[nabs-l] National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops

[Chris Nusbaum]

The following is a press release which was sent out today by our 
national center

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
Cdanielsen at nfb.org


National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress
to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops


Transportation Bill Amendment Threatens Livelihood of Hundreds of 
Blind
Entrepreneurs


Baltimore, Maryland (February 14, 2012): The National Federation 
of the
Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind
Americans, today urged the United States Congress to reject an 
amendment
to the proposed American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 
2012
(H.R.  7) that would allow the commercialization of highway rest 
stops.
Currently, the only commercial activity permitted at such rest 
stops is
the operation of vending machines by blind entrepreneurs under 
the
Randolph-Sheppard Act.

Dr.  Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the 
Blind,
said: "This amendment would threaten the livelihoods of hundreds 
of
blind entrepreneurs in the United States who depend on revenue 
from rest
stop vending machines.  With an unemployment rate among blind 
Americans
that exceeds 70 percent, such a move is deeply irresponsible, as 
these
entrepreneurs will lose their businesses and be forced to rely on 
public
assistance.  We urge Congress to reject this ill-considered and 
reckless
proposal."

The amendment, #217, has been put forward by Congressmen Steve
LaTourette (R-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Dennis Kucinich 
(D-OH).
The House Committee on Rules is expected to vote later today on 
whether
to allow the amendment.


###

About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the 
Blind is
the largest and most influential membership organization of blind 
people
in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives 
through
advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs 
encouraging
independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the
blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In 
January
2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute, the first research and training center in the United 
States
for the blind led by the blind.

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