[NFBNJ] =?utf-8?q?Meeting_Notes_and_Recording_=E2=80=93_NFB_of_NJ_?= =?utf-8?q?Legislative_Meeting_=28March_24=29?=

Tue Mar 31 12:00:00 UTC 2026

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000Greetings
from the desk of Clarke King, Legislative Director for the National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Legislative Meeting held on
Tuesday, March 24. Your participation and engagement are strengthening our
collective advocacy efforts across the state.

Please find below the materials from the meeting:

   - Meeting Notes:d
   - Meeting Recording
   <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000>

I've pasted the meeting notes below for your convenience and attached them
as a Word document for easy access and reference.

During this meeting, we discussed key legislative priorities, updates on
current initiatives, and strategies for continued advocacy. If you were
unable to attend, we encourage you to review the recording and notes to
stay informed and involved.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000

Should you have any questions or wish to become more engaged in our
legislative efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the mission of the
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

Warm regards,

Clarke King, Legislative Director
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
director.legislation at nfbnj.org

****

First Quarter National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Legislative
Meeting Notes

Date: March 24, 2026
Time:7:00 PM
Location: NFB of NJ Zoom

This meeting was recorded
  1. Opening Remarks

President Linda Melendez opened the meeting and reminded everyone that we
should always refer to ourselves as the National Federation of the Blind of
New Jersey, spelled out in full. Chapters may add their specific chapter
name when relevant.

Linda then invited Clarke King, Legislative Director, to provide updates
regarding the Affiliates' efforts around Legislation.
2. Federal Legislative Update

Review of 2026 Washington Seminar

Clarke began with an overview of where we currently stand, including:

Important takeaways from the 2026 Washington Seminar

Due to the winter storm, the New Jersey delegation attended hybrid meetings
with our U.S. Senators and held virtual-only sessions with our U.S.
Representatives.

Recent developments since the meetings.

Two U.S. Representatives have signed on as Co-Sponsors on both bills—Donald
Norcross of District 1 and Josh Gottheimer of District 5.

Three Legislative Priorities were discussed in our meetings.

·       Protecting Education, Employment, and Independent Living laws for
Blind Americans.

·       Blind Americans Return to Work Act (H.R. 1175)

·       Access Technology Affordability Act” ATAA” (H.R. 1529/S1918)
 3. New Jersey State Legislative Committee Update

Nancy Starzynski, NJ State Legislation Coordinator, provided an overview of
the State Legislative Committee.

*Committee Background*

·       Established in June 2025 to build ongoing communication with local
legislators and senators.

·       Each NFB of NJ chapter has a representative serving on this
committee.

·       State legislative updates are included on the chapter's monthly
meeting agendas

·       Committee Goals & Activities

·       Support chapters in helping members learn how to contact their
local leaders.

·       Encourage members to share their personal stories and discuss
issues important to blind New Jerseyans.
4. Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The group discussed long‑term goals and next steps.
A. Member Engagement with Elected Officials

Continue encouraging chapter members to contact their local representatives.

Focus on sharing personal experiences and discussing priority issues.
B. Resolutions

Members should know and share our resolutions.
Resolutions link: https://nfbnj.org/resolutions
C. Communication to Membership

The group discussed establishing a consistent communication process for
federal and state issues, potentially through:

·       A quarterly newsletter

·       Contact information for local leaders

·       Legislative updates and educational content

·       Links to resources

·       Highlights of state legislative initiatives
D. In‑Person Meetings

Plan in‑person meetings at both the federal and state levels.

·       Linda and Clarke will be meeting with Senator Booker this spring.

·       All meeting requests must go through chapter presidents to avoid
duplication.
E. March on Trenton Day (2027)

Proposal to hold a March on Trenton Day in 2027.

Possibility of hosting a breakfast event for local leaders.
F. Conferences and Town Halls

Encourage attendance at in‑state conferences and town halls to share
personal stories.

Noted success at the League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City
(November 2025), which provided strong first‑time exposure for NFBNJ.
G. Chapter Meeting Discussion Topics

Practice and role‑playing exercises to help members communicate effectively.

Emphasis on maintaining a positive, consistent message, not complaints.

*Topics included:*

·       Access Link

·       Transportation to NYC

·       Access to state parks and nature areas

[image: image.png]
5. Q&A

During the Q&A session, a question was raised about how to know when
Congress is in session.
This type of information could be included in the proposed newsletter.

The group also discussed that members should *only contact representatives
for whom they are constituents*.
Action Items

·       Continue chapter outreach to local elected officials

·       Share and promote NFBNJ resolutions

·       Develop a proposal for a quarterly legislative newsletter

·       Coordinate federal and state in‑person meetings through chapter
presidents

·       Begin planning for March on Trenton Day (2027)

·       Identify upcoming conferences and town halls for NFBNJ participation

·       Incorporate role‑playing and communication practice into chapter
meetings
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