[nfbmi-talk] Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

[trising]

Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan January 14, 2013
Quorum, Yes, Larry Posont, Mike Powell, Joe Sontag, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Nick Wilcox,  and Dave Robinson.
Mark Eagle will give a Treasurer's Report at the Quarterly Board Meeting. 
The Quarterly Board Meeting is from 10:00 to 4:00 on January 26.
Presidential Report, The Agency is most likely having an Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday, January 17. An administrative assistant has been added to the Bureau and so has a possible Legal Assistant. Repairs must be approved individually for each building by The Department of Technology Management and Budget. College students are not getting enough money for books. A student had difficulty getting registered for classes. A long discussion occurred about concerns about the Agency. What is being done with the Report Card? The Report Card needs to be rearranged to include four items. These are the general agency: is it transparent and accessible and promoting the right philosophy? The Vocational Rehabilitation aspect, Is there customer driven quality job placements? The Business Enterprise Program: are operators getting the training and support they need along with repairs to their facilities? Newsline will be emphasized. Newsline subscription will be required for every client as they get a new job. We will seek appointments with Legislators Fred is working on a position paper to make people familiar with our issues. No bill has been introduced that reintroduced 6006. When 6006 is reissued we will create a press release.
Washington Seminar, there are four men and one lady attending. Joe and Fred are going to Baltimore for a Legislative Director's Seminar. Send Agenda items to Larry Posont or Terri Wilcox. Larry Posont has received no response to emails regarding Newsline sent to Mr. Rogers. Dave Robinson received a response regarding rules. The agency is not transparent. Four issues that are of concern in the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons are: Training of Staff, jobs, Ada Accessibility, and Business Enterprise Program concerns. Terry Smith extended an offer to come in and do training with the Business Enterprise Program. The Consumer Involvement Council is meeting on January 24. Mike Powell made a motion to Adjourn.