[Massachusetts-NFB] April At-Large Chapter Meeting Minutes

[Liz Lesperance]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Attached and pasted below please find the minutes from our most recent
at-large chapter meeting held this past Tuesday.

Stay warm and have a nice weekend!

Thanks,
Liz

**********

The at-large chapter met on Tuesday, April 8th. The meeting began at 6:34PM.

Those in attendance included:

Allen Larkin

Brian Langlois

Cullen Gallagher

Debbie Malone

ElizabethAnn Johnson

Kristina Constant

Liz Lesperance

Mike Karsok

Ren Lovegood

Sandy Burgess

Sengil Inkiala

Shara Winton

Shirley Doris

For our icebreaker we shared something we would like to work on over the
next few months to improve ourselves.

Kristina recited the NFB pledge.

Debbie shared that she is moving to Florida on Sunday. We thanked Debbie
for doing a tremendous job leading this chapter over the past several
years. Debbie has been an asset to our affiliate and will be greatly missed.

Due to Debbie’s departure there is now an opening on the board for the
chapter President. Additionally, the position of Secretary is also
available. We will hold elections during next month’s meeting for both of
these positions.

Cullen put forth a motion to approve the February meeting minutes which
Allen seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. The March meeting
was brief in preparation for the convention.

The treasurer's report was tabled until next month.

Cullen played the abbreviated presidential recording. Highlights include
the following:

·       During the last month, the Medicare telehealth provisions were set
to expire at the end of March. On March 5th a letter was sent to Congress
urging them to extend these benefits. Congress did vote to maintain the
telehealth benefits. They have been extended through the end of September
2025. Further advocacy is needed to extend these benefits as telehealth has
been a great resource for the blind community which faces transportation
issues.

·       Regional library services are facing concerns over federal funding.
The NFB has been in close contact with NLS and urges all NFB members to
reach out to Congress and explain the importance of these programs at the
local level.

·       The SSA announced new policies and drastic cuts which has harmed
individuals with disabilities. Please raise this concern wherever possible.
Additional action will be taken soon. The NFB has joined with other
organizations to sue the SSA regarding their reductions in services that
are negatively impacting the blind.

·       The Access Technology Affordability Act needs more co-sponsors in
the House.

Shara shared her affiliate president's report echoing much of the advocacy
efforts mentioned in the presidential release and highlighted the
importance of contacting our local representatives Inky emphasized that we
have to be on the forefront because these cuts effect our lives directly
and we need these services

Shara made a point to appreciate Debbie for all of her hard work in our
chapter

Debbie noted that the spring cleanup fundraiser was cancelled.

Additionally, Debbie shared that the guide dog group will be meeting soon
so look out for an email from Isabel Rosario.

The meeting adjourned at 7:27PM.
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