[nfbmi-talk] Relevant To Michigan: Follow-Up To H.R. 620

[Kane Brolin]

A few days ago, John Paré of our National Office sent out a message
stating that H.R.
620, the ADA Education and Reform Act, will be voted on in committee
over the next week or two.  President Michael Powell forwarded that
advisory to this NFBMI-Talk list.  For those living in the Greater
Detroit area, this presents a unique opportunity to influence the
vote.  This is because H.R. 620 is being considered by the U.S. House
Committee on the Judiciary, which contains two members representing
the state of Michigan.  They are John Conyers (Democrat, District 13)
and Mike Bishop (Republican, District 8).  As an Indiana resident, I
have little to no opportunity for influencing anybody on the Judiciary
Committee, because no Hoosier Congressperson is on that committee.

Here is what Mr. Paré said, in part:

"If passed, this legislation will dramatically weaken the [Americans
with Disabilities Act], hindering education, employment, and community
participation for all people with disabilities.  The bill prevents
people with disabilities from filing a lawsuit regarding
 an ADA violation until the person first notifies the violator. The violator
 then has 60 days to respond and then has another 120 days to remedy the
 problem, for a total delay of 180 days.

" Does it make sense to wait 180 days for accessible instructional material?
 By then, the class will be over. How about waiting 180 days for an
 accessible job application? By then the job will be filled. How about
 waiting 180 days at the doctor’s office for an accessible check in kiosk?
 Furthermore, this legislation will do nothing to stop so called frivolous
 lawsuits which will still be valid under state law. Businesses do not need
 more time to comply with the ADA­they have had twenty-seven years already."

Time is of the essence.  If you're in either District 13 or District 8
in Michigan, write and call Mr. Conyers or Mr. Bishop and point out
that you as an informed person with a disability have political will
and economic power.  Let's not let H.R. 620 get out of committee.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Kane Brolin, President
Michiana Chapter, National Federation of the Blind
Mishawaka, Indiana