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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello all,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are partnering with Disability Rights Maryland to make important changes in the MTA budget to help riders who use both public transportation and mobility. We need people to attend the budget hearing on Monday, February 24. We will have transportation if we get enough participants. We will leave from the Jernigan Institute at 1:30 pm because this is a later hearing. The estimated return time is 6 pm. Please send me an email off list if you can come, or call me at 410-715-9596. I need to hear from you by Friday at 4 pm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is the message that we want to deliver to the delegates. 1. Do not cut MTA’s budget. 2. MTA must be required to hire more people to work in the mobility call center. 3. When contractors are penalized for poor service, some of the money from the penalties should be given to the riders who have been inconvenienced. For instance, the riders should get some free trips. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We can all attest to the dismal public and paratransit services. Please show your support for change by attending this hearing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>410-715-9596<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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</span>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>