[Capchapohio] Buckeye Update

[Eric Duffy]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
Buckeye Update, June 21

	This week I believe we had a very constructive call concerning why
we have two chapters in the Cleveland area. At one time we had racially
divided chapters in a number of cities. That is not the case in Cleveland
now, and it was not the case when our Cuyahoga County Chapter was formed
more than twenty years ago. 

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio exists to improve life for all
blind people in the state. We will not let racism, perceived or real, divide
us. If racial concerns exist within our organization, we must deal with them
wherever and whenever they occur.  But, let me say once again, the fact that
we have two chapters in the Cleveland area does not mean and has never meant
that these chapters are divided along racial lines. They are not! There is
no "black" or "white chapter." There are only NFB chapters.

Members from both chapters committed to finding  ways to work together and
making the message that they are doing so very clear. I look forward to the
results of their efforts. I also want to thank the members of the board who
were on the call. They were Richard Payne, Sheri Albers, Deborah Kendrick,
and Barbara Pierce.
	One week from today, Shelbi and I will be in Florida. We are going a
few days early to spend some time with Ben and Carol Green. Some of you
might remember that Ben was involved in the Federation in the 1990's and
served as director of the Business Enterprise Program for a time.
	Should you need to reach me for any reason, don't hesitate to call,
text, or email. Even during the convention the best way to reach me will be
to contact my cell phone. I am not one to pay much attention to the hotel
room phone. It is natural for most people to pick up the hotel phone and
call the person one wants to reach. But I assure you that is not the best
way to reach me by any means. Please use my cell phone number. It is (614)
377-9877.
	The Ohio Caucus will be at a little different time this year. We
will meet on Thursday, July 4, at 8:15 AM. We will meet in Ceylon 17, for
one hour. I urge you to be on time, because we will begin promptly and make
the best use of our hour. 
	If you want to sit with others from Ohio during the banquet please
get your banquet ticket to Crystal McClain as soon as possible. Crystal will
exchange tickets for Ohio again this year. The banquet ticket you receive at
the time of registration guarantees you a banquet meal. It does not
guarantee you a seat at a banquet table. You are only guaranteed a seat once
your banquet ticket has been exchanged. You have nothing to worry about if
you want to sit with Ohio members and if you get your banquet ticket to
Crystal as quickly as you can. Please put your name on the ticket in
Braille, print, or both. If for some reason you can not do this ask a friend
to put your name on the ticket. In any case please be sure that your name is
on the ticket and that Crystal has your ticket by the time the caucus ends
at the very latest.
	Preconvention sales of iPad tickets should be finalized if you are
not going to convention. Shelbi and I are leaving for Florida early on July
27. I will check the Post Office Box on the 26. If you want me to take
ticket stubs to the convention to be included in the drawing, that is the
last day I can get them from our mailbox. I can now announce the winner of
the Ruth family ticket selling contest. I was confident that Tony would win,
and he did. I don't really know Tony, but I know Tom. Therefore I could
predict the winner.

	 If you need a check before the convention, it must be a an urgent
need at this point. We did vouchers and checks yesterday. I got a late
request last night and we'll get those two checks out. Other than that, some
one would have to convince me there is a dire need at this point for me to
ask Sherry to write another check until after the convention.
	This provides me with another opportunity to say these things again.
If you are requesting money from the affiliate for any reason, you must talk
to me about the request. I must have documentation to support the request.
This would be a completed and signed expense form accompanied by the
appropriate receipts. These things must come to me so that I can voucher the
check.  Most of the time Sherry write checks Thursday morning. This means I
write vouchers on Wednesday.
	Tonight the NBC news show Rock Center will have a story concerning
sub minimum wages. We are getting good press coverage on this issue. We must
also do what we can to build support for HR 831 in congress. Please make
calls, send emails, and do what you can to get your member of the House to
Cosponsor HR 831.
	I am pleased to inform you that our work on behalf of Blind Veterans
has paid off.  Because of the cosponsor support on HR 164, Congressman
Bilirakis submitted this legislation as an amendment to the House National
Defense Authorization Act.  That Amendment was accepted by the House.  The
House has  now passed the National Defense Authorization Act.
	The Senate will pass its own version of the Act, and it is up to us
to see that S 346 is included in that legislation.  Each and everyone of us
must now put the pressure on Senators Brown and Portman respectively. These
two senators represent you as long as you live in the state of Ohio. Do what
you can to get the attention of their respective staff members in the week
to come. Let me know of your efforts. Copy me on emails and report to me
about calls that have been made. I assure you that if you give me your name
as someone who is interested in going to the 2014 Washington Seminar I will
look back and see what you have reported to me on this matter.
	Here is the appropriate contact information. Senator Rob Portman
Brent Bombach
Brent_bombach at portman.senate.gov


(202) 224-3353.
	Senator Sherrod Brown Doug Babcock.  doug_babcock at brown.senate.gov.
Phone: (202) 224-2315. It would be great to have the support of both
Senators before the convention ends. I know we can do this if we each do our
part to make it happen.


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