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>Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 11:07:16 -0500 >To: Janet Paterson <[log in to unmask]> >From: Camilla Flintermann <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Confusion/Ivan > >There is confusion re: $$$$ gifts to Ivan, and I can only speak from many >years as a counselor who had some clients who were on "puiblic >assistance"--not in Maine, but in Ohio. I doubt the rules on this differ >from state to state, as federal funds are involved. >If a "recipient" of public assistance is given money--even as a gift--it >is counted against the grant they receive, an that amount is deducted--if >large enough could make them ineligible. Ivan reminded us of this when a >few years ago, some list members talked of giving him $$$$ to allow him to >pay more for CGs. (Newer members would not know about that history...) The >only way Ivan or anyone else on "assistance" can get extra financial help >is if the $$$$ is paid directly to the creditor---for example, Ivan has >said that someone pays his phone bills, and this must be done to the phone >company--he can never touch the money (that's how it is in Ohio, anyway). >So sending cash, checks, whatever to Ivan could only be counter-productive, >and could get him in greater trouble than he is in now if he didn't report >it ! We can't urge him to break the law, for sure. Frustrating to the >generous impulses but true, I fear. > >The other aspect of this whole thing is Barb Patterson's request that the >list not be used in this way. >Ivan has clarified a couple of points I hade--when he called me last night >I urged him to contact the legal advisor he "had not thought of calling >"since summer, and he assured me he'd do so. I hope something can be >worked out with the city, but as has been evident in all this convoluted >discussion here, there are legal complexities that we are not really >equipped to deal with. Those who wish to help Ivan can best do so by >following his suggestion of letters and calls. I know he appreciates the >concern shown by Paul and others---unfortunately, "It ain't that simple, >guys!" > > > > Camilla Flintermann, <[log in to unmask]> > CG for Peter, 81/70/55 co-owner, CARE list > > http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm > > > "If the only tool you have is a hammer, > everything looks like a nail. " > ----Abraham Maslow