[NFBMT] A Reflection on the Special Session

[Jim Marks]

It was a disappointing special session if one hoped for sustaining Montana's human services.  If you believe in smaller government and no new taxes, then the session was successful.  However, there is no doubt that the shrinking of state government will hurt many Montanans.  Our future looks to be one of diminishing services.  There will be cuts, and Blind and Low Vision Services will carry a substantial part of the burden.  For sure, the NFB-MT must be relentless in our advocacy.  Please roll up your sleeves and let's sustain our clear message and quest for the services on which we all depend.

Oh, one more thing.  The cuts proposed by the Governor favor institutional-based rather than community-based services.  Tough financial times seem to fund nursing homes and other large institutions at the expense of services in our communities and homes.  This is a bit baffling from a fiscal point of view in that institutional services are far more expensive than community services.  However, there is a strong lobby out there to fund those institutions at the expense of the people who are forced to use them.  Advocates for institutions are well-funded and eager to make their living on the backs of the blind and other people with disabilities.  We must resist.  We really need to hit the theme of informed choice and careers in our communities with comparable wages and advancement opportunities.  We've come too far to roll back the advances we've won.  Again, we have to stick with it, tell our stories, and show up time and time again.  We can do this, but we sure do have a fight on our hands, folks.

Jim Marks
Blind.grizzly at gmail.com
(406) 438-1421

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMT [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bruce&Joy Breslauer via NFBMT
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2017 3:53 AM
To: nfbmt <nfbmt at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bruce&Joy Breslauer <breslauerj at gmail.com>; marjorie <dmgregg at 3rivers.net>
Subject: [NFBMT] A Reflection on the Special Session

Thought this might interest some of you.  Joy 

 

From: Governor Bullock [mailto:governor at mt.gov] 
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2017 2:19 PM
To: Joy Breslauer <breslauerj at gmail.com>
Subject: A Reflection on the Special Session

 

Dear Joy:

 

Yesterday, legislators and I reached a reasonable and responsible compromise to balance our budget and pay for Montana's record fire season. While I'm disappointed we were not able to reach a full agreement, I would be remiss not to acknowledge all the progress we made to minimize the impacts of severe budget cuts on the most vulnerable among us.

 

Two months ago, Montana was facing $227 million in cuts to these essential state services. It is because of your hard work contacting legislators, sharing with them your story and ideas, and getting them to understand the impact these cuts would have on our state, that this compromise was successful and further cuts on our fellow Montanans were prevented. I thank you for all your efforts and engagement on this issue.

 

We’ve ensured most seniors will still be able to access the prescription drugs they need. We’ve assured most young kids with autism will continue to receive services helping them make developmental gains. We’ve prevented steep tuition increases. We’ve prevented many job losses. We’ve protected public safety and prevented strains on local sheriffs’ offices. We’ve prevented financial duress on our rural hospitals.

 

These aren't just numbers on a balance sheet, these are real people. These are our friends, our families and our neighbors - our children, our grandchildren, our parents and grandparents. While we still have work to do, Montanans can be pleased. 

 

I will continue to govern responsibly on behalf of all Montanans as we work together to keep this state moving forward.

 

Sincerely, 

 

STEVE BULLOCK

Governor 

 

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