[il-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update February 11, 2015
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Thu Feb 12 10:56:05 UTC 2015
Denise R. Avant
President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
Live the life you want
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> Date: February 11, 2015 at 8:16:30 PM CST
> From: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update February 11, 2015
> To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
> ICBV Office Update
> February 11, 2015
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>Quote of the day
> “Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."
> George S. Patton, U.S. Army general
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>
> *1) IL BEPB save the date May 29-30
> *2) Does Your App Know Where You Are?
> *3) Apple Vis Unlimited: What’s New in Accessible Apps for January 2015
> *4) Plan a Route Using Blindsquare
> *5) Eyes on Success Working at Home Part 2
> *6) Hadley School for the Blind The American Blind Skiing Foundation
> *7) Hadley School for the Blind Tips for Using Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
> *8) It Seems We Are Not the Only Ones Who Want Cars to Sound Like Cars
> *9) Tom Cullen Session Update
> *10) IAMC Legislative Report
> *11) NABM Endorses NAMA Fit Pick
> *12) Senior Division Sponsors Conference Calls
> *13) NFB 2015 Scholarship Program
> *14) Video Visitation (in Prisons) a Growing Trend, but Concerns Remain
> *15) CSI Hot List
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**1 IL BEPB, save the dates of May 29th and 30th for our Spring Election conference. Further information will be provided as it becomes available. The conference is planned in Springfield, IL.
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**2 Shared by Scott Granados on PTA –
> Does your app know where you are?
> Attorney, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, FTC
>
> Who knows where you are right now? The apps on your smartphone might — even if you’re not using them.
>
> You might find this helpful — for example, a map app that tracks your location in the background may give you directions more quickly. Or a shopping app could send you a message about a sale at a store close by. Other apps might collect and share your location information with advertisers, which then send you targeted ads.
>
> Maybe you want quicker directions, sale deals, or ads. Maybe you don’t. But this kind of tracking also increases the amount of information apps collect — and potentially share — about you.
>
> So how do you know which apps keep tracking your location, even when you aren’t using them? Check to see what types of settings are available within your apps and on your device. If it’s not clear from the app itself, read the privacy policy or the app company’s website. Look for information on what information the app collects, when, and how they use it.
>
> Depending on your device’s operating system, there might be system settings that can help, too. Search online for tips on turning off location tracking for your operating system. But it’s not always easy to tell what information an app will collect, or how it will use that information. Apple’s recent iOS 8 operating system lets you make decisions on an app-by-app basis. You can choose to share information “Never” or “Always” — sometimes you can choose “While Using the App.” The Android system gives you information when you download apps — you might consider reading it, rather than blowing right by it. Or do some up-front research on the app developer, if you know who it is, and try to figure out what happens http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/does-your-app-know-where-you-arehttp:/www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/does-your-app-know-where-you-are <http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/does-your-app-know-where-you-arehttp:/www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/does-your-app-know-where-you-are>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**3 Shared by Flying Blind LLC –
> "AppleVis Unlimited: What's New in Accessible Apps for January 2015" is the first of a planned series of monthly newsletters highlighting important apps, news, podcasts and editorial commentary from AppleVis, providing a comprehensive picture of what is going on and what people are talking about:
> http://www.applevis.com/applevis-unlimited-what%E2%80%99s-new-accessible-apps-january-2015 <http://www.applevis.com/applevis-unlimited-what%E2%80%99s-new-accessible-apps-january-2015>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**4 Shared by Flying Blind LLC –
> This podcast shows you how to plan a route in Blindsquare:
> https://audioboom.com/boos/2859065-introduction-to-blindsquare <https://audioboom.com/boos/2859065-introduction-to-blindsquare>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**5 Shared by blindtlk –
> This is part two of a two part series about working from home. Our listeners requested a show on this topic and here it is! Enjoy.
>
> 1506 Working from Home - Part 2 (Feb. 4, 2015)
> This week, hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey continue last week's conversation with Ron Milliman, a blind retired professor of Marketing, about working from home, this time from the employer's perspective, which is good to know so you can present prepared points in your request to begin or continue working from home. We'll also hear from several people with experience working at home.
>
> The audio and show notes for this episode are available at:
> http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**6 From Hadley School for the Blind –
> Seminars at Hadley Presents: The American Blind Skiing Foundation
> Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
> Time: 2:00 PM CST, 20:00 GMT
>
> Are you interested in skiing, but not sure if it is for you? Would you like to learn more about what opportunities exist for people who are blind and visually impaired to participate in the sport? Are you interested in learning about how the American Blind Skiing Foundation could assist you and what the Foundation offers?
>
> Join Seminars at Hadley as John Erickson, accomplished blind skier and a member of the American Blind Skiing Foundation, outlines what the ABSF has to offer. Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley’s Seminars team will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
>
> This seminar is an audio presentation. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register for The American Blind Skiing Foundation on February 11 <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D263>.
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**7 From Hadley School for the Blind –
> Seminars at Hadley Presents: iFocus 9: Tips for Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
> Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015
> Time: 1:00 PM CST, 19:00 GMT
>
> Attention all iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch owners! Seminars at Hadley is presenting the ninth in its quarterly series of seminars designed for you. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, you will not want to miss this latest installment.
>
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Hadley instructor and iDevice trainer Douglas Walker explores tips for using the vision accessibility features in iOS. The discussion will cover the following topics:
>
> Searching and downloading from the App Store
> Exploring the email action features
> Adding a contact
> Sending an audio text message
>
> Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley's Seminars team, will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
>
> This seminar is an audio presentation. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register for iFocus 9: Tips for Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D264>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>#Seminars at Hadley
> Do you use social media? Start tweeting and posting on Facebook about Seminars at Hadley to help spread the word, using the hashtag #SeminarsAtHadley. Let your followers know when you’ve registered for a new seminar, live tweet during the seminar and let everyone know what you thought after you’ve listened! Follow Hadley on Twitter: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Fthehadleyschool <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Fthehadleyschool> and like us on Facebook: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthehadleyschoolfortheblind <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthehadleyschoolfortheblind>.
>
> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=765526&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPodcasts.asp>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**8 Shared by Bill Reif –
> The below article, published in the Washington Post, was reprinted in Sunday's Chicago Tribune in the Rides section. It's a great section for those interested in learning about or maintaining cars. It's just one reason the Newsline habit is one worth developing. It's good to know sound regulations will be coming soon. It seems we aren't the only ones who want cars to sound like cars.
>
> Cordially, Bill
>
> Can you hear me now? \ Artificial noises help fuel-efficient engines roar instead of purr -- but purists are howling. By Drew Harwell, The Washington Post. Stomp on the gas in a new Ford Mustang or F-150, and you'll hear a meaty, throaty rumble -- the same style of roar that Americans have associated with auto power and performance for decades. . It's a sham. The engine growl in some of America's best-selling cars and trucks is actually a finely tuned bit of lip-syncing, boosted through special pipes or digitally faked altogether. And it's driving car enthusiasts insane. Fake engine noise has become one of the auto industry's dirty little secrets, with automakers from BMW to Volkswagen turning to a sound-boosting bag of tricks. Without them, today's more fuel-efficient engines would sound far quieter and, automakers worry, seemingly less powerful, potentially pushing buyers away. Softer-sounding engines are actually a positive symbol of just how far engines and gas economy have progressed. But automakers say they resort to artifice because they understand a key car-buyer paradox: Drivers want all the force and fuel savings of a newer, better engine but the classic sound of an old gas-guzzler. "Enhanced" engine songs have become the signature of eerily quiet electrics like the Toyota Prius. But the fakery is now increasingly finding its way into even beefy trucks and muscle cars, long revered for their iconic growl. For the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost, Ford sound engineers and developers worked on an Active Noise Control system that amplifies the engine's purr through the car speakers. Afterward, the automaker surveyed members of Mustang fan clubs on which processed "sound concepts" they most enjoyed. Ford said in a statement that the vintage V-8 engine boom "has long been considered the mating call of Mustang," but it added that the newly processed pony-car sound is "athletic and youthful," "a more refined growl" with "a low-frequency sense of powerfulness. Among purists, the trickery has inspired an identity crisis and cut to the heart of American auto legend. The "aural experience" of a car, they argue, is an intangible that's just as priceless as what's revving under the hood. "For a car guy, it's literally music, to hear that thing rumble," said Mike Rhynard, 41, a past president and 33-year member of the Denver Mustang Club. He's swayed between love and hate with the snarl-boosting sound tube in his 2012 Mustang GT, but of the computerized noise, he's unequivocal. "It's a mind-trick," he said. "It's something it's not. And no one wants to be deceived. That type of ire has made the auto industry shy about discussing its sound technology. Several attempts to speak with Ford's sound engineers about the new F-150, a six-cylinder model of America's best-selling truck that plays a muscular engine note through the speakers, were quietly rebuffed. Car companies are increasingly wary of alerting buyers that they might not be hearing the real thing, and many automakers have worked with audio and software engineers to make their cars' synthesized engine melody more realistic. Volkswagen uses what's called a "Soundaktor," a special speaker that looks like a hockey puck and plays sound files in cars like the GTI and Beetle Turbo. Lexus worked with sound technicians at Yamaha to amplify the noise of its LFA supercar toward the driver seat. Some, like Porsche with its "sound symposer," have used noise-boosting tubes to crank up the engine sound inside the cabin. Others have gone further into digital territory: BMW plays a recording of its motors through the car stereos, a sample of which changes depending on the engine's load and power. Orchestrated engine noise has become a necessity for electric cars, which run so quietly that they can provide a dangerous surprise for inattentive pedestrians and the blind. Federal safety officials expect to finalize rules this year requiring all hybrid and electric cars to play fake engine sounds to alert passers-by, a change that experts estimate could prevent thousands of pedestrian and cyclist injuries. With traditional engines, some boosters have even celebrated artificial noise as a little added luxury. Without it, drivers would hear an unsettling silence or only the kinds of road racket they'd rather ignore, like bumps in the pavement or the whine of the wind. Yet even drivers who appreciate the accompaniment have questioned the mission. A SlashGear reviewer who otherwise enjoyed the new F-150 said the engine sound was piped in "arguably pointlessly. This raises a more existential question: Does it matter if the sound is fake? A driver who didn't know the difference might enjoy the thrum and thunder of it nonetheless. Is taking the best part of an eight-cylinder rev and cloaking a better engine with it really, for carmakers, so wrong? Not everyone is so diplomatic. Karl Brauer, a senior analyst with Kelley Blue Book, says automakers should stop the lies and get real with their drivers. "If you're going to do that stuff, do that stuff. Own it. Tell customers: If you want a V-8 rumble, you've got to buy a V-8 that costs more, gets worse gas mileage and hurts the Earth," Brauer said. "You're fabricating the car's sexiness. You're fabricating performance elements of the car that don't actually exist. That just feels deceptive to me." ---------- ctc-transpo at tribpub.com <mailto:ctc-transpo at tribpub.com>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**9 From Tom Cullen – Session Update
> Governor Bruce Rauner called upon the Illinois Legislature today to work with him and rise above partisan politics to solve the problems facing the State of Illinois, promising together they will “do great things” to make Illinois more competitive and empower citizens and local governments. During his first State of the State Address to a joint session of the General Assembly, Governor Rauner used the opportunity to report on the condition of the State of Illinois and to lay out a framework for his agenda and policy priorities for his first year in office.
>
> The Governor issued a three-part policy package emphasizing Economic Growth, Student and Career Success, and Taxpayer Empowerment and Government Reform. The Governor stated that even though each legislator will find some items he or she does not like in the package, he asked that it be considered as a whole package and not a list of individual initiatives.
>
> Noting that Illinois workers compensation, unemployment, and liability costs all rank among the worst in America, the Governor further called upon the Legislature to create a common sense system that protects and fairly compensates those who are injured on the job, while also ensuring employers are not overburdened. Eliminating “structural impediments” to economic growth and enacting meaningful lawsuit reforms will improve Illinois’ overall competitiveness with neighboring states. The Governor also called for unspecified “restructuring” of the motor fuel tax to invest in infrastructure.
>
> In order to ensure a living wage for all workers, the Governor proposed phasing in a $10-per hour minimum wage over the next seven years. The Governor also suggested that the racial demographics of apprentice programs of unions that contract with the State should reflect the racial demographics of Illinois communities. Rauner further called for creating a Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Program to assist minority entrepreneurs in business startups.
>
> In an effort to help local governments control property taxes and empower citizens to “take control” of their property tax bills, the Governor proposed allowing voters to create “Employee Empowerment Zones,” empowering local voters with the ability to control the collective bargaining issues in their local governments. He further wants to give local governments the ability to reform project labor agreements and prevailing wage requirements. Stating that we have too many units of local government, the Governor charged Lieutenant Governor Sanguinetti with launching a Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Task Force. According to Rauner, these are the tools voters and local governments need to be able to freeze property taxes.
>
> In other tax areas, Governor Rauner called upon Legislators to work together to enact a competitive 21st century tax system, which would include “low and competitive” income taxes, “modernizing the sales tax” by instituting a service tax, and increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit.
>
> Governor Rauner stated that the best voter empowerment tool is term limits in the form of a constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot. Rauner also proposed closing what he called the “special interest loophole” by extending the ban on political contributions for businesses with state contracts to all unions with a state collective bargaining agreement and organizations funded by entities receiving Medicaid funds, including hospitals. Rauner further proposed revamping state employee compensation to emphasize quality of work rather than longevity and providing bonuses for to employees whose ideas save taxpayer money.
>
> Rauner also emphasized reforms to Illinois’ criminal justice system calling for sentences that are commensurate with the severity of the crime, reducing penalties for non-violent offenses, and investing in Adult Redeploy, which diverts offenders into community-based programming. The Governor proposed the creation of bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Commission to improve public safety and reduce the prison population by 25 percent over the next 10 years. Governor Rauner also proposed increasing correctional officer staffing to improve officer and inmate safety.
>
> As part of his education reform package, Governor Rauner pledged to increase state support for pre-K through 12 education, including expanded access to early childhood education. Recognizing the burden of unfunded state mandates, Rauner proposed to allow local school boards greater flexibility to modify “overly burdensome” unfunded mandates. Rauner also called for lifting the charter school cap, changing teacher tenure, and eliminating unnecessary testing.
>
> A complete copy of the Governor’s proposed policy initiatives along with a State of the State Background Document are attached.
>
> The Governor will again address both Chambers of the General Assembly in two weeks when he delivers his budget address, revealing his spending plan for the priorities he outlined today and for the State of Illinois for FY16. More details on the State’s current fiscal condition, specific spending plans, and program and service reductions are expected at that time.
>
> The House adjourned today until Wednesday, February 18th, and when the Senate adjourns tomorrow, it will stand adjourned until Tuesday, February 17th.
>
> Turnaround Agenda -
> 1. Economic Growth and Jobs Package
> Pass a phased-in minimum wage increase of 25 cents every year for seven years.
>
> Implement true workers’ compensation reform legislation that updates how injuries are apportioned to ensure employers pay for injuries that occur on the job; clarifies the definition of “traveling employees” to ensure a reasonable standard that excludes risks that would impact the general public; and implements American Medical Association guidelines when determining impairment.
>
> Enact lawsuit reforms to prevent unreasonable trial lawyer venue shopping, address unfair joint and several liability requirements and provide a balanced approach to medical malpractice cases to keep doctors in Illinois.
>
> Pass a constitutional amendment to cap unreasonable judgments (2018 ballot).
>
> Make Illinois unemployment insurance fair for beneficiaries and employers, including legislation that cracks down on benefit fraud for those who voluntarily leave employment but receive benefits and provides a more fair definition of misconduct in the workplace.
>
> Implement true competitive bidding in public works projects, limit prevailing wage requirements and eliminate project-labor agreements.
>
> Restructure the motor fuel tax to appropriately invest in infrastructure.
>
> Create local employee empowerment zones. Let voters in a county, municipality or other local unit of government decide via referendum whether or not business employees should be forced to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment.
>
> Create a Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Program to assist minority entrepreneurs in startups throughout Illinois.
>
> Require unions that contract with the state to have their apprenticeship programs reflect the demographics of Illinois communities, and to have their membership on public construction projects reflect the diversity in the surrounding area.
>
> 2. Student and Career Success Package
> Increase state support for pre-K-12 education, especially for low-income families.
>
> Expand access to high-quality early childhood education and make programs easier to navigate for families.
>
> Consolidate and refocus all state boards, agencies and programs to manage an integrated comprehensive cradle-to-career statewide system of education and vocational training.
>
> Launch an effort to increase parent participation in the classroom.
>
> Initiate statewide task force to analyze the challenges of teenage pregnancy and loss of two-parent families.
>
> Give local school boards the ability to modify overly burdensome unfunded mandates.
>
> Lift the arbitrary cap on public charter schools, reduce funding disparities for public charters and provide more high-quality educational options to students through tax credit scholarships.
>
> Reform teacher tenure and incentivize local school districts to reward high-performing administrators and educators.
>
> Improve teacher recruitment, ensure a diverse educator base and streamline licensure requirements to bring the best and brightest teachers to Illinois.
>
> Eliminate unnecessary testing and institute a rigorous K-12 student growth measure, using ACT and other national metrics.
>
> Expand vocational and technical program resources and grow partnerships among employers, high schools and community colleges.
>
> 3. Taxpayer Empowerment and Government Reform Package
> Make income taxes low and competitive with other states.
>
> Freeze property taxes for two years by amending Illinois’ Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. The total property tax extension could not increase above the 2015 levy year, except for new construction or property in a TIF district. Voters would still be allowed to override the freeze via referendum.
>
> Modernize the sales tax to include service taxes that keep us competitive with neighboring states.
>
> Preserve a fair and flat income tax by protecting low-income families with an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provide additional exemption relief to working families.
>
> Launch a government consolidation and unfunded mandate taskforce chaired by Lt. Governor Sanguinetti to reduce the number of Illinois’ 7,000 units of government and provide more flexibility to local communities.
>
> Extend to municipalities bankruptcy protections to help turn around struggling communities.
>
> Pass a constitutional amendment implementing 8-year term limits for statewide elected officials and members of the General Assembly.
>
> Protect historically accrued state pension benefits for retirees and current workers, while moving all current workers into the Tier 2 pension plan and/or a 401(k) for their future work. Police and firefighters should receive separate special consideration.
>
> Pursue permanent pension relief through a constitutional amendment.
>
> Codify Executive Order 15-09 prohibiting the revolving door from state government to lobbying and extend revolving door restrictions to the General Assembly.
>
> Empower government employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join a union.
>
> Empower local voters to control collective bargaining issues in their local governments and take more direct responsibility for their employees’ benefits.
>
> Extend the prohibition on political contributions for businesses with state contracts to all organizations with a state collective bargaining agreement and organizations funded by entities receiving state Medicaid funds.
>
> Prohibit trial lawyer donations to elected judges to address conflicts of interest in the courts.
>
> Pass a constitutional amendment to create merit-based judicial selection as supported by the American Bar Association (2018 ballot).
>
> Reward state workers with performance pay and incentivize employee-inspired cost-saving measures.
>
> Pass a constitutional amendment merging the offices of Comptroller and Treasurer and return $12 million in annual savings to taxpayers.
>
> Require more vigorous enforcement of minority contracting guidelines and hiring in state government.
>
> Pass a binding Balanced Budget Amendment to the Illinois Constitution that prohibits the carry-over of past-due bills (2018 ballot).
>
> Reform the criminal code to ensure sentences are commensurate with the severity of the crime, and reduce penalties for non-violent offenses.
>
> Launch a bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Commission with a goal to improve public safety and reduce prison population by 25 percent in 10 years.
>
> Provide additional investment in community-based reentry and diversion programs for persons reentering the community.
>
> Increase correctional officer staffing to improve officer and inmate safety
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**10 From IAMC - Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly
> 2015 Spring Session February 7, 2015 Prepared by BP Consultants
> for IAMC
>
> The attached Legislative Report includes Legislation from the 2015 Session of the 99th General Assembly. This report has been prepared by BP Consultants on behalf of IAMC.
>
> We have included bills that we believe may be of interest to your organization. Please review this report carefully to see if we have included all areas of interest. If we have included legislation that is not relevant or legislation that you do not wish to track, please let me know and they will be removed. If you would like for your organization’s positions on bills to be included in the report, please send that information to me at desiharris at msn.com and it will be incorporated.
>
> On Wednesday Governor Rauner delivered his first State of the State Message. Some of the key highlights of his address and his proposed “Turnaround Agenda” include:
> Freeze property taxes for two years.
> “Modernize” the sales tax which he previously has said means taxing services.
> Move all current state employees into the Tier 2 pension plan, which has reduced benefits, or into a 401(k)-style retirement program.
> Change the pension protection clause of the Illinois Constitution.
> Let government employees decide whether or not they want to join a union.
> Base state worker pay on performance and reward them for money-saving ideas.
> Ban campaign contributions from unions with government contracts and from hospitals that received Medicaid money.
> Increase state support for pre-K-12 education, especially for low-income families.
> Enact lawsuit reforms to prevent unreasonable trial lawyer venue shopping, address unfair joint and several liability requirements and provide a balanced approach to medical malpractice cases to keep doctors in Illinois.
> Allow right-to-work areas where people are not required to join labor unions.
> Limit statewide officials and legislators to eight years in office.
> Combine the offices of State Treasurer and Comptroller.
>
> The Senate Appropriations I Committee held a hearing regarding the FY15 budget deficit in the Child Care Assistance Program. During the hearing, Tim Nuding, Governor Rauner’s budget director, disclosed that there is also a shortfall in the payroll for the state prisons. The Rauner administration has asked the legislature to give them extensive power to move money around in the existing budget to meet shortfalls in the child care and Corrections budgets, and other shortfalls that may occur before the end of FY15. Prior governors have received that authority in the short term to reduce spending and reduce the level of appropriation to cover other costs. The legislature has moved forward a few vehicle bills that could be used to give the governor transfer authority to shift money around, transfer surplus moneys from special funds to cover the shortfalls, reduce appropriations in some areas or other budgetary solutions.
>
> On a vote of 35-18-1, the Senate passed a proposal to increase the minimum wage in Illinois. SB 11 (Senator Lightford and Representative Turner) would increase the minimum wage from the current $8.25 an hour to $9.00 an hour on July 1. After that, it would increase 50 cents an hour each year until it reaches $11.00 an hour in 2019. The bill also contains an income tax credit worth up to $1,500 a year per employee for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The bill is now in the House for consideration.
>
> The Senate returns to session on February 17th and the House returns on February 18th. They will be holding a couple of committee hearings in the interim. Governor Rauner will present his FY16 Budget Address on Wednesday, February 18th.
>
> Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
> February 18, 2015 – Governor’s Budget Address
> February 20, 2015 – Deadline to Introduce Substantive Senate Bills
> February 27, 2015 – Deadline to Introduce Substantive House Bills
> March 27, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for House and Senate
> March 30 to April 10, 2015 – Spring Break for General Assembly
> April 24, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for House and Senate
> May 8, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for Senate Bills in the House
> May 15, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for House Bills in the Senate
> May 22, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate
> May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**11 From Nicky Gacos, NABM & Vending Market Watch
> The National Association Of Blind Merchants Endorses NAMA’s Fit Pick Feb 10, 2015 Source: NAMA
> CHICAGO -- February 9, 2015 – As part of a continued effort to increase the breadth and scope of Fit Pick, NAMA appreciates the endorsement of the program as the standard of choice by The National Association of Blind Merchants, a division of the National Federation of the Blind.
> “We salute NABM – they are working to meet the challenge of healthy vending head on,” said Eric Dell, NAMA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “With their endorsement of Fit Pick, NAMA’s nutrition initiative since 2005, NABM is taking the right steps to provide their customers with an informed choice for their snack purchases. We continue to develop important partnerships of this kind in an effort to broaden Fit Pick’s role in our industry and encourage other organizations, businesses and industry leaders to adopt the Fit Pick program.”
>
> According to NABM, they recognize that blind entrepreneurs who have the privilege of serving customers in government buildings have an obligation to offer healthier options to those customers who want and demand them. The challenge is how to offer healthier foods while maintaining adequate profits.
>
> NABM President Nicky Gacos said, “We believe in a balanced approach that focuses on giving customers choices.” He added, “We also believe that a critical piece of any strategy must include educating our blind entrepreneurs and host agencies on how to best achieve the goals of good health and profit.”
>
> As part of its strategy, the NABM Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse NAMA’s Fit Pick as the standard of choice for blind entrepreneurs operating in government buildings. NABM is encouraging all blind entrepreneurs to ensure that a certain percentage of products they offer meet Fit Pick standards.
>
> As a further signal to its commitment, NABM has pledged to work hand in hand with NAMA to educate blind entrepreneurs about the Fit Pick standards, products that meet those standards, and how to market those products while maintaining profits.
>
> Gacos stated, “The challenges we face as blind entrepreneurs are no different than the rest of the vending industry and whether it is healthy vending, labeling, or the content of coins, we must work with NAMA to address critical issues because what’s good for the industry is ultimately good for blind entrepreneurs.”
>
> Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**12 From Ruth Sager – NFB Seniors
> SENIOR DIVISION SPONSORS Conference Calls in 2015
> The National Federation of the Blind Senior Division proudly sponsors the following conference calls on specific topics and moderated by active members of the NFB.
>
> Tuesday, February 24, 2015
> Cane Travel-Can I truly be an efficient cane user as a senior if I've never learned before? Moderators: Jeff Altman, NE; Maurice Peret, BISM, MD
>
> Wednesday, march 4, 2015
> Braille Can I learn Braille as a senior? Moderator: Shelley Coppel,
> SC Secretary of the NFB Senior Division
>
> Wednesday, April 8, 2015
> OrganizingPaperwork-keeping track of banking, labeling, sorting and filing necessary documents; moderator: Ruth Sager, MD, president,
> NFB Senior Division
>
> Wednesday, May 13, 2015
> Hobbies-Pursuing favorite hobbies and crafts; moderator: Marguerite Woods, MD
>
> Wednesday, June 10, 2015
> Getting About--Leisure Time--dining out, movies, museums, enjoying favorite pastime activities; moderator: Shelley Coppel, SC
>
> Time of Calls:
> All calls will be held at the times listed below
> 4:00Eastern standard time,
> 3:00 Central time,
> 2:00 Mountain time,
> 1:00 Pacific time.
>
> The conference call numbers are as follows for all calls:
> Dial 712-432-1500
> Access code: 759633 pound.
>
> All calls will be recorded and put on the NFB Senior webpage and directions for calling back to listen to the call if missed will be given a few hours after the calls have taken place. You will also be able to go directly to the senior web page and download each session.
>
> In order to obtain the best possible sound for these calls, it is recommended that each caller, after dialing in, press star 6 which puts you in a "mute" mode. You will be able to hear everything during the call but background noise from your location will not disturb others listening in on the conversation. When you wish to speak and enter the discussion, press star 6 once again and you will be released from the "mute" mode and able to participate.
>
> It is also highly recommended that each person wishing to speak state his or her name and wait for the moderator to recognize you before speaking. We can have too many people trying to seek the floor at one time and chaos can occur. The moderators will do their very best to recognize as many callers as possible however, they will determine the order in which speakers proceed.
>
> Again, when finished with your comments, press star 6 once again to go back into "mute" mode to facilitate better, uncluttered communication for everyone.
>
> We are very pleased that you are interested in joining our conference call sessions and we welcome your input, participation and we hope that you will then share what you learn with others and encourage friends and colleagues to join you in participating in these calls whether speaking or simply listening. By the way, you do not have to be a senior to participate and join in with us. Each call will be about one hour in length. Come join us and learn to Live The Life You Want.
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**13 From Patti Gregory Chang, NFB
> National Federation of the Blind 2015 Scholarship Program
> www.nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships> Deadline: March 31, 2015
> Are you a legally blind college student living in the United States or Puerto Rico? This annual program offers 30 scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000 to eligible students, from high school seniors beginning their freshman year in the fall semester of 2015, up through grad students working on their PhD degrees. These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the July 2015 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida from July 5th through July 10th, providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations. To apply, read the rules and the Submission Checklist, complete the official 2015 Scholarship Application Form (online or in print), supply all required documents, and request and complete one interview by an NFB affiliate president (unless the president requests a later date). Applications are accepted through March 31, 2015. Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships> for complete rules and requirements.
>
> Please also consult your state president as many of our state affiliates also award scholarships. A list of state affiliate president information can be found at: https://nfb.org/state-presidents-list <https://nfb.org/state-presidents-list>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**14 Shared by Donnie Anderson – Prison Legal News
> Video Visitation a Growing Trend, but Concerns Remain
> Loaded on March 15, 2014 published in Prison Legal News March, 2014, page 50 Filed under: Visiting. Location: United States of America.
>
> A growing trend toward the use of video visitation at jails across the country is drawing the praise of corrections officials and prisoners’ family members alike, though some advocacy groups worry that video visits could pose an undue financial hardship on those least able to afford it and possibly lead to the elimination of in-person visits.
>
> “I think it’s the way of the future,” said Kane County, Illinois police commander Corey Hunger. “In the next 20 years, I think everyone will have it.”
>
> At some jails, visitors can use video screens to communicate with prisoners in another part of the facility. Other systems allow people to conduct visits via the Internet from a remote location, including their own homes. Prisoners typically use video monitors set up in cell blocks or other designated areas; the visits are monitored and recorded. [See: PLN, July 2013, p.44; Sept. 2012, p.42; Nov. 2011, p.37; Jan. 2010, p.22].
>
> But in Kane County and other jails, the installation of video systems spelled the end of in-person visits. Hunger said not having to screen visitors and escort them through the jail frees up guards to perform other duties. Officials also claim that doing away with face-to-face visits reduces confrontations among prisoners and the risk that visitors will smuggle in contraband.
>
> “[F]rom the standpoint of safety and security, it’s a huge improvement,” stated St. Clair County, Illinois Sheriff Rick Watson. “Every pod has a video monitor and the prisoners don’t have to be moved for visits, which saves on staff time. And if you cut down on movement of prisoners, you cut down on dangerous incidents.”
>
> Eliminating face-to-face visits worries some prisoner advocacy groups.
>
> “It’s a fundamental right to have meaningful visits with loved ones,” said John Maki, executive director of the John Howard Association of Illinois, a Chicago-based organization. “If it’s to supplement in-person visits, that’s great. I think the danger in video visitation is using it to replace in-person visits,” he added.
>
> “I hate not being able to see him face-to-face when I come to the jail,” stated Sherry McCullough, whose son is incarcerated at the St. Clair County Jail. “I want to get a good look at him, to tell him to stand up and turn around so I can see that he’s getting enough to eat and that he hasn’t been hurt. Instead, I have to see his cellmates marching around behind him in their underwear.”
>
> However, other family members have complained about problems with in-person visits, including long wait times, searches and non-contact visits conducted through a window using telephones.
>
> “A lot of times you’re trying to talk to your loved one and the phone on their end doesn’t work,” said Marilyn Murphy. “I don’t like it. I like it when you can physically see them,” she added. However, Murphy said visiting her son remotely through a home computer would be welcome. “To sit in the privacy of your home and visit a loved one?” she said. “Oh, yes.”
>
> Critics complain that video visits are sometimes used to financially exploit prisoners and their families, and that service providers often return a percentage of the video visitation fees to correctional facilities.
>
> Paul Wright, director of the Human Rights Defense Center, the parent organization of Prison Legal News, described the practice as a kickback. “They’re using this as another revenue stream from people who have the least ability to do anything about it,” he said, comparing it to the “commission” model prevalent in the prison phone industry. [See: PLN, Dec. 2013, p.1]. He also noted that online video conferencing for non-prisoners, such as Skype, is usually free.
>
> The largest provider of video visits, Securus, charges $1.00 per minute for the service. Securus CEO Richard Smith said the company anticipates adding another 100 video visitation sites by the end of 2014. According to the company’s website, Securus already provides phone service to about 2,200 correctional facilities housing more than 850,000 prisoners in 45 states, as well as 81 video visitation systems.
>
> Global Tel*Link, the nation’s largest provider of phone services in prisons and jails, also offers video visitation – which is typically fee-based, with prisoners’ families paying the cost of the visits.
>
> For example, the Del Valle jail in Travis County, Texas ended in-person visitation in 2013 except for attorney visits. Instead, Securus installed a video system and charges a $20 fee for a 20-minute visit. The county gets a $4.60 cut from each fee.
>
> At the Lake County, Illinois jail, a 30-minute video visit costs $25.95 and the county receives 20% of the revenue generated from visitation fees. The Shawnee County Jail in Kansas eliminated in-person visits in January 2014 and now charges $20 for a 20-minute video visit. Other jails that have recently adopted video visitation, charging fees that typically range from $.40 to $1.00 per minute, include those in Alachua County, Florida; Hamilton County, Tennessee; Cumberland County, New Jersey; Chippewa County, Wisconsin; and Maricopa County, Arizona.
>
> While the cost of video visitation may seem steep, when prisoners’ family members can visit over the Internet from their homes it eliminates the time and expense of traveling to the jail, plus allows them to accommodate work or school schedules.
>
> The non-profit Prison Policy Initiative has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate the fees for video visits in the same way it has regulated prison phone rates. The Massachusetts-based organization warned in a December 20, 2013 comment filed with the FCC that video visitation fees shared with corrections officials provide “perverse incentives” to eliminate in-person visits.
>
> “The bottom line is that prison visits are a basic right that needs to be disconnected from a profit motive, both for private companies and the jails,” stated John Maki.
>
> Despite such concerns, video visitation has gained support from both jailers and prisoners’ family members.
>
> “I liked it because the privacy is better, said Karla Maldonado, who visits her brother at the Cook County jail. “Now you can hear what he’s saying.”
>
> The Cook County jail complex eliminated in-person visits at a new building following the installation of a $1 million video visitation system, though face-to-face visits are still allowed in older units at the complex.
>
> All 25 Illinois state prisons are scheduled to begin using video visitation this spring, officials said, with an estimated cost of $30 per visit. But Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer stressed the state will not use the system, provided by Global Tel*Link, as a revenue source.
>
> “Any money that comes to us will be applied to offset our costs,” he noted. “There is no profit motive for us. But we have so many families wishing to do this we may need more staff hours to make the service available.”
>
> Shaer said the state also has no plans to eliminate in-person visits. “I can’t imagine the scenario in which someone would travel to a prison and then wish to communicate through a video screen rather than see a prisoner face-to-face,” he said. “All research shows in-person visits absolutely benefit the mental health of both parties; video can’t match that.”
>
> Certainly, free or reasonably-priced video visitation offered in conjunction with in-person visits can benefit prisoners’ families who must travel long distances or otherwise have difficulty participating in face-to-face visits. But eliminating in-person visits and charging for video visitation is just another way to monetize the corrections system and financially exploit prisoners and their family members.
>
> “With proper regulation and oversight, prison and jail video communication has the potential to offer additional avenues for critical family communication. But if left unregulated, this market could follow the trajectory of the infamously broken prison telephone industry, dominated by the same corporations,” warned Prison Policy Initiative executive director Peter Wagner. “In that market, companies compete not based on price or service, but rather on who can charge families the most and kick back the largest share of the revenue to the facility that awarded the monopoly contract.”
>
> Sources: Chicago Tribune, South Jersey Times, Chicago Sun-Times, https://securustech.net/ <https://securustech.net/> , St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times, http://www.wcjb.com/ <http://www.wcjb.com/> , http://www.cjonline.com/ <http://www.cjonline.com/>
>
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>**15 From Concession Services
> CSI HOT LIST <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE> - (Overstocks, Short Expiration Dates, or Items being Discontinued) *** LOWER PRICING *** February 9, 2015 To take advantage of the special pricing on the items shown below, you must
> CALL 312-987-9500, Ext. 119 (Outside Chicago 800-987-9501) Be sure to tell Pat or Debbie you’re ordering from this Hot List Subject to stock on hand when your order is received. CSI rebate program does not apply to Hot List Items.
> Item#
> Description
> Qty Available
> Expiration
> Discounted Case Price
> 12242403
> ORGANIC SWEETLEAF BLACK TEA RASPBERRY 16.0oz 12ct
> 126
> 2/28/2015
> 10.00
> 12211469
> ORGANIC SWEETLEAF TEA ORIGINAL 16.0oz 12ct
> 113
> 3/28/2015
> 10.50
> 002410
> LAVAZZA: GRAN FILTRO WHOLE BEAN 2.2lb 6ct
> 1
> 3/01/2015
> 70.00
> 225
> PARAMOUNT: FESTIVE CUP 6.0oz 64ct
> 8
> 2/19/2015
> 75.00
> 99902
> SMUCKER: FOLGERS MILLSTONE BREAKFAST BLEND 1.75oz 24ct
> 25
> 2/19/2015
> 10.00
> 0336
> PARAMOUNT: ^DINERS CHOICE 2.5oz 42ct
> 18
> 3/01/2015
> 25.00
> 04519
> SMUCKER: DE (70461) 10% KONA BLEND 2.5oz 42ct
> 5
> 2/28/2015
> 45.00
> 06015
> TASSIMO: MAXWELL HOUSE CAFE COLLECTION HOUSE BLEND 4.45oz 80ct
> 24
> 2/19/2015
> 24.00
> 03001
> F&F FOODS: ^WILD CHERRY ROLLS 30/20
> 2
> 2/28/2015
> 55.00
> 1117
> TOOTSIE ROLL: TOOTSIE ROLL TWIN PACK 2oz 4/36
> 15
> 2/28/2015
> 65.00
> 45976
> GENERAL MILLS: BC BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL BAR 1.24oz 144ct
> 2
> 2/23/2015
> 35.00
> 48802
> KELLOGG'S: AUSTIN TOASTY PB SANDWICH CRACKERS 1.38oz 12/8
> 4
> 2/15/2015
> 10.00
> 41444
> RUGER: ITS A WAFER,WAFFLE ALL NATURAL CARAMEL 1.6oz 3/48
> 12
> 2/28/2015
> 55.00
> 41441
> RUGER: ITS A WAFER,WAFFLE ALL NATURAL CHOCOLATE 1.6oz 3/48
> 22
> 2/28/2015
> 55.00
> 41443
> RUGER: ITS A WAFER,WAFFLE ALL NATURAL HAZELNUT 1.6oz 3/48
> 7
> 2/28/2015
> 55.00
> 41442
> RUGER: ITS A WAFER,WAFFLE ALL NATURAL VANILLA 1.6oz 3/48
> 17
> 2/28/2015
> 55.00
> 12836
> PARAMOUNT FARMS: ^WONDERFUL PISTACHIOS 1.0oz 96ct
> 5
> 2/18/2015
> 20.00
> 580885
> OCEAN SPRAY BLUEBERRY CRAISINS 1.16oz 200ct
> 10
> 2/20/2015
> 35.00
> 20037
> KELLOGG'S: ELFIN CRACKERS 2.13oz 60ct
> 5
> 2/21/2015
> 10.00
> 8998
> KAR NUT: ^SALTED ALMONDS 3.0oz 42ct
> 4
> 5/15/2015
> 38.00
> 8308
> HERR'S: GOOD NATURE BAKED MULTIGRAIN TUSCAN GARDEN 1.0oz 30ct
> 10
> 2/27/2015
> 8.00
> 44439
> FRITO: LSS SMARTFOOD WHITE CHEDDAR POPCORN 1oz 64ct
> 25
> 2/24/2015
> 18.00
> 630
> G.H. CRETORS: JUST THE CHEESE POPCORN 1.25oz 24ct
> 7
> 2/22/2015
> 9.00
> 11189
> GARDETTO: REDUCED FAT ORIGINAL SNACK MIX 1.65oz 60ct
> 11
> 2/28/2015
> 21.00
> 103910
> LANCE: WAFFLE CUT SEA SALT KETTLE 1.25oz 42
> 7
> 2/21/2015
> 10.00
> 36096
> FRITO: DORITOS REDUCED FAT COOL RANCH 1.0oz 72ct
> 8
> 2/24/2015
> 15.00
> 000712
> RUDOLPH: HOT PORK RINDS .875oz 60ct
> 4
> 2/27/2015
> 18.00
> 260631
> SNAK KING: BAJA LIMON TORTILLA CHIPS 1.5oz 60ct
> 27
> 3/04/2015
> 19.00
> 105123
> SNYDERS: SWEET & SALTY SALTED CARAMEL PRETZEL 2.0oz 60ct
> 27
> 2/28/2014
> 21.00
> 55552
> BUDDYS: *HAM & AMERICAN CHEESE CROISSANT 5oz 12ct
> 33
> FROZEN
> 17.00
> 101051
> LANDSHIRE: ^*BIG DADDY HAM & CHEESE 6.0oz 12ct
> 10
> FROZEN
> 23.00
> MBS
> HANDGARDS: GLOVE WITH MICROBAN - OEG-MB10/100S
> 24
> N/A
> 37.00
> 21388252
> ATLANTIC MILLS: ^KERRI KLEAN WHITE WIPER 14.6X13.5 150CT
> 7
> N/A
> 35.00
> 21380104
> ATLANTIC MILLS: WHITE WIPER NON-WOVEN 14.6X13.5 500CT
> 26
> N/A
> 40.00
> 18208916
> R3 CHICAGO: ^COZY CUP HOLDER For ER7 12CT
> 20
> N/A
> 3.00
> 12508084
> R3 CHICAGO: ^DART SQUAT FOAM CUP 4.0oz 1000ct
> 12
> N/A
> 12.00
> 21388252
> ATLANTIC MILLS: ^KERRI KLEAN WHITE WIPER 14.6X13.5 150CT
> 7
> N/A
> 35.00
> 13400023
> R3 CHICAGO: ^CARRY TRAY 250CT
> 26
> N/A
> 31.00
> 34780122
> GENPAK: ^BLACK FOAM BOWL 12.0oz 1000ct
> 20
> N/A
> 30.00
> 34780146
> GENPAK: BLACK LAMINATED FOAM PLATE 8.875 500ct
> 7
> N/A
> 28.00
> 34780148
> GENPAK: ^OVAL PLATTER 500CT
> 16
> N/A
> 30.00
> 34784030
> EXTRA LARGE HOAGIE CONTAINER 13-3/16 X 4-1/2 X 3-1/8 200CT
> 35
> N/A
> 40.00
> 34780176
> GENPAK: ^HINGED 1 COMPT CONT. *LARGE* 9-1/4 X 9-1/4 X 3 200CT
> 37
> N/A
> 20.00
> SMR8
> INT PAPER: MANUAL HOT CUP AVANTI 8oz 1000ct
> 11
> N/A
> 49.13
> DMR16P
> INT PAPER: PEPSI COLD DRINK CUP 16.0oz 1000ct
> 7
> N/A
> 50.31
> <applewebdata://F72A2B02-8219-4990-BDE1-D1DEFA46DAEE>
>
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro
>
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502
> Chicago, IL 60604
> (630)234-4444
>
>
> 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.
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