This from an AP story that I stumbled across in my (and Ron Johnson's) local newspaper. Apparently, Ron "I have never benefited from government assistance" Johnson, employs nine prison inmates who are in a work release program.
The story from my local newspaper.
An excerpt:
Johnson, a political newcomer challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, is running as a businessman and job creator who opposes subsidies as government interference in the free market. He holds a slight lead in the race, according to recent polls.
Public records show that Pacur Inc. and Dynamic Drinkware LLC, two companies run by Johnson, employ up to nine inmates at a time through a state Corrections Department jobs program.
Johnson's companies offer private health insurance to the regular employees at the Oshkosh factories. But Melissa Roberts, an executive assistant with the Corrections Department, said the companies don't have to cover the inmate worke rs. "The benefit is that they don't have to pay health benefits," she said.
Now, I think it's great that Johnson is doing this. I would have potential reservations personally with hiring or working with prison inmates, but it is programs like these that reduce recidivism rates. While this may take jobs away from a struggling local economy, there is a great benefit to the community in potentially reduced crime rates and in giving folks who may never learn such valuable skills the opportunity to gain some work experience. Kudos to Johnson for this. However, this shows AGAIN that Ron Johnson IS in fact benefiting from government programs. A cornerstone of his campaign has been that he has NEVER received or asked for government assistance in his business practices. Once again, this story shows that Ron Johnson is a liar.