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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following comes from the Governmental Affairs Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Metro Chapter Members,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As users of ride share services likely know, tomorrow, Thursday, August 17, the Minneapolis full city council will take up a proposed city ordinance that would set increased rates of pay for drivers and make other changes. Just as with the similar state legislation that was vetoed by the governor earlier this year, the companies oppose the city measure and say they would have to double ride costs and/or shut down service if it were enacted; supporters say these are just scare tactics from companies resisting regulation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regardless, it will be important for us to watch this here, and wherever it occurs, since it affects our transportation significantly. At the state level, the governor vetoed the legislation and put together a task force to work on the issue. We will have several members at tomorrow's meeting to be at the least a visible reminder of the importance of finding a solution that works for the companies and the people who work for them--and ultimately for us, the riders. All should stay tuned, and we’ll keep you posted for any follow-up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>