[Nfbc-info] Fw: National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops

[Mary Willows]

----- Original Message ----- 
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:13 AM
Subject: National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops


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.