Man repays California with $10,000 check - for the unemployment he collected back in 1964

[Kadie]

Man repays California with $10,000 check

Dennis Ferguson wanted to repay California for the unemployment he collected back in 1964. So last month, the retired computer programmer shipped the deficit-plagued state a $10,000 check with the note "REPAYMENT FOR WHAT CALIF. DID FOR ME!" inscribed on the bottom.

The check won't solve the state's $25-billion-and-growing budget deficit. But it will help the state's school children, because of an arcane section of state code that requires any donations that are not designated for a specific purpose to go to education.

Ferguson, now 74, collected about $1,100 in unemployment benefits for about four months in 1964, after he was laid off from an aircraft company where he worked as an engineer. He came up with the $10,000 figure because he wanted to add interest and thought $10k was a "nice round figure," according to state treasurer spokesman Tom Dresslar.

The assistance enabled the former Los Angeles resident (he now lives in South Carolina) to attend a computer programming school and eventually pursue a career in the field. In a note attached to the letter, he wrote, "In 1964, the State of California allowed me to collect unemployment while I attended a storefront school to learn how to program a computer. This allowed me to have a great career and I've been ever thankful. Please find enclosed a check for $10,000 as a repayment. Happy Thanksgiving!"

snip...
"It's appropriate this money will go to educate our kids, because there's a lesson to be learned here about what it means to have a sense of shared sacrifice and commitment to the common good," he said. "On behalf of Californians, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Mr. Ferguson. I hope that as we work together to meet our budget challenges, we keep in mind his act of generosity, and the spirit it embodies."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?entry_id=79227#ixzz18K3zqXmY

[leftstreet]

1. Wait. Unemployment isn't charity

I know he means well, but I'm confused

[WingDinger]

2. While heartwarming, it is meant to make Unemp. seem an entitlement.

[angstlessk]

3. I do not see it that way...though he was entitled..it allowed him to be schooled

in programing...I find this a GREAT STORY...if everyone who has benefited from the government would give back (see billionaires) it would be a better country!

[AlabamaLibrul]

4. Workers pay into unemployment *insurance*; the rich take other people's money off the top n/t

[Angry Dragon]

5. +1000

[alphafemale]

6. I see it as like a kid who got a scholarship later succeeding and contributing to same fund. nt

[Jackpine Radical]

7. I absolutely agree.

This story counters the right-wing myth that people collect UE because they don't want to work. He voluntarily gave the state money that he didn't have to, in a benevolent "pass-it-on" gesture.

[gmoney]

13. and to promote the idea of Unemployment Benefits being a loan to be repaid

This is the new RW meme... "sure, we'll LOAN you some money until you get back on your feet, but you're going to pay it all back with interest buster."

They claim it will motivate people to accept a job, any job, rather than continuing to rack up debt, whereas now, they can hold out for a job with decent pay and benefits in their chosen field. How dare they!?!

[angstlessk]

18. I have NEVER seen anything of the sort..pay back unemployment...cause one guy felt lucky?

talk about extremism...

[subterranean]

8. It's nice that he can afford to do this, but...

I don't think everyone should be required to pay back their unemployment benefits. That abominable idea is being pushed by Mr. Ferguson's senator in South Carolina, Jim Demint.

[WingDinger]

12. Yes, he is now in S Carolina. And is now part of the establishment.

Now, those helped should pay it back. Thinks he.

[Cleita]

9. Too bad he doesn't know that his employers

paid more into the unemployment fund all the years he worked for them than he ever collected from it. Maybe he should have sent the money to them. :shrug:

[piratefish08]

10. so he paid his unemployment INSURANCE premium twice.

more silly than admirable.

[AlabamaLibrul]

11. +1

[Liberal_in_LA]

17. +2

[SmileyRose]

14. I like it

proves the Republicans are full of shit when they say that extending unemployment benefits to the 99ers is wrong. Dennis Ferguson just reminded the whole country that small check is one lifeline that can make all the difference.


Edited for clarity.

[DawgHouse]

15. I'm glad he was able to make good

but his donation may have been better used to fund another unemployed person's education. JMHO

[Newsjock]

16. OpenSecrets suggests this guy gave to Obama in '08

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=ferguson%2C+dennis&state=SC&zip=&employ=&cand=&c2010=Y&c2008=Y&c2006=Y&sort=N&capcode=h5bv4&submit=Submit
FERGUSON, DENNIS
SAINT HELENA,SC 29920 NOT EMPLOYED/RETIRED 10/11/08 $450 Obama, Barack (D)

Seems unlikely that he's a teabagger.