[nfbmi-talk] nfb and restaurant assoc pr

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National Federation of the Blind and National Restaurant Association Urge Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops

 

WASHINGTON -- The

National Federation of the Blind,

the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, and the National Restaurant Association, the largest organization of restaurant owners,

today urged the United States Congress to reject legislation 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. Commercializing rest

stops would also jeopardize the business of restaurants and convenience stores that operate at highway exits.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “This legislation 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, since 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.”

 

Brendan Flanagan, a spokesperson for the National Restaurant Association, said: “This legislation threatens private businesses of all sizes and their employees

who rely on drivers exiting the highway in order to purchase food and conveniences. It is an attempt to take money away from these businesses to fill state

coffers. It is anti-competitive and will kill jobs.”

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Annette Lutz, who operates a vending facility at an interstate rest area on I-75 in Auglaize County, Ohio, said: “I do not know how I will contribute to

supporting my family if this legislation passes, since I rely on the income from the vending machines that I’m permitted to operate to pay our bills and

raise my child. My vending machines can’t compete with state-financed full-service food operations, so my business will disappear. My blind daughter is

also interested in becoming an entrepreneur but if this legislation passes that opportunity will not be there for her. I hope Congress will remember people

like us and shut down this effort to take money away from entrepreneurs and give it to the state government.”

 

The legislation, which is part of a transportation bill being considered in both houses of Congress, has been put forward by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)

and Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-OH). The legislation is also opposed by the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, the National Association

of Convenience Stores (NACS), and the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), among others.

 

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.