[Iabs-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update June 20, 2017

[Denise R Avant]

Denise R. Avant
President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Live the life you want
Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Date: June 20, 2017 at 8:46:28 PM CDT
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update June 20, 2017
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> 
> ICBV Office Update
> June 20, 2017
>  
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) The Americans With Disabilities Act is Under Attack in Congress
> *3) Rest Area Commercialization Issue
> *4) NAMA Partners with Operation Homefront for 2017
> *5) NFB Legislative Update
> *6) Governor Rauner Announces Special Session
> *7) Cullen & Associates Session Update
> *8) Donnie Anderson Letter – Cook County Board Members
> *9) Cook County Exempts Food Stamp Purchases from Soda Tax
> *10) This Week on Eyes on Success
> *11) NAMA Expanded Suite of FitPick Tools
> *12) RSA Management Group Information
>  
> **1 Calendar of Events
> June 27th, 2017 Tuesday
> Can the Tax campaign’s rally to be held on Tuesday, June 27th, at the James R. Thompson Center’s outdoor plaza (100 W Randolph St.) from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.
>  
> The rally will bring together coalition partners to highlight the sizable amount of opposition to the beverage tax and call on the Cook County board to repeal the beverage tax before it negatively affects Cook County businesses and working families on July 1st.
>  
> We are aiming for a strong showing of support from coalition partners, if you are planning on attending please let Donnie Anderson or myself know.
>  
> July 10-15, 2017
> NFB National Convention in Orlando Florida, and will be at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel. For more information about the national convention, and to pre-register, go to www.nfb.org .  Please remember that hotel registration and convention pre-registration are two separate items. But to get the special hotel rate for national convention, you must register for convention.
>  
> From Denise Avant:
> The Illinois Caucus time at national convention is as follows:
> Illinois, Wednesday, July 12, 7:30-8:30A, Wekiwa 8
> Please join us at our caucus.
>  
> July 17-28 2017
> The National Federation of the Blind is excited to offer its Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Program, BELL, this summer in Illinois. This is a great opportunity for Braille skills to be addressed in a fun and new environment.
>  
> Where: The Chicago Lighthouse 1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, Il 60608
> When: Monday- Friday, July 17-28 2017
> Times: 8:30-3:30
> Cost: $50
>  
> For more information please visit: https://nfb.org/BELL-academy
>  
> July 31- August 4, 2017
> The National Federation of the Blind is excited to offer its Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Program, BELL, this summer in Illinois. This opportunity will be a weeklong residential program on Illinois State University’s campus.
>  
> Where: Springfield, IL
> Who: Blind child/Parent pairs
> Cost: $50
>  
> For more information please visit: https://nfb.org/BELL-academy
>  
> August 4, 2017 start time 3:00 p.m.
> IABM Summer Get Together at Exchequer Restaurant
> 226 S. Wabash Avenue - Chicago, IL
> Cost will be $30 per person which includes a 2 hr. open bar, salads and assorted pizza’s.
> Checks must be mailed into the IABM office 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502 Chicago, IL 60604 no later than Friday July 29th.
> Any questions, contact IABM 312-663-0288
>  
> SAVE THE DATE:
> September 12-15, 2017
> NABM BLAST 2017
> Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel
> Tradeshow September 13th
> Mark Your Calendars Now!!!!
>  
> Visit www.blindmerchants.org for more information as it becomes available.  For more information, contact Nicky Gacos at nickycolorado at netscape.net  or call him at (908) 464-5359 or contact Terry Smith at terrysmith at epbfi.com  or 865-599-7148.
> 
> **2 Shared on blindtlk June 6, 2017
> The Americans With Disabilities Act Is Under Attack in Congress
> May 30, 2017, 9:47am by Robyn Powell
> The House Judiciary Committee is currently considering imposing significant limitations to the ADA through the passage of the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017.
>  
> Never in my life as a disabled woman have I been so terrified of losing my civil rights as I am now.
>  
> Shutterstock
> On July 26, 1990, George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, proclaiming, ‘Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down!’ Although I was only 8 years old, I still remember its passage and the increased accessibility that followed.
>  
> The ADA has both literally and figuratively opened countless doors for people like me, by requiring entities that are open to the public such as restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, hotels, and museums be fully accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA also requires employers, as well as public and private entities, to provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination based on disability.
>  
> Of course, passage of the ADA did not make ramps and elevators magically appear; nor did it immediately halt discrimination against people with disabilities. Progress takes time, which, as a wheelchair user, I have witnessed firsthand. Indeed, for several years after the law’s passage, my parents or I would always have to call places in advance to make sure that they were wheelchair accessible. For years, the answer was ‘no.’ But times have changed, and now I no longer feel I need to take these extra steps before leaving my home. Nearly 27 years after the passage of the ADA, I now expect that all businesses will be accessible. And that is liberating.
>  
> While we surely have much further to go, the ADA has unequivocally led to much greater inclusion and accessibility and far less discrimination. Now, however, Congress is currently considering imposing significant limitations to the ADA through the passage of the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (HR 620), sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX).
>  
> Currently, if a person with a disability encounters an accessibility barrier at a business, they have two options: They can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which will investigate and decide if a violation has occurred. DOJ may enter into mediation with the person and the business, which is a low-cost approach to resolve ADA violations fairly quickly. DOJ may also sue the business on the person’s behalf. Alternatively, people with disabilities may file a lawsuit in court, bypassing DOJ altogether. The cornerstone of current enforcement options is that the violation can often be resolved swiftly.
>  
> If the ADA Education and Reform Act is passed, however, a person with a disability would be required to give a written notice to a business owner who has barriers to access. The business owner would then have 60 days to even acknowledge that there is a problem and then another 120 days to make substantial progress toward correcting the violation. In other words, people with disabilities would be forced to wait 180 days to enforce their civil rights.
>  
> The ADA Education and Reform Act is premised on trying to curb ‘drive-by’ ADA lawsuits: that is, frivolous lawsuits brought by attorneys alleging ADA violations. Surely, serial litigators, attorneys who simply bring lawsuits to line their pockets, must be stopped. However, these bills are not the solution.
>  
> To be fair, I vehemently oppose frivolous ADA lawsuits, where people seek to use the ADA for their own monetary gain. I cherish this law and hate hearing that some misuse it. However, it’s important to note that they are not as prevalent as some believe. An analysis of ADA lawsuits in 2016 identified just 12 individuals and one organization that have filed more than 100 lawsuits each. But frivolous lawsuits are not an ADA issue; they are a state and court problem. Indeed, ethics rules bar attorneys from bringing frivolous lawsuits. Rather than go after people with disabilities, attention should be focused on stopping these few bad attorneys.
>  
> Notably, passage of the ADA and ADA Amendments Act involved the disability community and bipartisan lawmakers working together with the business community. These ‘notification bills,’ however, do not. Rather, they are the result of business owners and their lobbyists.
>  
> The disability community is not interested in more lawsuits; we simply want accessibility. There is no such thing as the ‘ADA police.’ Enforcement depends on people with disabilities who know their rights to challenge violations. Filing lawsuits is timely and expensive. Finding an attorney that is knowledgeable about the ADA is very challenging. I say this because I believe it is fairly safe to assume that there are far more ADA violations occurring than we will ever hear of. As a disabled woman, I encounter violations daily.
>  
> Nevertheless, there’s a prevailing belief that ADA regulations are overly technical and most alleged violations are ‘minor.’ The regulations concerning accessible parking spots are frequently used to demonstrate how ADA regulations are too specific. What opponents don’t understand is that the width of parking spaces matter for people with disabilities who drive, such as myself. I drive a wheelchair accessible van. If someone parks too close, I am literally stuck because no one besides me can drive my van. This has happened to me more times than I count, leaving me stranded outside for hours, until the person returns to their car.
>  
> Throughout the years, based on a belief that the ADA is being abused and has become a money-maker, Congress has introduced a number of ‘notification bills.’ These bills are problematic and have been strongly opposed by the disability community.
>  
> It is also important to dispel the myth that ADA lawsuits can be profitable for plaintiffs; that is plain wrong. When the ADA was being drafted, as a compromise between the business community and the disability community, the disability community gave up the option to obtain damages for a business’s failure to comply with the law by allowing only injunctive relief ‘meaning the business owner has to change their behavior’ and attorneys’ fees.
>  
> Settlements or court orders that involve money damages for accessibility violations are based on state laws in a handful of states, not the ADA. Therefore, adding a notice requirement before people with disabilities can enforce their rights will do nothing to prevent businesses from being subjected to money damages. Moreover, if the accessibility violations in question are truly minor, as the proponents of these bills claim, it would not be difficult for businesses to fix the problem and resolve the issue quickly, with minimal attorneys’ fees. Hence, the issue is not an ADA one.
>  
> In addition, it’s important to recognize that the ADA includes several provisions that protect businesses from unreasonable requirements. For example, the ADA does not require any action that would cause an ‘undue burden’ or that is ‘not readily achievable,’ which is defined as ‘easily accomplished and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.’
>  
> Adding a notification requirement won’t make serial lawsuits go away. Instead, it simply sends the message to business owners that they don’t have to worry about complying with the ADA until they receive a letter notifying them that they are discriminating against people with disabilities. In other words, instead of complying, they can just ‘wait and see’ if they are caught.
>  
> The imposition of a months-long ‘waiting period,’ during which a business may continue to violate the law and deny access to people with disabilities once it has received a notice that it is violating the ADA, is simply not reasonable.
>  
> In short, the premise of bills like the ADA Education and Reform Act is that businesses should not be responsible for knowing their obligations to comply with a law that has been in effect for nearly three decades, but people with disabilities should instead be responsible not only for knowing the accessibility requirements of that law, but also for determining when a business is not in compliance and for knowing the specific requirements of the notice that they must provide.
>  
> Establishing and running a business involves compliance with numerous laws, including tax laws, property laws, health and safety laws, environmental laws, civil rights laws, and many others. Compliance with these legal obligations is part of the cost of doing business.
>  
> Business owners, and society as a whole, have had nearly 27 years to become aware of the ADA. Indeed, I would guess that every business owner knows at least one person with a disability and is at least vaguely aware that the ADA exists. Moreover, there are plenty of resources that provide information on ADA requirements to business owners. Indeed, the DOJ offers free technical assistance as well as several publicly available publications. In addition, there are ADA technical assistance centers across the country that offer information, guidance, and training on how to implement the ADA. There is simply no excuse for noncompliance at this point.
>  
> The bill is currently in the U.S. House Judiciary Committee; it has 18 co-sponsors. Never in my life as a disabled woman have I been so terrified of losing my civil rights as I am now. With the stroke of a pen, much that the disability community has fought hard for could be undone. What civil rights law will be on the chopping block next?
>  
> **3 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI
> Please click and read if you have any interest in the rest area commercialization issue. This complicates things. Fighting the budget is harder than simply fighting a bill sponsored by a couple of members of Congress. Still, this will be a long process and we will have plenty of opportunity to fight this.
>  
> https://www.natso.com/articles/articles/view/trump-administration-announces-support-for-tolling-rest-area-commercialization
>  
> **4 From NAMA
> NAMA Partners with Operation Homefront for 2017 Fly-In
> For the second year, NAMA is partnering with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit supporting military families, for the D.C. Fly-In. This partnership expands the impact of the Fly-In and provides an opportunity for industry members to give back and deliver relief to military families in a meaningful way through Operation Homefront's Back-To-School Brigade (BTSB).
>  
> The BTSB program provides military children with school supply-filled backpacks, helping relieve families of this growing cost, enabling them to use their income for other household expenses. According to Operation Homefront, as more schools ask parents to contribute toward classroom materials, parents plan to spend 12 percent more on school supplies from the year before - over $100 per family.
>  
> "In planning the 2017 Fly-In we felt it was important to include a service aspect again this year," said Eric Dell, NAMA SVP of External Affairs. "Last year industry members donated 100 backpacks through this partnership. This year we are again asking the convenience services industry to help impact the lives of military children by purchasing backpacks and school supplies, whether or not they personally attend the Fly-In. We are also inviting members of Congress to participate by packing the backpacks with school supplies during our Capitol Hill Event."
>  
> "Participation does not require that you be a Fly-In attendee. We urge the entire industry to get involved and give back to military children by purchasing backpacks and school supplies and have it delivered at the Fly-In. This small act by the industry can make a huge difference for our military families and their children," said Jeff Smith, Government Affairs Committee Chair.
>  
> Below are instructions on how to participate and give back.
> Instructions for purchasing backpacks and school supplies:
> Click here for the Amazon Order Link https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/?ie=UTF8&cid=AB6XZB58EXZ1P
> Choose the Backpack(s) or school supplies by clicking "Add to Cart"
> Click "Proceed to Checkout"
> Choose Shipping Address: "Operation Homefront's Gift Registry Address"
> Click "Place Your Order" and the  bags will be shipped directly to Operation Homefront
>  
> About Operation Homefront
> Operation Homefront www.operationhomefront.org builds strong, stable, and secure military families, so they can thrive - not simply get by - in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
>  
> Join us and make the industry's voice 300-strong on Capitol Hill in July - register today!
>  
> **5 Shared by John Pare via NFBNet – NFB Legislative Update
> Dear Fellow Federationists:
>  
> Thank you for all of your calls and emails since the June 5th legislative alert. We are now up to twenty-three cosponsors on AIM HIGH, H.R. 1772, seven cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act, H.R. 1734, and eight cosponsors on the TIME Act, H.R. 1377. In the Senate, the Access Technology Affordability Act, S. 732, has one cosponsor. The complete list of cosponsors is included at the end of this email.
>  
> While we still need you to call or email your member of Congress and urge him or her to cosponsor each of these bills, we now have a new ask. H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act will be voted on in committee (referred to as markup) over the next week or two. If passed, this legislation will dramatically weaken the ADA, hindering education, employment, and community participation for all people with disabilities. The bill prevents people with disabilities from filing a lawsuit regarding an ADA violation until the person first notifies the violator. The violator then has 60 days to respond and then has another 120 days to remedy the problem, for a total delay of 180 days.
>  
> Does it make sense to wait 180 days for accessible instructional material? By then, the class will be over. How about waiting 180 days for an accessible job application? By then the job will be filled. How about waiting 180 days at the doctor’s office for an accessible check in kiosk? Furthermore, this legislation will do nothing to stop so called frivolous lawsuits which will still be valid under state law. Businesses do not need more time to comply with the ADA­they have had twenty-seven years already.
>  
> Please call your representative and urge them to oppose H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act. And if your Representative has not cosponsored one of our other three bills, also urge them to do so. Congress will be back in session for the next two weeks but please try to make your calls and send your emails by Friday, June 22. A short summary of each bill is included below. I have also included a list of all the current cosponsors. The best way to contact your member of Congress is to call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for the office in question. Emailing your member of Congress is also a good idea. If you do so, please copy JPare at nfb.org.
>  
> It is critical that we shut down H.R. 620. In addition, we are hoping to significantly raise the number of cosponsors on all of our bills before convention but we cannot do it without everyone working together. Your calls and emails make a big difference.
>  
> Thanks for all you do!
>  
> Warm regards,
> John G. Paré Jr.
> National Federation of the Blind
>  
> Bill Summaries
> Accessible Instructional Material in Higher Education Act, H.R. 1772 (AIM HIGH)
> This bill will promote instructional technology and content that are accessible to the blind and other students with print disabilities. Read the AIM HIGH fact sheet to learn more.
>  
> Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017, H.R. 1734 and S. 732 (ATAA)
> These bills will facilitate the purchase of access technology for blind people by creating a refundable, per person tax credit. Read the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 fact sheet to learn more.
>  
> Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act of 2017, H.R. 1377 (TIME)
> This bill will increase employment opportunities by removing stigmas and low expectations propagated by section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Note that the bill now phases out subminimum wages over a six year period corresponding to the recommendation of the National Council on Disability. Read the TIME Act fact sheet to learn more.
>  
> Current cosponsors
> Accessible Instructional Material in Higher Education Act, H.R. 1772 (AIM HIGH) Current Cosponsors
> Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1] - Sponsor
> Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
> Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3]
> Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
> Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7]
> Rep. Ross, Dennis A. [R-FL-15]
> Rep. Gabbard, Tulsi [D-HI-2]
> Rep. Hanabusa, Colleen [D-HI-1]
> Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16]
> Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
> Rep. Brooks, Susan W. [R-IN-5]
> Rep. Visclosky, Peter J. [D-IN-1]
> Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
> Rep. Nolan, Richard M. [D-MN-8]
> Rep. Kildee, Daniel T. [D-MI-5]
> Rep. Harper, Gregg [R-MS-3]
> Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
> Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]
> Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
> Rep. Price, David E. [D-NC-4]
> Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-5]
> Rep. Gonzalez-Colon, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large]
> Rep. Green, Gene [D-TX-29]
> Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]
>  
> Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017, H.R. 1734 and S. 732 (ATAA) Current Cosponsors
> Rep. Young, David [R-IA-3] - Sponsor
> Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40]
> Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
> Rep. Lawson, Al, Jr. [D-FL-5]
> Rep. Hanabusa, Colleen [D-HI-1]
> Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
> Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
> Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-16]
>  
> Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act of 2017, H.R. 1377 (TIME) Current Cosponsors
> Rep. Harper, Gregg [R-MS-3] – Sponsor
> Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-42]
> Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15]
> Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7]
> Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
> Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
> Rep. Lujan Grisham, Michelle [D-NM-1]
> Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
> Rep. Gonzalez-Colon, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large]
>  
> **6 From IAMC - Governor Rauner Announces Special Session
> Governor Rauner’s office released the following today:
>  
> One day after House and Senate Republicans unveiled a compromise balanced budget plan to end the budget impasse, Governor Bruce Rauner today called lawmakers back to Springfield for a 10-day special session from Wednesday, June 21st through the June 30th fiscal year deadline.
>  
> "Republicans in the General Assembly have laid out a compromise budget plan that I can sign," Governor Rauner said in a video announcing special session. "It provides a true path to property tax reduction and it reforms the way our state operates to reduce wasteful spending. It will fund our schools and human services, while spurring economic growth and job creation. It is a true compromise - and one I hope the majority in the General Assembly will accept."
>  
> For two weeks, the majority in the General Assembly ignored repeated calls to return to Springfield since adjourning on May 31st without passing a full-year balanced budget. If no action is taken by the General Assembly to pass the compromise balanced budget plan by June 30th, the ramifications for our state will be devastating and long-lasting. In order to find a resolution, Governor Rauner issued 10 proclamations calling for special sessions every day starting Wednesday, June 21 at Noon. The proclamations direct the General Assembly to consider legislation that will reach a balanced budget with changes to our broken system, including property tax relief, job creation, term limits and spending caps. Should the General Assembly enact the compromise balanced budget plan prior to June 30th, the Governor will cancel any remaining special session days.
>  
> "We have tough, urgent choices to make, and the legislature must be present to make them," Governor Rauner said. "In the days ahead, let's show the people of Illinois we have their best interests in mind, not our own. And together, we will move our state forward to a better and brighter future."
>  
> Attached is a copy of the proclamation. (PDF copy available upon request)
>  
> From Senate Republican Leader Radogno: “I am anxious to return to the Capitol to continue our work on a comprehensive budget solution. We have a very real deadline looming as we close yet another fiscal year without a budget in place. I hopeful we will have productive sessions, legislative leader meetings with true engagement from all four leaders, and bipartisan efforts toward compromise. I and my Caucus believe a comprehensive solution is within reach and we ought to do everything possible to achieve it before July 1. The alternative to not finding compromise will be devastating to Illinois.”
>  
> From House Republican Leader Durkin: “With the fiscal year coming to a close and the House Democrats failure to produce a budget during session warrants the Governor’s action today. We can break this impasse if the House Democrats are willing to negotiate in good faith.”
>  
> From John Patterson, spokesperson for Senate President Cullerton: “I will remind everyone that the Illinois Senate has been in session the last six months and produced a balanced budget plan that was approved and sent to the Illinois House. I’m not sure where Governor Rauner was during the first half of the year, but the Senate did his work and balanced his spending plan using the numbers and tax rate he wanted. Now that he’s decided to engage, it would be helpful if he could use his influence to marshal the House Republicans to join the bipartisan collation and support his tax increase and spending plan and get a balanced budget approved in the House. Until then, the Senate has already done the work and is waiting for the governor to finish the job.”
>  
> From House Speaker Madigan: “House Democrats will continue our work on the budget from Springfield, but as Governor Rauner has met each of our attempts to date with refusal, it’s clear that the onus is on the governor to show that he is finally serious about working in good faith to end the crisis he has manufactured.”
>  
> **7 Cullen & Associates Session Update June 9, 2017
> Illinois’ record budget stalemate continues.  The Governor’s staff met this week with the legislative chiefs of staff, but no progress was reported and no further meetings are scheduled.  Governor Rauner remains firm that he will not sign another stopgap budget.  The Illinois House has scheduled a series of budget hearings to be held in Chicago, which began yesterday and will continue next week.  The Illinois Senate has not scheduled further hearings, as it has had several budget-related hearings and passed a full budget to the House.  At this time, no session dates are scheduled, but both Chambers are expected to reconvene prior to the end of the month. The new fiscal year begins July 1st.
>  
> Illinois’ financial outlook continues to deteriorate.  As predicted, shortly after adjourning the spring session without passing a budget, two credit agencies issued another credit downgrade, giving Illinois the lowest bond rating of a state on record.  Further downgrades are expected at the end of the month if a budget is not approved, and “junk” status is the next stop.  The General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability issued a new analysis this week projecting that, if a comprehensive budget solution is not reached, Illinois’ bill backlog could reach $22.7 billion by June of 2018.  That revised figure is $3 billion higher than the Commission’s previous projection.
>  
> A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Illinois is not in compliance with court orders to pay Medicaid bills.  The judge, however, stopped short of ordering the State to pay $2 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills immediately and in full, prior to all other bills being paid.  Instead, the judge ordered both sides to negotiate an agreement by June 20th on a level of payment that would ensure critical medical care is not jeopardized.  A Crain’s article on the ruling can be viewed here.
>  
> A procedural hold has been placed on the education funding reform bill (SB 1 (Manar/Davis)) approved May 31st.  If the hold is lifted, the General Assembly will have 30 days to send the legislation to the Governor.  Once he receives the bill, the Governor has 60 days to act.  Governor Rauner indicated he would not sign the bill in its current form.  Governor Rauner vetoed a measure to limit privatization and prevent further layoff of Department of Corrections’ nurses (SB 19 ( McCann/Costello)) .
>  
> At the end of the spring session last month, the House ultimately decided not to approve the tax increases and budget package passed by the Senate, as Governor Rauner stated that he would veto the bills because his reforms were not included.  School funding now becomes the most critical budget issue for individual legislators.  In addition, families and individuals testified before the House Appropriations Human Services Committee this week with regard to how their lives have been severely disrupted by the shut-down of human services and programs.  It is hoped that there will be a serious effort at a détente, but it is possible that Illinois will continue without a full budget until after the 2018 General Election. 
>  
> **8 Donnie Anderson, Chairman ICBV asked me to share this:
> Honorable Cook County Board Members;
>  
> The Blind Operators in the Illinois Business Enterprise Program for the Blind have a 40 year history of success with Cook County for which we are eternally grateful. That success is now in peril. I have spoken with several Commissioners directly regarding the absolute dire need of reform required for our small blind operators to survive both in and on cook County property. We provide part of your food service through snack bars and vending machines and other types of services. This beverage tax is a job killer for my operators plain and simple. The loss we will receive in beverage sales will push some of our operators out of gainful employment intended by this program and your valued commitment to us. We have already had individuals leave their facilities due to poverty wages in an on Cook County property. I will be brief as you should already know at least some of the facts that I have communicated with each of your offices. If any of you wish to seek clarification or wish to visit one of our operators to see the effects of County policies directly do not hesitate to reach out to me.
>  
> These requests have been discussed with some of you before:
> 1. We seek elimination of rent and commissions currently charged to blind managers that total $75,000 annually. Several Blind Managers that earn less than $30,000 a year in some cases are paying the county $3,600 in rent. We have a dozen locations on County property. Most of the managers who run them are desperate with very low sales. The time to eliminate rent and commissions is now.
> 2. We seek a complete carve out of the Cook County Beverage Tax for all blind managers in cook county. This is done in many states and I have provided some of you with examples. Several Commissioners committed to me previously that they want us to be carved out and we appreciate that support. Now is the time to step up.
> 3. We seek the opportunity to provide all vending on Cook County property. (Why not? It’s what we do.) Currently you give a lot of it to large foodservice providers like Canteen and Sodexo that compete with our vending like at 69 W. Washington, Stroger Hospital and the courthouse at 26th and California.
> 4. The 10 year Pepsi exclusive is easier to enforce and track through us. This Cook County exclusive is valuable to the County and we have demonstrated our willingness to support you. It is not being honored by the Canteen and Sodexo as it is with the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors. If we had all the vending the County would benefit financially through a better partnership that we have with Pepsi.
>  
> I have met with Andy Kruzel at Cook County Real Estate and he and Jesica Caffrey would implement any decisions you would render. We are meeting soon to discuss redesign of a few of our sites on your property. I implore each of you to get on the right side of this issue where my Blind Operators are concerned. The simple compelling reason is to keep us employed as our program intends.  I need commitments before your next meeting on June 28th please. I need a champion to introduce resolutions. You alone have the ability to make the individual operators in and on Cook County property whole and we will gladly sing your praises once these commitments are realized. We realize your challenges are great as Cook County Board Members and we appreciate your efforts. I will communicate this message to President Preckwinkle as well and ask for her support.
>  
> In gratitude,
> #BlindLivesMatter
>  
> Donnie Anderson
> Chairman, Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 West Jackson Suite 502
> Chicago, Illinois 60604
> 312-805-7500 cell
> 312-663-3007 office
>  
> **9 From Vending Times
> Cook County Exempts Food Stamp Purchases From Soda Tax
> by Emily Jed Emily at vendingtimes.net
> CHICAGO -- Cook County's sweetened beverage tax will not apply to purchases made with food stamp benefits, the Chicago Tribune reported.
>  
> The 1¢-per-fl.oz. tax on sugary and artificially sweetened beverages goes into effect on July 1. Under federal law, purchases made with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are exempt from state and local taxes.
>  
> The county's intention was to have stores build the tax in to the retail price of the products instead of adding it on at checkout. But, according to the Chicago Tribune, a ruling from the state Department of Revenue posted online on June 8 said approaching the tax that way would result in "overcollection," since the higher retail price would then be subject to sales tax.
>  
> Instead, the county now plans to collect the tax at the point of sale, to be listed as a separate line item on receipts.
>  
> This is the second time county officials reversed their stance on the matter since the tax was approved in November according to the paper. In April, following an interim ruling from the Department of Agriculture, county officials said the tax could be applied to SNAP purchases as long as it wasn't imposed at the point of sale.
>  
> This latest reversal returns to the county's original position in October, when officials said it was unlikely the tax could be applied to sweetened beverages purchased with food stamp benefits.
>  
> - See more at: http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications::Article&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=ABB0C1C63F6241B3B4C5F1C63A1E2BF4#sthash.QNpsukRa.dpuf
>  
> **10 This week on Eyes On Success:
> 1724 Encore of 1517 Jim Fruchterman - Social Entrepreneur (Jun. 7, 2017)
> Jim Fruchterman is the founder and CEO of Benetech, which operates
> Bookshare, an accessible online library of e-books in audio, Braille, large
> font and other formats for people with print disabilities. Hosts Nancy and
> Peter Torpey talk with him about how he became interested in OCR, the
> founding of Arkenstone, and the inspiration behind Bookshare.
>  
> 1725 Low Vision Optometry (Jun. 14, 2017)
> There is no question that people with vision problems should be seen by an ophthalmologist to evaluate their condition. Low vision specialists, on the other hand, aim to provide solutions to help in daily living. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Dr. George Kornfeld, a low vision optometrist, about aids and services that you might find beneficial.
>  
> The audio and show notes can be found at: www.EyesOnSuccess.net and the podcast can be found on iTunes
>  
> **11 From NAMA - Dear NAMA Members, With your participation in FitPick and commitment to health and wellness, we thank you for being part of the nutrition solution.
>  
> To meet increasing demands for relevant, value-added resources, we have expanded our suite of FitPick tools and are excited to debut two new FitPick videos: NAMA's Nutrition Story and FitPick 101.
>  
> These videos - developed with support from the NAMA Foundation - have been designed to tell the story of the industry's nutrition efforts and to provide a turn-key overview of the FitPick program.
>  
> Click below to check them out on FitPick.org:
> NAMA's Nutrition Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822L_RvuE_Y
> FitPick 101 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4twI-g4my8
> NAMA FitPick Resources – http://www.fitpick.org/nwc/resources/
>  
> **12 From RSA Management Group
> FRITO LAY 2nd QUARTER 2017 NEWS ITEMS
> 1.50 oz Lays Wavy Hickory BBQ Flavored Chips - 64 count – UPC 66457
> 1.375 oz Lay’s Kettle Chips 40% Less Fat Jalapeno Cheddar -64 count – UPC 25111
>  
> There is a $1.92 per case rebate on Kettle Chips 40% Less Fat Jalapeno Cheddar in June.
>  
> Product must be delivered by 06/30/17.  Call me with questions.
>  
> RSA Management Purchase Power Deals
> Earn Extra Rebates on the following:
> NEW DEALS THIS WEEK
>  
> V-8
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JULY, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $3.00 per case   11.5 oz V-8 Juice Cans
> $3.75 per case   12 oz V-8 Juice Bottles
> $3.75 per case   16 oz. V-8 Splash–Berry Blend, Fruit Medley, Lemonade Bottles
> $3.00 per case   11.5 oz. V-8 Splash–Strawberry Kiwi Cans
> $1.25 per case   12 oz. V-8 Energy Cans-ALL FLAVORS
>  
> CAMPBELL’S
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JULY, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $2.50 per case   15.5 oz. Bisque – Tomato & Sweet Basil and Broccoli Cheddar
> $2.50 per case   15.5 oz. Soup – Baked Potato, Spicy Thai Chicken & Rice, Med. Vegetable
>  
> PEPPERIDGE FARM
> Deal Date:  THROUGH SEPTEMBER, 2017
> Rebates                        Products
> $2.00-$4.00 per case*          1.5 oz. Cheddar Goldfish
> $3.00-$5.00 per case*          2.25 oz. Cheddar Goldfish
> *Rebate amount based on total co-op monthly purchase volume.
>  
> Deals ending in June
> AQUAFINA – ORDER THROUGH AUTHORIZED PBC ONLY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JUNE, 2017 –DELIVERED BY JULY 7, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $1.00 per case  20 oz. Aquafina Water
>  
> FRITO LAY – ITEMS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL MARKETS
> Deal Date:  JUNE, 2017 – TAKE DELIVERY BY JULY 16, 2017
> Rebates             Products                                                                        
> $1.92 per case  LSS Kettle Chips 40% Less Fat Jalapeno Cheddar (NEWS ITEM)
> $1.92 per case  LSS Kettle Chips – ALL FLAVORS
> $5.00 per case  Nut Harvest Nuts – ALL FLAVORS
> $3.20 per case  LSS Smartfood Popcorn 64 count – ALL FLAVORS
> $1.60 per case LSS Smartfood Popcorn 32 count – ALL FLAVORS
> $2.40 per case  Munchies PB Crackers (19960)
> $2.40 per case  Munchies Toast PB Crackers (19959)
> $1.92 per case  LSS Sunchips WG Rich Garden Salsa (44428)
> $1.92 per case  LSS Cracker Jacks (45501)
> $1.92 per case  2.1 oz Grandma’s Mini Vanilla Crème Cookies (45096)
>  
> GATORADE – ORDER THROUGH AUTHORIZED PBC ONLY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JUNE, 2017 –DELIVERED BY JULY 7, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $1.50 per case   20 oz. Gatorade and G2 – ALL FLAVORS
> KLEMENTS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JUNE, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $8.00 per case   Klements Original Snack Meat Sticks– ALL FLAVORS
>  
> OREO
> Deal Date:   DELIVERY JUNE 30, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $0.2 per unit      Oreo Chocolate Bar
>  
> PEPSI  ORDER THROUGH AUTHORIZED PBC ONLY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JUNE, 2017 –DELIVERED BY JULY 7, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $2.00 per case  Mountain Dew 16 oz. Spike Yellow and Pink Lemonade (INNOVATION ITEM)
> $2.00 per case  Pepsi Fire
> $2.00 per case  20oz Propel Watermelon
> $1.00 per case  20 oz. Diet Mountain Dew and Dew Flavors
> $2.00 per case  Kickstart – ALL FLAVORS
> $2.00 per case  20 oz. Lipton LIT Tea– ALL FLAVORS
> $2.00 per case  20 oz. Lipton Brisk Tea
> $3.00 per case  1L and 700ML Sport Cap Lifewtr
> $2.00 per case  12 oz. Izzi Fusions – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> STARBUCKS  ORDER THROUGH AUTHORIZED PBC ONLY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH JUNE, 2017 –DELIVERED BY JULY 7, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $2.00 per case   11.7 oz. Starbucks Iced Coffee
> $2.00 per case   6.5 oz. can Starbucks Double Shot Espresso
> $2.00 per case   11 oz. can Starbucks Double Shot w/Protein – Caramel
> $2.00 per case   11 oz. Glass Starbucks Cold Brew
>  
> Deals ending in December
> TALKING RAIN - SPARKLING ICE  (RSA EXCLUSIVE)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $0.22 per unit    8 oz. Sparkling ICE Water Cans 8 ct. – ALL FLAVORS
> $0.145 per unit  17 oz. Sparkling ICE Water Bottles12 ct. – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> FERRERO (RSA EXCLUSIVE)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products                                                                        
> 10% per case    Tic Tacs – All Products
> 10% per case    Ferrero Rocher– All Products
> 10% per case    Raffaello – All Products
> 10% per case    Nutella – All Products
> 10% per case    Nutella and Go– All Products
>  
> BISCOMERICA - SWEET SERENITY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (RSA EXCLUSIVE)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $0.04 per unit*   2 oz. Sweet Serenity Choco Chip Cookies 60 ct. (#59961)
> $0.04 per unit*   3 oz. Sweet Serenity Choco Chip Cookies 48 ct. (#54809)
>  
> *Group must purchase 2000 cases per quarter; otherwise rebate will be $0.02 per unit.
>  
> HINT WATER
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $1.00 per case  Hint 100% Natural Goodness Water – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> KLEMENT’S MEAT SNACKS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> 10% per case    Klement’s Meat Snacks – All Products
>  
> NY DELI (RAYBERN’S)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> 14% per case    5.0-6.5 oz Heat n Serve Premium Wrapped Frozen Sandwiches – All Products
>  
> PLANTERS
> Deal Date:   DELIVERY BY DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $2.88 per case  2 oz. Planters Peanuts
> $1.44 per case  Planters Trail Mix Nut and Chocolate
>  
> POPZ CUP (FORMELY INTERNATIONAL CUP CO.)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $3.29 per case  12 oz. Single Poly Vending Paper Hot Cup – 1500 ct.
> $3.20 per case  8.25 oz. Single Poly Vending Paper Hot Cup – 2000 ct.
> $1.51 per case  12 oz. Black Lids for Vending Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
> $1.17 per case  8.25 oz. Black Lids for Vending Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
> $3.22 per case  16 oz. Single poly Manual Paper Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
> $2.55 per case  12 oz. Single poly Manual Paper Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
> $2.26 per case  10 oz. Single poly Manual Paper Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
> $1.81 per case  Black Lids for all Manual Paper Hot Cups – 1000 ct.
>  
> TAYLOR CANDY (RSA EXCLUSIVE)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> 4% per case      Taylor Candy – All Products
>  
> SPLENDA
> Deal Date:   THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $3.30 per case  Splenda 4/400 ct. Sweetener Packets
> $3.00 per case  Splenda 2000 ct. Bulk and 12/50 ct. Sweetener Packets
> $2.60 per case  Splenda 12/100 ct. Sweetener Packets
> $1.25 per case  Splenda 500 ct. Bulk Sweetener Packets
>  
> WELCH’S
> Deal Date:   DELIVERY BY DECEMBER 31, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $.01 per unit      Welch’s,  Gummi Factory, Sour Jacks, Sun-Maid, Fisher – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> VITNERS/SNACK KING (RSA EXCLUSIVE)
> Deal Date:  THROUGH DECEMBER, 2017
> Rebates             Products
> $0.02 per unit     Vitners and Snack King Products– ALL FLAVORS
>  
> Indefinite End Date
> ALMARK EGGS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 8% per case      Almark 2 pack Eggs – All Products
>  
> BEANITO’S
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.00 per case  Bean Chips and Puffs - ALL FLAVORS
>  
> BLISTEX
> Deal Date:  INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $2.00 per case   Blistex Lip Balm – ALL VARIETIES
>  
> BOLTHOUSE FARMS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $2.20 per case  Bolthouse drinks - ALL FLAVORS
>  
> COLD STONE CREAMERY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.50 per case  All Flavors of Milk Shakers
>  
> COOL HAUS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 20% per case    Choco. Chip, Van Bean, Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel Ice Cream
>  
> COUNTRY ARCHER
> Deal Date:  INDEFINITIE
> Rebates             Products
> 15% per case    Country Archer Beef Jerky – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> DAISY’S BAKERY, INC
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 8% per case      Individually Wrapped Muffin, Cake, Brownie, Pie, Cookie – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> FIJI WATER
> Deal Date:  INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.50 per case   Fiji Water
>  
> FRUVE SMOOTHIES & TEAS
> Deal Date:  INDEFINITIE
> Rebates             Products
> $3.60 per case  Fruve Smoothies and Kid’s Smoothies – ALL FLAVORS
> $3.00 per case  Fruve Teas – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> GRAZE SNACKS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 8% per case      Graze Snacks – All Products
>  
> GREEN CHILI FOODS COMPANY
> Deal Date:  INDEFINITE
> Rebates                 Products
> $1.00 per case   7 oz. Burritos – 12 count
>  
> HiBALL ENERGY AND ALTA PALLA
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $5.00 per case  HiBall Energy – 24 ct. case – ALL FLAVORS
> $2.50 per case  Hi Ball Energy – 12 ct. case – ALL FLAVORS
> $2.50 per case  Alta Palla – 24 ct. case – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> HARVEST HILL
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 12% per case    Juicy Juice, Veryfine Juice and Fruit2O – All flavors
>  
> HORIZON
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $2.00 per case  Horizon Organic Cheese and Stick Bites – All Products
>  
> HP HOOD DAIRY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $0.96 per case  12 oz. Hershey’s  Low Fat  Milk  and Low fat Chocolate Milk
> $0.96 per case  12 oz. Hershey’s  Creamy Chocolate, Cookies n’ Crème and Strawberry Milkshake
> $1.20 per case  10 oz. Almond Breeze Vanilla and Chocolate Almond Milk
>  
> J&J FOODS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 5% per case       Kim & Scott’s IW Flavored Soft Pretzels and IW Pretzel Melts
> 5% per case       Mary B’s IW Biscuit Breakfast Melts
> 5% per case       Corazona’s HeartBar Oatmeal Squares
>  
> JJ’s PIES
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.80 per case   JJ’s Bakery Boxed Pies – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> J& J’s GOURMET PRETZELS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.20 per case  J&J’s Gourmet Pretzels – All Products
>  
> JIMMY BARS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 15% per case    Jimmy Bars - All Products
>  
> LIFESTYLE FOODS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 5% per case      Lifestyle Foods Fresh Food – All Products
>  
> LILLY’S HUMMUS
> Deal Date: INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 16% per case     LILLY’S HUMMUS – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> LUCY’S COOKIES
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.15 per case  Choco Chip, Cinnamon Thin, Ginger Snap and Brownie Crisp Cookie
>  
> MY GOURMET TUNA KITS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $3.24 per case  My Gourmet Tuna Kits – All Products
>  
> NATHAN’S PRETZEL DOGS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $2.50 per case  Nathan’s Pretzel Dogs – All Products
>  
> REICHEL DIPPIN STIX PRO2SNAX
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 4% per case      Reichel Dippin Stix Pro2Snaxs – All Products
>  
> SEAPOINT FARMS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> 10% off per case         Dry Roasted Edamame
> $1.00 per case  Beanitos and Beanitos Puffs
>  
> SILK ALMOND MILK
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $3.00 per case  Silk Almond Milk – All Products
>  
> STEAZ TEA
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.50 per case  ALL FLAVORS
>  
> STOK COLD-BREW COFFEE
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $3.00 per case  13.7 oz Stok Cold Brew Coffee – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> TAMPICO DRINKS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.00 per case  Tampico Drinks - All Products
>  
>  
> TITAN TEA
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.50 per case  Titan Teas - ALL FLAVORS
>  
> UMPQUA OATS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $2.00 per case  Umpqua Oatmeals - ALL FLAVORS
>  
>  
> VITA COCO – ORDER THROUGH AUTHORIZED DPSG ONLY
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates             Products
> $1.00 per case  11.1 oz.  Vita Coco– ALL FLAVORS
> $1.50 per case  17 oz. Vita Coco – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> WELCH’S FRUIT SNACKS
> Deal Date:  THROUGH INDEFINITE
> Rebates               Products
> $2.88 per case Buddy Bears, Sour Jacks, Nuclear SQWorms, Sun Maid Chocolate covered Raisins and Fisher Chocolate covered Peanuts.
> $1.44 per case Welch’s School Items – ALL FLAVORS
> $0.96 per case Welch’s Fruit Snacks – ALL FLAVORS except school items
> $0.96 per case Gummi Factory – ALL FLAVORS
>  
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro
> ICBV, Business Manager
> (630)234-4444
> 
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502
> Chicago, IL 60604
> 
> 
> This message (including attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it without further distribution and reply to the sender that you have received the message in error.