Though not quite the North Pole, Washington is as fitting a substitute for a Yuletide tale. This one features elves — though, again, not the ones employed at Santa’s workshop.
No, these holiday helpers work at the Freedom Foundation and, in their own way, their mission in this joyous season is no less welcome.
Appropriately clad in red and green costumes, each elf carries a message of hope and financial freedom for thousands of public employees in the Evergreen State. Rather than gaily wrapped presents, the Freedom Foundation elves dispensed the news that government workers can save themselves an average of $850 annually by exercising their constitutionally protected right to opt out of union membership and dues.
The money, in turn, can be spent on anything the employee wants — holiday gifts, warm family dinners, bills, persistent bills and those little extras that make the season bright.
The merry canvassers’ first stop was the office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Sadly, he wasn’t there and the door was locked. Undaunted, the elves found joy in spreading their message to employees in the parking lot.
Their spirits were as festive as their attire, and their message was met with curiosity and cheer.
Next, the elves made their way to the Department of Human Services, where the where they shared their cheer with even more happy workers.
The workers gathered, listening intently as the visitors explained how opting out could mean more jingle in their pockets rather than enriching the coffers of the union bosses, who sometimes seemed a bit too Grinch-like for the festive season.
At the Department of Human Services, they found an open door and a welcoming smile from the front desk greeter. When presented with the festive opt-out brochures, her eyes lit up. “I love saving money, and so will my coworkers,” she exclaimed joyfully. “I’ll make sure everyone gets one of these. Merry Christmas.”
The highlight of their journey was the annual visit to the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28). Here, the elves had a special announcement: Thanks to the Freedom Foundation’s efforts, the union would lose at least $600,000 in dues annually, money that would be returned to the workers who chose to leave the union’s greedy clutches.
As the story of the Freedom Foundation elves spreads, more and more workers across Washington will embrace the idea of financial liberation. The number of those opting out is on the rise, a testament to the elves’ dedication and the spirit of the season.
And so, in the heart of Washington, amidst the glow of holiday lights and the warmth of shared stories, a new chapter of freedom and savings begins, all thanks to the tireless efforts of Santa’s little helpers and the Freedom Foundation.
