From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Wed Apr  1 14:11:36 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2026 07:11:36 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] Attention! call to action!
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjGCLwuesH6nuQRmOzVOhiih1ETCw+EnHJFCMC2yLuGDgA@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Federation Family,

We need your help—RIGHT NOW.

For the third year in a row, we are fighting to pass SB1001, which provides
$1,000,000 in funding for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program
in Arizona.

[image: ✅] The bill has PASSED the Senate
[image: ⚠️] It is now assigned to House committees—but NO HEARING has been
scheduled

This is the critical moment.
If we don’t act, the bill can stall and die without ever being heard.

[image: ✅] TAKE ACTION (3–5 MINUTES TOTAL)

Please send TWO quick emails:

1. One to House Appropriations (to demand a hearing)
2. One to Senate Appropriations (to keep pressure on)

[image: 📩] EMAIL #1 — HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS (MOST IMPORTANT)

[image: 👉] Goal: Get SB1001 scheduled for a hearing

Step 1: Copy these emails into BCC:

LAustin at azleg.gov; WBlackman at azleg.gov; SBlattman at azleg.gov; LDiaz at azleg.gov
; NGutierrez at azleg.gov; NKupper at azleg.gov; CLopez at azleg.gov;
QNguyen at azleg.gov; JOlson at azleg.gov; TRivero at azleg.gov; MSandoval at azleg.gov
; SSHamilton at azleg.gov; STravers at azleg.gov; KVolk at azleg.gov; MWay at azleg.gov
; JWeninger at azleg.gov; JWilloughby at azleg.gov; MGress at azleg.gov;
DLivingston at azleg.gov

[image: ✉️] COPY & SEND THIS EMAIL:

Subject: Schedule a Hearing for SB1001

Dear Representative,

I am writing to respectfully urge you to schedule and support a hearing for
SB1001 in the House Appropriations Committee.

This bill provides $1,000,000 in funding for the Older Individuals Who Are
Blind (OIB) Program, which helps older blind Arizonans gain the skills they
need to live independently.

SB1001 has already passed the Senate and is now awaiting action in the
House. Without a hearing, this critical legislation cannot move forward.

[Add 1–2 sentences about why this matters to you.]

I respectfully ask that you:

- Support scheduling a hearing for SB1001
- Vote in favor of this important funding

Thank you for your time and service to Arizona.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City]

[image: 📩] EMAIL #2 — SENATE APPROPRIATIONS

[image: 👉] Goal: Keep pressure on and encourage advocacy with the House

Step 1: Copy these emails into BCC:

LAlslton at azleg.gov; HAngius at azleg.gov; MEpstein at azleg.gov;
BFernandez at azleg.gov; MFinchem at azleg.gov; LKuby at azleg.gov; VLeach at azleg.gov
; CWerner at azleg.gov; JKavanagh at azleg.gov; DFarnsworth at azleg.gov

[image: ✉️] COPY & SEND THIS EMAIL:

Subject: Continue Supporting SB1001

Dear Senator,

Thank you for supporting SB1001 and helping it pass the Senate.

This bill provides $1,000,000 in funding for the Older Individuals Who Are
Blind (OIB) Program, which is critical to helping older blind Arizonans
live independently.

SB1001 is now in the House but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

[Add 1–2 sentences about why this matters to you.]

I respectfully ask that you:

- Continue to advocate for SB1001
- Encourage your colleagues in the House to move this bill forward

Thank you again for your leadership and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City]

[image: 💡] QUICK TIP

Use the BCC field when sending emails so you can contact multiple
legislators at once.

For best impact, send emails in small batches (3–5 at a time).

[image: 🔥] WHY THIS MATTERS

If we don’t get a hearing, the bill stops here.

This is our moment to act—together.

Let’s make sure SB1001 gets heard.

Please let me know if you need any assistance.

In Federation,

Jordan Moon

(951) 316-5363



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter President
NFBA. Affiliate Board member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 989 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 766 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 862 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0002.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 862 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0003.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 1180 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0004.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 670 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0005.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 766 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0006.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 670 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0007.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 989 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0008.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 1664 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0009.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/png
Size: 2751 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260401/029008d4/attachment-0010.png>

From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Sat Apr  4 01:30:16 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2026 18:30:16 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] legislative letter from Jordan moon april
 3, 2026
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjFGVnPicZ0Mw3Vr74cEsPkWHVTL1MyXUKe9eWgvo2u=Ag@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Federation Family,

I’m excited to share a meaningful update on SB1001.

We recently learned from our lobbyist, Ted Vogt, that both appropriations
chairs—Senator Farnsworth and Representative Livingston—are on board with
SB1001, and Representative Livingston has committed to including it in the
final state budget. This is a major step forward and reflects the strength
of our collective advocacy.

Many of you took time to send emails, speak up, and share why this bill
matters—and it made a difference. Our advocacy in the Senate, particularly
in Appropriations, left a strong impression. Legislators heard our voices
and recognized our commitment.

At this point, it is likely that SB1001 will not be heard in House
committees, and we are pausing the current email campaign for now.

However, this is not the end—it’s a critical transition point.

As the budget process continues, we are preparing for the next phase of
advocacy, which will focus on key decision-makers involved in final
negotiations. We will be reaching out again when that time comes.

For now, thank you. Your voices helped move this forward.

Let’s stay ready and continue building on this momentum.

In Federation,

Jordan Moon

1st Vice-President/Legislative Director

National Federation of the Blind of Arizona

(951) 316-5363



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter President
NFBA. Affiliate Board member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260403/69abb5f6/attachment.htm>

From megsvending at gmail.com  Tue Apr  7 16:39:42 2026
From: megsvending at gmail.com (Megan Homrighausen)
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2026 09:39:42 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] April Braille Club
Message-ID: <50D04F5D-67B1-44C8-BCDC-2D19D629A38E@gmail.com>

Dear East Valley Chapter,

It’s time for Braille club again.

Please join us to play Uno. If you don’t know how to play, come and learn.

Where: Megan’s house 4158 East Hope Circle in Mesa

When: April 13th From 5pm to 7pm we will play Uno and eat some pizza.

Prizes will be given away to the winners. 

We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
Megan Homrighausen
East Valley Chapter President NFBA

From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Fri Apr 10 00:55:00 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2026 17:55:00 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] legislative update April 9 2026
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjFbvT9zL0hqT1jD6nZm+yWGj1MM5MOu+Q5swyHtYLYMFA@mail.gmail.com>

A message from Jordan Moon:

Dear Federation Family,

I hope this message finds you all well! As we move into the second quarter
of 2026, I wanted to share a comprehensive update on where things stand
both here in Arizona and at the federal level. There is a lot happening,
and as always, your engagement makes all the difference.



ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE



SB1001: OLDER BLIND PROGRAM APPROPRIATION

First, thank you — again — for everything you have done on SB1001. As I
shared last week, both appropriations chairs are on board, and
Representative Livingston has committed to including the $1,000,000
appropriation for the Older Blind program in the final state budget. That
is a direct result of your voices and your advocacy.

We are now entering the next phase. We are actively engaging with the
Governor's office, and we will soon be sending out a call to action asking
members to contact the House Speaker and Senate President to urge them to
keep this funding in the final budget. We are in the home stretch — please
be on the lookout for that message and be ready to act when it arrives.



SB1690: BLIND AND LOW VISION VOTERS; ELECTRONIC VOTING ACCESS

This is an election year, and voting access for blind Arizonans has never
been more important. SB1690 aims to ensure that blind voters have full
access to electronic ballots and electronic ballot return — critical tools
for truly independent and private voting.

At this time, the bill appears to have stalled in the Senate Judiciary and
Elections Committee and has not advanced further this session. We are
disappointed by that, but we are not done pushing. Accessible, independent
voting is a right, not a privilege, and we will continue to advocate for
this legislation and engage with election officials directly.

We are proud to give a special shout-out to our Tucson Chapter, who have
done fantastic work engaging in direct conversations with the Pima County
Recorder's office on this very issue. That kind of local,
relationship-based advocacy is exactly what moves the needle, and we are
grateful for their efforts on the ground.



SB1577: WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY AS PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

SB1577 addresses a critical issue for our community: ensuring that websites
are treated as places of public accommodation under Arizona law, rather
than being allowed to operate as private entities exempt from accessibility
requirements. For blind Arizonans who rely on screen readers and other
assistive technology, an inaccessible website is the same as a locked front
door.

This bill was referred to the Senate Government Institutions Committee and
has not moved further this session. We are monitoring its progress closely.
Accessible websites are not a luxury — they are a necessity, and we will
continue to advocate for this standard to be enshrined in Arizona law.



SB1824: BLINDNESS COMPENSATORY SKILLS; TEACHING CERTIFICATES

SB1824, sponsored by our ally Senator David Farnsworth, addresses
certification requirements for instructors who teach blindness compensatory
skills across the state. Ensuring that qualified, credentialed
professionals are available to serve blind and low vision Arizonans is
essential to the independence and opportunity our community deserves.

Many of you will remember that Senator Farnsworth was the proud recipient
of the Legislative Ally Award at our 2025 NFB of Arizona Legislative
Seminar during our state convention — an honor he earned in part through
his tremendous work helping us update Arizona's Braille standards last
year. We are grateful for his continued partnership and dedication to our
community.

We are still working to add amendment language to SB1824 that would
strengthen the bill further. If that is not possible before the session
closes, we are committed to working with Senator Farnsworth's office to
come back in 2027 with everything we need. This work will get done.



FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE



RECONCILIATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US

On the federal side, our national office has an important spring advocacy
push underway, and I want to make sure our members are informed and
prepared.

As you may have seen in the news, Congress is currently considering a
second budget reconciliation package. Reconciliation is a special
legislative process that allows certain bills to move through the Senate
without being subject to a filibuster — meaning it can pass with 51 votes
rather than the 60 typically required. This is a significant and
time-sensitive opportunity for our movement.

The national office believes there are real opportunities to include two
critical pieces of legislation in this package:

The Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA), which would make assistive
technology more affordable and accessible for blind Americans.

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, which would remove barriers that
currently discourage blind individuals from entering or returning to the
workforce.

It is worth noting that Arizona does not currently have any sponsors on
either of these bills, which makes the engagement of our members with their
representatives all the more important. You will be receiving action alerts
from the national office with specific steps you can take. When those
alerts arrive, please act promptly — timely responses from constituents
truly move the needle with congressional offices.



CLOSING

Thank you for all that you do for blind Arizonans and across the nation.
The work you do matters deeply, and it shows in the progress we continue to
make together.

In Federation,

Jordan Moon
1st Vice-President/Legislative Director
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260409/14fc39eb/attachment.htm>

From megsvending at gmail.com  Wed Apr 15 16:06:38 2026
From: megsvending at gmail.com (Megan Homrighausen)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:06:38 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] East Valley Chapter Meeting April 2026
Message-ID: <4289D7B5-E90E-439B-8FE9-835E80F3815A@gmail.com>

Hello East Valley Chapter,

It is time again for our East Valley Chapter meeting. I hope you all can attend.
The meeting will be held this Saturday, April 18th from 12;30pm to 3pm.
We will be discussing our fundraiser as well as attend to our chapter business. 

We will meet at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center located at 655 E Southern Avenue Tempe AZ 85282

The meeting will be held from 12:30pm to 3pm. If you would like to come and socialise, the room will be open at 12pm. Please check at the front desk to see which room we will be in. 

Joe will bring the coffee. 

After the meeting we will meet at Culvers	, located at 630 E Southern Avenue in Tempe. 



Here is the information to join from zoom:



Mark Feliz is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 
Topic: NFBA East Valley chapter meeting for April 18, 2026

Time: Apr 18, 2026 12:30 PM Arizona

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6333120538?pwd=DKreTqFOAM3UOMxbJc3Lc4qaT9sL7O.1&omn=88157232687

 
View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion

https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=baa17b88-d440-4f12-afec-c22da78f46f8

 
Meeting ID: 633 312 0538

Passcode: 3278

 
---

 
One tap mobile

+13052241968,,6333120538#,,,,*3278# US

+13126266799,,6333120538#,,,,*3278# US (Chicago)

 
Join instructions

https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/88157232687/invitations?signature=W4UShlBH3YuNaEXxQsaxCVqdAORPBWPV7OrGvO5IBDw

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260415/6ceae7a7/attachment.htm>

From megsvending at gmail.com  Fri Apr 17 03:22:32 2026
From: megsvending at gmail.com (Megan Homrighausen)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:22:32 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] Belief Statement And One Minute Message
 NFB
Message-ID: <7EB191CC-7231-4C13-8214-7E16E7A32C94@gmail.com>

Dear East Valley Chapter and Friends

Thank you to Joe Sizemore for sending this over to be sent out. It is very important for us to know the One Minute Message and Belief Statement of the National Federation Of The Blind. Therefore, we are sending it out for your review. Each month at the chapter meeting I will pick a member to read the Belief Statement until we can memorise it.

NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution. 
NFB One-Minute Message
The Belief Message
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.	

Thank you so much

Megan Homrighausen
East Valley Chapter President
NFBA
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260416/b51adbe0/attachment.htm>

From mattmazak.1 at netzero.net  Sat Apr 18 08:55:08 2026
From: mattmazak.1 at netzero.net (mattmazak.1 at netzero.net)
Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:55:08 GMT
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] Fw: Mesa Adaptive Recreation - Sponsorship
 Opportunities!
Message-ID: <20260418.015508.15917.2@webmail02.vgs.untd.com>



Please note: forwarded message attached

From: Joshua Underwood <Joshua.Underwood at mesaaz.gov>
To: Undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Mesa Adaptive Recreation - Sponsorship Opportunities!
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:34:53 +0000

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
Hey Friends of Mesa Adaptive Recreation!

We have a new sponsorship packet for our Adaptive Recreation programs. We are currently seeking sponsors for our programs to help offset the rising costs of Adaptive Recreation. Sponsors can help play a vital role in keeping our programs affordable and accessible to everyone by helping reduce the costs of registration, equipment/uniform purchases, or programming needs. We have many ways for sponsors to help through this packet at varying levels of involvement. We are also now set up to take donations directly if anyone would like to support that way. Money can be directly given to the Adaptive programs and can be directed to use explicitly for our needs. While this is not a tax-deductible donation, this support goes directly to our participants and their programs. Please take a look at the sponsorship packet and share with anyone that might be able to support us. Feel free to send any questions, suggestions, or concerns you have about this new sponsorship packet my way!

Mesa Adaptive Recreation - Sponsorship Packet<https://www.mesaaz.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/activities-culture/prcf/sponsors/adaptive-sponsorship-deck_compressed.pdf>

Thank you,

Josh Underwood
Recreation Programmer | Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
P.O. Box 1466 | Mail Stop 7010 | Mesa, AZ  85211
T: 480.644.5777  | C: 480.261.3911 | www.mesaparks.com<http://www.mesaparks.com/>

[cid:image001.jpg at 01DCCE73.C8A2DDF0]       [cid:image002.png at 01DCCE73.C8A2DDF0]        [cid:image003.png at 01DCCE73.C8A2DDF0]

Subscribe to our Adaptive Newsletter<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZMESA/subscriber/new?qsp=CODE_RED> for the latest news and program insights!
Select "Adaptive Recreation" under the Parks & Recreation subscription topics.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 4162 bytes
Desc: image001.jpg
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 15647 bytes
Desc: image002.png
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 12559 bytes
Desc: image003.png
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: adaptive-sponsorship-deck_compressed.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 4970575 bytes
Desc: adaptive-sponsorship-deck_compressed.pdf
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260418/d7466f8f/attachment.pdf>

From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Mon Apr 20 15:48:07 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:48:07 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] legislative alert,
 blind americans back to work act
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjGFWiZ4L1Nn8MsehdRhm6ekMOvK_sfpGWW+uRwLEBCfpA@mail.gmail.com>

Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334

Friday, April 17, 2026

The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans, urges the members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate to cosponsor the Blind Americans Return to
Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334.

This bill will help eliminate the Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) earnings cliff by instituting a two-for-one phase out of benefits
where every two dollars earned over the substantial gainful activity
threshold will cause a one-dollar reduction in a beneficiary’s monthly
payment.

Blind Americans Return to Work Act

The SSDI benefits program contains an earnings cliff that hinders blind
individuals from achieving the American dream. This is, in effect, a
penalty imposed on blind Americans when they work. Under current law, if a
blind worker earns more than the substantial gainful activity threshold,
even by just one dollar, they are not entitled to any benefits.

This causes blind employees to sometimes choose to remain unemployed,
refuse promotions, or limit the number of hours we work to prevent the loss
of our benefits. The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334
will solve this problem by creating a gradual phaseout where employees
would effectively give back one dollar of our benefits for every two
dollars we earn over the substantial gainful activity threshold.

As of right now, we have 39 cosponsors in the House:
Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17] – SPONSOR
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]
Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]
Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5]
Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2]
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]
Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2]
Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]
Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]
Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8]
Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]
Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]
Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6]
Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

The Senate has one cosponsor aside from the bill sponsor:
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] – SPONSOR
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]

If you did not read your representative or senator’s name on the above
list, please contact their office and urge them to cosponsor the Blind
Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334. Also, please keep in mind
that while any cosponsor is helpful, it is especially helpful to gain
cosponsors from the majority party. At this time, the Republican party has
a majority in both the House and Senate, so please make it a point to reach
out to Republican members of Congress.

We are hoping that a large surge of cosponsor support will give the bill a
big momentum boost that will increase the chance of being included in one
of the large legislative vehicles that are coming up. To do that, we need
your help to spread the message of increased earnings potential and
decreased dependence on government benefits to all members of Congress who
have not yet signed onto the bill. We are asking that you call or email
your representative and ask them to cosponsor the Blind Americans Return to
Work Act.

When you call or email you might say:

"My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to
support the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, [H.R. 1175/S. 4334]. This
bill will eliminate the SSDI earnings cliff and incentivize more blind
Americans to work in higher-paying and more productive jobs, which will in
turn reduce dependence upon government benefits over time. Please cosponsor
the Blind Americans Return to Work Act."

We suggest a subject like: "Help get more blind Americans back to work by
cosponsoring [H.R. 1175/S. 4334]."

To find the contact information for your specific representative or
senator’s office, please see their names at the end of this message.

If you email, please copy Jesse Shirek at jshirek at nfb.org.

Arizona Senate and Represenatives:



Senator Ruben Gallego; Democratic; jonathan_tsentas at gallego.senate.gov;
202-224-4521



Senator Mark Kelly; Democratic; katie_campbell at kelly.senate.gov;
202-224-2235



AZ         03; Representative Yassamin Ansari; Democratic;
paniz.rezaeerod at mail.house.gov;
202-225-4065



AZ-05; Representative Andy Biggs; Republican; logan.wolfe1 at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2635





AZ-06; Representative Juan Ciscomani; Republican; alex.fink at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2542


AZ-02; Representative Eli Crane; Republican; derrick.miller at mail.house.gov;
202-225-3361



AZ-09; Representative; Paul Gosar; Republican; macayle.fuchs at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2315



AZ-07; Representative Adelita Grijalva; Democratic;
kelsey.mishkin at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2435



AZ-08; Representative Abe Hamadeh; Republican;
cameron.erickson at mail.house.gov;
202-225-4576



AZ-01; Representative David Schweikert; Republican;
john.quinn at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2190


AZ-04; Representative Greg Stanton; Democratic;
michelle.schein at mail.house.gov; 202-225-9888

-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260420/030c7d77/attachment.htm>

From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Wed Apr 22 16:44:06 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:44:06 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] legislative alert, sb1001 final push
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjFBDqEoEFP7-OL3OTYr-Naks3qxA7OCFJPSSZ2G9+1izA@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Federation Family,

*The finish line is in sight — but we need one final push.*

As I shared in my last update, Representative Livingston has committed to
including SB1001's $1,000,000 appropriation for the Older Blind program in
the final state budget, and we have been actively engaging with the
Governor's office. That is incredible progress — and it is a direct result
of your advocacy.

But we are not done yet. The budget is now in final negotiations, and we
need to make sure that SB1001 is not lost or dropped in the final stretch.
We have been fighting for this funding for four years. Last year, we came
agonizingly close — only to have the appropriation pulled out at the last
minute. We cannot let that happen again.



*ACTION NEEDED THIS WEEK*

Please send TWO brief emails — one to House Speaker Steve Montenegro and
one to Senate President Warren Petersen — urging them to ensure that
SB1001's $1,000,000 appropriation for the Older Blind program is included
in the final budget agreement.

This will take less than five minutes, and it matters enormously.

Template emails and contact information are included below. As always,
please add one or two personal sentences about why this issue matters to
you or someone you know — those personal touches make a real difference.

PLEASE ATTACH THE FACT SHEET included with this email to both messages
before sending. It provides legislators with key data and context that can
make a powerful impression.

Please also CC me on all emails so I can track our campaign: jmoon at saavi.us



*EMAIL #1 — HOUSE SPEAKER STEVE MONTENEGRO*

Email: SMontenegro at azleg.gov

Subject: Please Include SB1001 in the Final Budget – $1M for the Older
Blind Program

Dear Speaker Montenegro,

I am writing to respectfully urge you to ensure that the $1,000,000
appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program — as
provided in SB1001 — is included in the final state budget agreement.

The National Federation of the Blind of Arizona has been advocating to
secure this funding for four years. Last year, we came heartbreakingly
close, only to have the appropriation pulled from the budget at the last
minute.

This funding would restore resources to a program that has not received a
meaningful funding increase in over fourteen years, despite Arizona's
rapidly growing aging population. Approximately 72,000 Arizonans over the
age of 65 are blind or have low vision, and that number is expected to
double by 2030. Without timely access to independent living services, many
blind seniors are forced to leave their homes prematurely, increasing
reliance on far more costly state-funded alternatives such as assisted
living and nursing home care.

[Add 1–2 sentences about why this matters to you personally.]

I have attached a fact sheet with additional information about the OIB
program and the impact of this investment. Investing $1,000,000 in the
Older Blind program is smart, cost-effective, and the right thing to do for
Arizona's seniors. I respectfully ask that you champion this funding as the
budget is finalized.

Thank you for your service to Arizona.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, Arizona]



*EMAIL #2 — SENATE PRESIDENT WARREN PETERSEN*

Email: WPetersen at azleg.gov

Subject: Please Include SB1001 in the Final Budget – $1M for the Older
Blind Program

Dear Senate President Petersen,

I am writing to thank you and your colleagues for your support of SB1001 as
it passed the Senate, and to respectfully urge you to ensure that the
$1,000,000 appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB)
Program is preserved in the final budget agreement.

The National Federation of the Blind of Arizona has been advocating to
secure this funding for four years. Last year, we came heartbreakingly
close, only to have the appropriation pulled from the budget at the last
minute. With your help, we are determined not to let that happen again.

This funding addresses a critical and longstanding gap in services for
blind seniors across Arizona. The OIB program has not received a meaningful
funding increase since a $500,000 cut in 2009, while Arizona's aging blind
population has continued to grow significantly. Average waiting lists now
exceed 200 blind seniors, with wait times often lasting a year or longer.

[Add 1–2 sentences about why this matters to you personally.]

I have attached a fact sheet with additional information about the OIB
program and the impact of this investment. With your leadership, we can
ensure that this investment in Arizona's blind seniors finally crosses the
finish line after four years of advocacy. I respectfully ask that you
advocate for SB1001's inclusion in the final budget.

Thank you for your continued leadership and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, Arizona]



*FACT SHEET — KEY TALKING POINTS FOR SB1001*

The attached fact sheet contains all of the key data points below and is
ready to attach to your emails. Here is a quick summary of the most
important facts:

• Approximately 178,000 blind and low vision individuals live in Arizona.
More than 40% — approximately 72,000 people — are over the age of 65. This
population is expected to double by 2030.

• The OIB program has not received a meaningful funding increase since a
$500,000 budget cut in 2009 — more than fourteen years of flat funding
despite significant population growth.

• Independent living services for blind individuals are not covered by
health insurance and are not provided through the medical system. Without
them, blind seniors have no alternative.

• Average waiting lists exceed 200 blind seniors, with wait times often
lasting a year or longer. These delays force many seniors to leave their
homes prematurely.

• With proper training and rehabilitation tools, blind seniors can remain
safely in their homes, maintain independence, and avoid far more costly
alternatives such as assisted living or nursing home care.

• This is a targeted, cost-effective investment that reduces long-term
public expenditures and supports personal independence.



THANK YOU

Four years of advocacy has brought us to this moment. You have already made
a tremendous difference this session, and this final push is our
opportunity to see it all the way through. Please send your emails this
week with the fact sheet attached, and feel free to reach out if you need
any help.

Sincerely,

Jordan Moon
1st Vice-President/Legislative Director
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona
(951) 316-5363 | jmoon at saavi.us



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260422/f45ff794/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Increased State Funding for ILB Services Fact Sheet.docx
Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Size: 94033 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260422/f45ff794/attachment.docx>

From nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com  Mon Apr 27 15:10:49 2026
From: nfb.az.eastvalley at gmail.com (mark feliz)
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:10:49 -0700
Subject: [NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] =?utf-8?q?Legislative_alert=3A_National_?=
	=?utf-8?q?Museum_of_the_Blind_People=E2=80=99s_Movement_Act_take_action?=
Message-ID: 
 <CAP1rvjGuu_v3KinjN5nVgbKYF2JYSZ_PQFTnHvH4QyYa1zZF+Q@mail.gmail.com>

*National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement Act*



The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans, urges the members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate to cosponsor the National Museum of the
Blind People’s Movement Act, H.R. 6467/S. 3371.

This bill will designate the Museum of the Blind People’s Movement as a
national museum officially recognized by the US Congress. The designation
will bring a level of prestige to the facility and cement its legacy as a
national landmark.

*How to Take Action*

· Read the full legislative alert for further details.
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=42805&qid=12539982>

· Call your representative and two senators. To find the contact
information for your specific representative or senators’ office, please
use the information provided below:



Arizona Senate and Representatives:



Senator Ruben Gallego; Democratic; jonathan_tsentas at gallego.senate.gov;
202-224-4521



Senator Mark Kelly; Democratic; katie_campbell at kelly.senate.gov;
202-224-2235



AZ   03; Representative Yassamin Ansari; Democratic;
paniz.rezaeerod at mail.house.gov; 202-225-4065



AZ-05; Representative Andy Biggs; Republican; logan.wolfe1 at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2635





AZ-06; Representative Juan Ciscomani; Republican; alex.fink at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2542


AZ-02; Representative Eli Crane; Republican; derrick.miller at mail.house.gov;
202-225-3361



AZ-09; Representative; Paul Gosar; Republican; macayle.fuchs at mail.house.gov;
202-225-2315



AZ-07; Representative Adelita Grijalva; Democratic;
kelsey.mishkin at mail.house.gov; 202-225-2435



AZ-08; Representative Abe Hamadeh; Republican;
cameron.erickson at mail.house.gov; 202-225-4576



AZ-01; Representative David Schweikert; Republican;
john.quinn at mail.house.gov; 202-225-2190


AZ-04; Representative Greg Stanton; Democratic;
michelle.schein at mail.house.gov; 202-225-9888







· mail your representatives and copy Justin Young at jyoung at nfb.org
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=42795&qid=12539982>

*Sample Script*

“My name is [YOUR NAME] and I want to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to
support the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement Act, [H.R.
6467/S. 3371]. This bill will designate the Museum of the Blind People’s
Movement, to be located at the National Federation of the Blind
headquarters in Baltimore, as a national museum. Please cosponsor the
National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement Act.

We suggest a subject like: “Help us recognize the history of the blind
people’s movement by cosponsoring [H.R. 6467/S. 3371].”



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbaz-eastvalleychapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260427/64ad1963/attachment.htm>

