[nfbmi-talk] call to action on highway vending

[Joe Sontag]

All-
Below is a very important email alert which was sent to the NCSAB members and stakeholders
this morning on the latest actions for the commercialization of roadside rest areas.
Time is of the essence and we all must join together immediately and contact Senator
Boxer (202) 224-3553 and Congressman Drier of the House Rules Committee
(202) 225-2305.  You could also call Senator Feinstein's office as well, and send
emails referring to the new Senate Amendment S. 1813.
Thanks to all who are taking the time to make the calls
on this very important issue to thousands of blind
vendors throughout our nation.
Here is the latest alert just put out to NCSAB. Looks like things are moving fast,
and the Senate will likely be where this is won or lost.
Good morning NCSAB members:
We have learned that the plan on the surface transportation reauthorization bill
is for the Senate to move S. 1813 first, and then for the House to take up the Senate
bill. Senator Portman of Ohio continues to push hard for the opportunity to offer
his commercialization amendment - amendment number 1742 to S. 1813 - which would
threaten business opportunities for blind entrepreneurs along federal highways and
have a devastating impact on Randolph-Sheppard programs across the country.
The Senate is poised to move quickly on S. 1813, and it is absolutely vital that
all United States Senators hear from blind vendors, SLAs, and anybody who cares about
the future of business opportunities for the blind as soon as possible. Please call
your Senators today to register your concerns with Portman amendment 1742 to S. 1813,
and pass this message along to your elected committees and consumer organizations
so that they can do the same. Again, we are working in a very tight timeframe, so
contacts will be most effective if made today.
You can reach your Senators' offices by calling the Capitol switchboard at
(202) 225-3121
.
Thank you for your continued efforts to preserve business opportunities for blind
entrepreneurs!
Take care,
Sean
Sean Whalen
Policy Associate
Linchpin Strategies, LLC