[Nfbmo] Blind Pension reduction question

[Eugene S Coulter]

Dear Members,
We, as the NFB, have known about this from the outset as, in this case the Department of Social Services was proactive in laying out the facts. It boils down to that  property tax collections have decreased and these taxes are the sole source of  the money to pay the benefits.
We were instrumental in changing the rule so that two things would happen. First, instead of only getting 10 days notice recipients are given 45 days notice so that we can better prepare for the reduction. Second, instead of taking the entire cut out of one or two checks that it would be spread out over a longer time period. For example had the cut been entirely taken out of June’s check that check would be reduced by  about $200.00  and if they waited until April to begin the reduction it would be about $66.00 a month.  
Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to stop the cuts as they are mandated in the state constitution and Missouri law so all we can do is try and ease the suffering the best we can do by spreading the cuts out as long as possible and giving enough notice so folks can have time to prepare for them.
This cut will almost certainly last through the June checks. July checks will be refigured both by the legislature and by the Department of Social Services. One thing is certain is that we will keep an eye on both the legislature and the budget workings of the Department of Social Services to make sure maximum benefits are paid as allowed by the constitution. 
And to Answer your other question, yes everyone is having their benefits reduced.
Any other questions do not hesitate to ask. I am sending a carbon copy of this message to the Department so they know what we are telling our membership.
Eugene Coulter, Social Services Liaison
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri 

From: Cheryl Meister 
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 6:28 PM
To: escoulter at centurytel.net 
Cc: gwunder at earthlink.net 
Subject: Blind Pension reduction question

So…we got a letter in the mail today saying our Blind Pension benefits were being reduced by $33 a month for each of us. 

Question:

Is everyone’s benefits being reduced and if so, is there anything we, as the NFB, doing or can do about this?

I thought the benefits came out of a secured fund; was I wrong?

Any info would be appreciated. If you’re doing any kind of a newsletter, please add my name to it, if you would, please.

Thanks, Gene.

Cheryl