings and then some. My husband is in the hospital right now due to complications of diabetes.

[here_is_to_hope]

6. My family was in the same situation 4 weeks a go...

We had run our savings down, we were both contract employee's so not eligible for ue.
The welfare program here in Oregon really helped us out with cash benefits and an astounding 550.00 a month for food stamps.
The cash made our house payment.
I found a job within a few days of applying but we still receive the food stamps and some cash benefits.
They also subsidized some employers so that may help your husband find a job.
They also covered my work clothes and boots, money for gas (issued by over night check) after I informed the case worker I had been hired.
She merely asked, 'what do you need to succeed?'
We own our house, two older cars but have no other assets.
I hope Illinois has a similar program!
Good luck to you, don't give up!