[nfbmi-talk] National Federation of the Blind Minutes, December 6, 2012

[trising]

National Federation of the Blind Minutes, December 6, 2012

Quorum, yes Larry Posont, Mike Powell, Joe Sontag, Mark Eagle, Nick Wilcox, Mary Wurtzel,  and Dave Robinson.

The November 1 Minutes were previously sent out by Terri Wilcox. Dave Robinson made a motion to adopt the Minutes from November 1. Mike Powell seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Treasurer's Report, Mary Wurtzel. Currently, the Treasury has $85,726.03. The Newsline Account has $1,283.26 The $20,000 check from Bureau of Services for Blind Persons was cashed by National Federation of the Blind. October beginning Balance is $89,827.79 and the ending balance was $89,512.05 Convention made approximately $500 in surplus. Mike Powell made a motion to adopt the Treasurer's Report. Nick Wilcox seconded the Motion. The Treasurer's Report was approved.

President's Report, Larry Posont. Newsline will soon be shut off since it is not being fully funded. With the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons forwarding 8.5 million last year and 6.5 million this year, there is plenty of money to fund Newsline, and precedent from other states where State agencies  fund Newsline. However, since Newsline is not being fully funded, it will be shut off soon. When Newsline is fully funded, it can be used by clients of the Bureau who are searching for jobs. Newsline should be used for Rehabilitation. If you divide the cost of Newsline by the number of potential subscribers, it divides out like a typical newspaper subscription for each subscriber. We are seeking money from the Legislature for Newsline. It costs $80,000 at a minimum to run Newsline for a state.$30,000 is needed per year to promote Newsline. The Federal Government has already agreed that Newsline can be funded from Rehabilitation dollars. 

A long discussion occurred concerning House Bill 6006 which would exempt  Legislative buildings from the Vending program. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is not in favor of this bill.  

 

The Hilton in Grand Rapids has given the NFB a good proposal for State Convention 2013 with rates of $89.00 per room per night. It is likely state Convention will be there in October. Joe Sontag made a motion to authorize appropriate people to move on the Hilton in Grand Rapids for State Convention. Mike Powell seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Dave Robinson will schedule a Quarterly Board Meeting in Lansing at the end of January. The city of Detroit received our Resolution concerning the despicable state of Paratransit Service for disabled Detroit residents. Influence House of Representatives to pass the Regional Transportation bill for Detroit. Lansing Chapter Christmas Party is December 15 at 4:00 at 212 Loree. Detroit is also having their Christmas party on December 15. Details about attending Washington Seminar will be placed on the list serve. There was a motion made for a men's and women's room, to be paid for by the Affiliate, as well as another motion concerning assistance for Washington Seminar. 

Mary Wurtzel made a motion to adjourn and Mike Powell seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.