[Nfbn-announce] National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops

[Amy Buresh]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

Cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:Cdanielsen at nfb.org> 

 


National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress 
to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops


Transportation Bill Amendment Threatens Livelihood of Hundreds of Blind
Entrepreneurs


 

Baltimore, Maryland (February 14, 2012): The National Federation of the
Blind <http://www.nfb.org/> , the oldest and largest nationwide organization
of blind Americans, today urged the United States Congress to reject an
amendment to the proposed American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012 (H.R. 7) 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.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"This amendment 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, as 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."

 

The amendment, #217, has been put forward by Congressmen Steve LaTourette
(R-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH).  The House
Committee on Rules is expected to vote later today on whether to allow the
amendment. 

 

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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.