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Dear Federationists,<br>
<br>
There has been a lot of discussion about the upcoming fiscal cliff, a
term describing tax increases and spending cuts set to go into effect on
January 1, 2013. Both Republicans and Democrats are expressing
grave concerns about the effects going over that cliff will have on our
economy and have spent the last few weeks trying to reach a debt
reduction agreement. As they work on coming to a compromise
regarding spending cuts, it is important for the blind to understand the
gravity of the proposed cuts and the consequences those cuts will have on
programs fundamental to disabled Americans. <br>
<br>
If we go over the fiscal cliff, approximately $200 billion in federal
spending cuts will go into effect. Included in these cuts are
substantial reductions to education, vocational rehabilitation, and other
disability service programs. The effects these cuts will have on
disabled Americans will be dramatic. These programs provide special
education, job training assistance, and support services to a population
with an unemployment rate over 70 percent. Blind people want to be
independent, productive members of society and these programs are most
critical when the financial stability of the country is dependent on
Americans getting back to work. Underfunding education and
vocational rehabilitation will have the unintended consequence of forcing
more and more disabled Americans onto the rolls of Social Security
Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, prohibiting them
from reaching their full potential and putting the burden of their
security on taxpayers. <br>
<br>
Politicians have warned some budget cuts are expected and necessary, and
that entitlement programs are the center of the debate. One side of
this debate is pushing for a complete overhaul or elimination of these
programs and the other side is refusing to touch the programs at
all. The NFB needs to be the voice of reason in the debate and
advocate for a thorough, comprehensive reform that will allow these
programs to better produce the desired outcome of blind Americans living
in the community and paying taxes, rather than receiving long-term
assistance. This reform might require cuts, but we are confident that
widespread, default cuts without any targeted solutions will weaken the
already-struggling programs and further underserve a disadvantaged
population. <br>
<br>
Members of Congress must compromise fast and reach a debt reduction
agreement so we do not go over the fiscal cliff and face these impending
cuts. Tell them how important education and vocational
rehabilitation are to your independence and financial security.
Democrats and Republicans will understand how essential it is that blind
people reach their full employment potential and may be open to a
dialogue about more comprehensive reform solutions if we urge them.
Federationists should ensure the voice of the nation’s blind is heard
during this critical time. To find your representative’s contact
information, go to <a href="http://www.house.gov">www.house.gov</a> ,
<a href="http://www.senate.gov/" eudora="autourl">www.senate.gov</a>, or
call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225.3121. For more
information, contact Lauren McLarney at the National Federation of the
Blind, (410) 659.9314 ext. 2207. <br>
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