Qualified, but not government approved

NEW PORT RICHEY - When politicians hail the "Florida Back to Work" program as a savior for Florida's record unemployment, Rob Frease cringes.

The unemployed graphic designer has been rejected by the initiative, which subsidizes jobs using federal stimulus money. The reason for his rejection? Fine print.

"They're supposed to help you find work, they're supposed to get you off of unemployment," he said. "But now it's opposite."

Frease, who was laid off in October, said he was initially encouraged by the effort. He applied for a state-funded design job and quickly received a return call.

"I'm thinking OK, I've got a job. I'm getting excited," he said.

The elation did not last long.

"10 or 15 minutes later he calls back and says 'you're not eligible.'"

Frease says he was informed he met the government's requirements. He is unemployed; his income is less than double the poverty level; and, he's the parent of a child.

That child is Tristian. He's 10 years old and he loves to write about ghosts, according to his father. But as it turns out, Tristian is the problem haunting dad's job search.

Because Frease is divorced and shares custody of Tristian with his ex-wife, he fails to fully meet the government's requirements for a needy family.

Frease is beside himself. He's still needy. And, even though he is divorced, he says he's still part of a family - no matter what Washington says.

"We're in Boy Scouts, we're in baseball," said. "Besides the fact that mom and dad are divorced, it's perfect... It's the best way it could be."

But what is perfect for Frease falls short of requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is distributing $200 million for "Florida Back to Work."

A spokesman for WorkNet Pinellas, which is handling the program locally, said rejection is common among applicants.

Frease said the HHS is being shortsighted with the narrow eligibility requirements.

"I can see their point," he said. "When you do something like that you have to think of everybody."

Thumbing through his colorful portfolio, it is clear Frease yearns to return to work. His art has appeared on business cards, flyers, and even billboards. His gallery is your wallet, mailbox, or your drive home.

It's also a job.

"You've got to be able to do it all," he said.

Frease's job prospects are uncertain, but one thing is completely predictable: a daily e-mail update from the unemployment office. Frease paraphrases it, displaying an unmistakable look of disgust.

"We have a job for you, and it's -that- job."

The job is still open. And it is still out of reach for someone who is personally driven, professionally qualified, but not government-approved to fill it.