<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:24pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The
finish line is in sight \u2014 but we need one final push.</span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">As I shared in my last update, Representative Livingston
has committed to including SB1001&#39;s $1,000,000 appropriation for the Older
Blind program in the final state budget, and we have been actively engaging
with the Governor&#39;s office. That is incredible progress \u2014 and it is a direct
result of your advocacy.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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 \u2014 only to have the appropriation pulled out at
the last minute. We cannot let that happen again.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:24pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">ACTION
NEEDED THIS WEEK</span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Please send TWO brief emails \u2014 one to House Speaker Steve
Montenegro and one to Senate President Warren Petersen \u2014 urging them to ensure
that SB1001&#39;s $1,000,000 appropriation for the Older Blind program is included
in the final budget agreement.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">This will take less than five minutes, and it matters
enormously.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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 \u2014 those personal touches make a real
difference.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Please also CC me on all emails so I can track our
campaign: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:jmoon@saavi.us" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">jmoon@saavi.us</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">EMAIL
#1 \u2014 HOUSE SPEAKER STEVE MONTENEGRO</span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Email: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:SMontenegro@azleg.gov" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">SMontenegro@azleg.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Subject: Please Include SB1001 in the Final Budget \u2013 $1M
for the Older Blind Program</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Speaker Montenegro,</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">I am writing to respectfully urge you to ensure that the
$1,000,000 appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program
\u2014 as provided in SB1001 \u2014 is included in the final state budget agreement.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">This funding would restore resources to a program that has
not received a meaningful funding increase in over fourteen years, despite
Arizona&#39;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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">[Add 1\u20132 sentences about why this matters to you
personally.]</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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&#39;s seniors. I respectfully ask that you champion this funding as the
budget is finalized.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Thank you for your service to Arizona.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sincerely,<br>
[Your Name]<br>
[Your City, Arizona]</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">EMAIL
#2 \u2014 SENATE PRESIDENT WARREN PETERSEN</span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Email: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:WPetersen@azleg.gov" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">WPetersen@azleg.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Subject: Please Include SB1001 in the Final Budget \u2013 $1M
for the Older Blind Program</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Senate President Petersen,</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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&#39;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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">[Add 1\u20132 sentences about why this matters to you
personally.]</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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&#39;s blind seniors finally crosses
the finish line after four years of advocacy. I respectfully ask that you
advocate for SB1001&#39;s inclusion in the final budget.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Thank you for your continued leadership and support.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sincerely,<br>
[Your Name]<br>
[Your City, Arizona]</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:24pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">FACT
SHEET \u2014 KEY TALKING POINTS FOR SB1001</span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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:</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 Approximately 178,000 blind and low vision individuals
live in Arizona. More than 40% \u2014 approximately 72,000 people \u2014 are over the age
of 65. This population is expected to double by 2030.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 The OIB program has not received a meaningful funding
increase since a $500,000 budget cut in 2009 \u2014 more than fourteen years of flat
funding despite significant population growth.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022 This is a targeted, cost-effective investment that
reduces long-term public expenditures and supports personal independence.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">THANK YOU</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sincerely,</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Jordan Moon<br>
1st Vice-President/Legislative Director<br>
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona<br>
(951) 316-5363 | </span><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:jmoon@saavi.us" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">jmoon@saavi.us</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Mark Feliz<br>NFBA. East Valley Chapter member<br>Cell: 480-560-0641<br>LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT</div></div></div>