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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi You All<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Below is the text from a message that Carlos Servan just posted to those who helped with NCBVI Getting more funding for the older blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Good morning staff and commissioners:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I would like to share some good news that is much needed at our agency. The Appropriations Committee has recommended our budget increase for the Older Blind services in its totality. The committee also recommended the increase to cover the salaries and benefits that was not cover by the Federal grant. This recommendation still needs to go to the floor of the Unicameral and then sign by the Governor. Normally both the unicameral floor and the Governor support the Appropriations Committee recommendation unless there is a big controversy. We are a small agency and there should not be any controversies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you for the great job you do making a big difference in the life of blind Nebraskans. Several former clients came to testify and their life stories was genuine and sincere reflecting the quality services we provide. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for all your hard work, dedication, passion, support to each other, and understanding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Carlos R. Serván, J.D.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Executive Director<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>402-471-8104<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Empowering Blind Individuals, Promoting Opportunities and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Building Belief in the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>