[Nfbc-info] FYI FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert and Call to Action

[Michael Hingson]

All,

 

This is something I urge you to take seriously. Please follow Parnell's
instructions below. Thanks. 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

 

Michael Hingson

 

 

From: Nfbnet-members-list [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Diggs, Parnell via Nfbnet-members-list
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 9:10 AM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert and Call to Action
Importance: High

 

 
 
Dear Colleagues:
 
As you know, a budget deal between the White House and the outgoing Speaker
of the House, John Boehner, was reached earlier this week. The bill, which
passed the House last evening by a vote of 266 to 167, includes provisions
which will impact the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
The National Federation of the Blind does not have a position on the bill as
a whole, but we definitely have feelings about those parts of the bill
dealing with SSDI issues.
 
If no action is taken, the SSDI Trust Fund will be insolvent by December of
2016, resulting in a 20 percent across-the-board cut in benefits. This
legislation would guarantee the solvency of the SSDI Trust Fund through
2022. We find this aspect of the bill to be extremely helpful.
 
SSDI Provisions
 
As part of a demonstration project, the Social Security Administration will
select a subgroup (the size of the subgroup is not prescribed in the
legislation) from among all SSDI beneficiaries to participate in a benefit
offset earnings test. The demonstration project is strictly voluntary.
Participants in this voluntary demonstration project would not be subject to
the $1,820 earnings limit, but rather to a $2-for-$1 phase-out of benefits.
This is what we have been asking for, but here's the rub-the phase-out will
start at $810 and will be based upon Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
under this legislation. If you claim IRWE totaling $810 or less, your
benefit offset would start at $810. On the other hand, if you claim between
$811 and $1,820 in IRWE, your $2-for-$1 phase-out of benefits will start at
your IRWE amount.
 
Call to Action
 
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R.1314) is now headed to the Senate.
Please call your senators today, either directly to their offices, or
through the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and ask
them to support two edits (which might be thought of as technical
amendments) to the SSDI provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.
 
1.     Amend Section 822 so that SSDI beneficiaries can participate in the
demonstration project upon request. 
2.     Amend Section 823 by replacing all references to the term "Impairment
Related Work Expenses" for blind beneficiaries with the term "Blind Work
Expenses," which are broader, more favorable, and are already available in
the SSI program.
 
All state presidents and Federation leaders should set the example and make
the calls to their senators, keeping in mind that this item is very
time-sensitive. Please call me with any questions using the below contact
information.
 
As always, fellow Federationists, thanks for all you do.
 
Very sincerely,
 
Parnell Diggs, Esq.
Director of Government Affairs
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Office: (410) 659-9314, extension 2222
Mobile: (843) 267-2018
Email: pdiggs at nfb.org
Twitter: @NFB_Voice
  @ParnellDiggs
 
The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.
 
Make a gift <https://nfb.org/make-gift>  to the National Federation of the
Blind and help ensure all blind Americans live the lives they want.
 

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