[nfb-talk] The Cliff Issue:

Kenneth Chrane kenneth.chrane at verizon.net
Sun Dec 23 11:50:14 UTC 2012


Dear Federationists,
 
There has been a lot of discussion about the upcoming fiscal cliff, a term describing tax increases and spending cuts set to go into effect on January 1, 2013.  Both Republicans and Democrats are expressing grave concerns about the effects going over that cliff will have on our economy and have spent the last few weeks trying to reach a debt reduction agreement.  As they work on coming to a compromise regarding spending cuts, it is important for the blind to understand the gravity of the proposed cuts and the consequences those cuts will have on programs fundamental to disabled Americans.  
 
If we go over the fiscal cliff, approximately $200 billion in federal spending cuts will go into effect.  Included in these cuts are substantial reductions to education, vocational rehabilitation, and other disability service programs.  The effects these cuts will have on disabled Americans will be dramatic.  These programs provide special education, job training assistance, and support services to a population with an unemployment rate over 70 percent.  Blind people want to be independent, productive members of society and these programs are most critical when the financial stability of the country is dependent on Americans getting back to work.  Underfunding education and vocational rehabilitation will have the unintended consequence of forcing more and more disabled Americans onto the rolls of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, prohibiting them from reaching their full potential and putting the burden of their security on taxpayers.  
 
Politicians have warned some budget cuts are expected and necessary, and that entitlement programs are the center of the debate.  One side of this debate is pushing for a complete overhaul or elimination of these programs and the other side is refusing to touch the programs at all.  The NFB needs to be the voice of reason in the debate and advocate for a thorough, comprehensive reform that will allow these programs to better produce the desired outcome of blind Americans living in the community and paying taxes, rather than receiving long-term assistance. This reform might require cuts, but we are confident that widespread, default cuts without any targeted solutions will weaken the already-struggling programs and further underserve a disadvantaged population.  
 
Members of Congress must compromise fast and reach a debt reduction agreement so we do not go over the fiscal cliff and face these impending cuts.  Tell them how important education and vocational rehabilitation are to your independence and financial security.  Democrats and Republicans will understand how essential it is that blind people reach their full employment potential and may be open to a dialogue about more comprehensive reform solutions if we urge them.  Federationists should ensure the voice of the nation's blind is heard during this critical time.  To find your representative's contact information, go to www.house.gov , www.senate.gov, or call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225.3121.  For more information, contact Lauren McLarney at the National Federation of the Blind, (410) 659.9314 ext. 2207.  



Sincerely,

Kenneth Chrane


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