[Greater-Baltimore] Blind Americans Return to Work Act

[Sharon Maneki]

Hello all,
I regret that I have to inform you that there are no Maryland senators or
congressmen, with the exception of Congressman Mfume, sponsoring H.R.
1175/S. 4334, the Blind Americans Return to Work Act. We must change this
situation quickly. These bills will eliminate the cliff of losing all their
benefits that blind people face when they are on SSDI if they make too much
money. If this bill passes, people receiving SSDI will be able to keep
their benefits. You can read Jesse Shirek's email below. Please email or
call your representative this week, and everyone should call Senators
Alsobrooks and Van Hollen. Thank you.

[image: National Federation of the Blind logo and tagline live the life you
want] <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=42686&qid=12526890>
Blind Americans Return to Work Act

The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans, urges the members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate to cosponsor the Blind Americans Return to
Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334.

This bill will help eliminate the Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) earnings cliff by instituting a two-for-one phase out of benefits
where every two dollars earned over the substantial gainful activity
threshold will cause a one-dollar reduction in a beneficiary’s monthly
payment.
How to Take Action

   - Read the full legislative alert for further details.
   <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=42687&qid=12526890>
   - Call your representatives. To find the contact information for your
   specific representative’s office, please use the attached House and Senate
   spreadsheets.
   - Email your representatives and copy Jesse Shirek at jshirek at nfb.org
   <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=42688&qid=12526890>

Sample Script

"My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to
support the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, [H.R. 1175/S. 4334]. This
bill will eliminate the SSDI earnings cliff and incentivize more blind
Americans to work in higher-paying and more productive jobs, which will in
turn reduce dependence upon government benefits over time. Please cosponsor
the Blind Americans Return to Work Act."

We suggest a subject like: "Help get more blind Americans back to work by
cosponsoring [H.R. 1175/S. 4334].

*Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy*
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
410-715-9596

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is
not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday we raise
the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.