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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>From the desk of NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Greetings to all!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>We have an opportunity to make a difference! An email was forwarded to all on our distribution list on Wednesday evening, May 10. We have reforwarded to all as a reminder to contact your Congressional representative and both United States Senators, Menendez and Booker. Remember, the sample letters are provided for review. Please make changes where needed. When you write to your Congressional Representative make sure that in the opening sentence that you provide information that you reside in their district.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The ball is in your court and we need you to consider a few minutes that will make a difference!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Upon receipt of this email, please email and call. We prefer an email first and a follow up phone call a few days later.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Congress is in session, probably until late June and then the annual early July recess.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Please email Ryan Stevens at <a href="mailto:rysteve@comcast.net">rysteve@comcast.net</a> and Brian Mackey at <a href="mailto:Mackey88@gmail.com">Mackey88@gmail.com</a> with your findings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Thanks for your continued support to raise expectations to live the life we want!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Don’t wait for someone else, get involved and make a difference!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Joe Ruffalo, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>NFBNJ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>973 743 0075<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Below the *** you will find the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>1. Ryan Steven’s </span><span style='color:#1F497D'>edited </span><span style='color:black'>article regarding Washington Seminar from the Spring 2017 issue of <i>The Sounding Board</i>, which includes short descriptions of the issues, a link to view the full fact sheets, and instructions on how to look up your US Congressional representative<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2. Contact listing for all Congressional representatives for New Jersey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>3. Sample letter – Congressman/Congresswoman (also attached)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>4. Sample letter – Senator Menendez (also attached)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>5. Sample letter – Senator Booker (also attached)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>We are requesting that everyone call and write to their US Congressional representative and both Senators (Menendez and Booker). When you write the letters, rearrange the order of the issues depending on what committee the representative serves on. For example, if your representative is on the committee that is overseeing the Access Technology Affordability Act, that should be the first issue in your letter. The information follows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'>THE 2017 WASHINGTON SEMINAR ISSUES<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=aolmailmsonormal align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>By Ryan Stevens, Legislative Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Hello yet again, my fellow New Jersey Federationists. During the last week of January, NFB held another successful Washington Seminar in our nation’s capital. Members from around the country, including 13 from our own affiliate, went to Capitol Hill to talk about the most pressing issues concerning the blind with our Congressional representatives. This time, we addressed four issues, two of which were carried over from last year. </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Of those four issues, we dropped the Appropriation to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) for the Purchase of Refreshable Braille Devices until a future date. </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Here is a brief rundown of each topic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The first issue from last year concerns Accessible Instructional Material in Higher Education, or AIM-HE, legislation.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span>Much of the material used by university and college faculty to teach their courses is available to students only electronically or online, and a good portion of these tools is not accessible to blind and print disabled students. While the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws mandate full accessibility in the classroom, there are no guidelines for institutions of higher education and manufacturers of these materials to follow to ensure compliance. AIM-HE would establish these guidelines for users and creators of such software. It would also give legal protections to those who follow the guidelines. The current bill in the House of Representatives is HR 1772, sponsored by Congressman Phil Roe of Tennessee. There is no companion bill in the Senate at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The other topic from 2016 which we again presented on the Hill is the Marrakesh Treaty.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span>This treaty, if ratified by a two-thirds vote in the Senate, would greatly expand access to books and other printed material to blind and print disabled people throughout the world. It would allow a person from one country to get a book in non-visual format from another country rather than waiting for his or her home country to create its own non-visual version. It also makes it easier to acquire material in multiple languages. With this treaty pending in a new Congressional term, we are making an even stronger push to get ratification.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>One of the new legislative issues we are pursuing is the Access Technology Affordability Act. Access technology enables blind people to participate in today’s connected world and to perform tasks that they were once unable to accomplish themselves. Today, the blind most often acquire this technology through their state blindness agency or through their employer as a reasonable accommodation. The problem with going through the state agency is the long time it takes to receive the equipment. The drawback of receiving it from an employer is that such requests can make the company wary of hiring blind people because of the expense. Unfortunately, the cost of access technology also prevents most blind people from purchasing it themselves. The Access Technology Affordability Act would help to alleviate this burden by providing a tax credit to the blind person when he or she purchases equipment. There is already a similar tax credit for businesses as an incentive to hire blind people. The individual tax credit would take some of the burden from the state agencies and employers and allow blind people to acquire equipment more quickly and to be more active at work, in school and in the community. The current House bill is HR 1734 and is sponsored by David Young of Iowa. The companion Senate bill is S 732, sponsored by John Boozman of Arkansas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Our final issue, that wasn’t presented during Washington Seminar, but still a NFB priority is the Transition to Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act. Currently under Section 14C of the Fair Labors Standards Act, entities are allowed to apply for special wage certificates that legally allows them to pay their disabled workers subminimum wages. The TIME Act would phase out the 14C provision over a three year period and prevent future certificates from being issued so that disabled workers can earn wages at or above minimum wage. The TIME Act was reintroduced by Congressman Greg Harper on March 7 as HR 1377.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>For more details and the full fact sheets for each of these issues, go to<span class=apple-converted-space> <a href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar">https://nfb.org/washington-seminar</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=aolmailmsonormal style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>As I have pointed out in the past, while going to DC and addressing these important issues directly with our elected officials is certainly important, it is only the beginning of our legislative agenda. Also, there will be other concerns that will arise during the year. We cannot ignore any of these until next January. All of us need to make an effort to help all blind Americans live the lives we want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>To contact your member in the House of Representatives or the US Senators from New Jersey, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. To find your House member, you can either contact your local public library or go to <a href="http://www.house.gov">www.house.gov</a><span class=apple-converted-space> </span>and enter your zip code. Some towns have more than one Congressman or Congresswoman as a representative. In that case, you will need to enter your full mailing address.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'>2017 Washington Seminar Contacts<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>11th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2306 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 5034<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Steve Silvestri, Legislative Correspondent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:steve.silvestri@mail.house.gov">steve.silvestri@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Appropriations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Josh Gottheimer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>5th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>213 Cannon Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2232 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202-225-4465<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Daniel Marrow, Staff Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Daniel.marrow@mail.house.gov">Daniel.marrow@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Financial services<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Leonard Lance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>7th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2352 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 5361<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Michael Taggart, , Education & Work Force Legislative Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Michael.taggart@mail.house.gov">Michael.taggart@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Energy and commerce,ethics<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Frank LoBiondo<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2nd District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2427 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 6572<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Matt Moran, Legislative Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Matt.Moran@mail.house.gov">Matt.Moran@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Armed services, intelligence(permanent ), transportation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Tom MacArthur<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>3rd District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>506 Cannon Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 4765<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Chris Griswold, Deputy Chief of Staff<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:chris.griswold@mail.house.gov">chris.griswold@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Financial services<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congresssman Donald Norcross<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>1st District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>1531 Longworth Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 6501<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Vincent P. Sarubbi, Jr., Legislative Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Vincent.Sarubbi@mail.house.giv">Vincent.Sarubbi@mail.house.giv</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Arms services, education and the work force<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>6th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>237 Cannon Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 4671<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Roberto Sada, Legislative Aid – Education<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Roberto.sada@mail.house.gov">Roberto.sada@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Energy and commerce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Bill Pascrell<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>9th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2370 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 5751<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Alyssa Penna, Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:alyssa.penna@mail.house.gov">alyssa.penna@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Ways and Means<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>10th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>103 Cannon Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 3436<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Jamiyl Peters, Legislative Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:jamiyl.peters@mail.house.gov">jamiyl.peters@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Homeland security and transportation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Albio Sires<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>8th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2342 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 7919<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Kaylan Koszela, Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Kaylan.koszela@mail.house.gov">Kaylan.koszela@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: ForeignAffairs, transportation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Chris Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>4th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>2373 Rayburn Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 3765<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Cate Benedetti, Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:cate.benedetti@mail.house.gov">cate.benedetti@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Foreign affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>12th District<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>1535 Longworth Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 225 5801<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Brad Korten, Legislative Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Brad.Korten@mail.house.gov">Brad.Korten@mail.house.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Homeland security, oversight and government<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Senator Cory Booker<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>US Senator, New Jersey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>359 Dirksen Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20510<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 224 3224<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Kimberly Miller-Tolbert, legislative staffer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Kimberly_Miller-Tolbert@booker.senate.gov">Kimberly_Miller-Tolbert@booker.senate.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Commerce, Science and Transportation, Environment and Public Works, Foreign Relations, Small Business and Entrepreneurship<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Senator Robert Menendez<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>US Senate, New Jersey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>528 Hart Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20510<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Phone: 202 224 4744<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Steve Lieberman, Legislative Correspondent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Email: <a href="mailto:Stephen_Lieberman@Menendez.Senate.Gov">Stephen_Lieberman@Menendez.Senate.Gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Committee: Housing Urban Affairs, Finance, Foreign Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a name="OLE_LINK9"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=367 height=155 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D2E1FB.1EF99640" alt="National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Live the life you want"></span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>103 Cannon Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>c/o Jamiyl Peters, Legislative Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>May 4, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Dear Jamiyl,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="OLE_LINK6"><span style='color:black'>My name is Brian Mackey, and I am treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), secretary/treasurer of the NFBNJ At Large Chapter, secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and general board member in the Technology and Braille Divisions. On January 31, several members from the NFBNJ and I provided informational materials to you pertaining to issues that are important to blind and disabled Americans. We hope we can count on the Congressman’s support for our legislative initiatives:</span></a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>1. The Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act (HR 1772)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Electronic instructional materials have replaced traditional methods of learning in postsecondary education, but the overwhelming majority of ebooks, courseware, web content, and other technologies are inaccessible to students with print disabilities. The law requires equal access in the classroom but fails to provide direction to schools for the way it applies to technology. AIM HE creates voluntary accessibility guidelines for educational technology to improve blind students’ access to course material, stimulate the market, and reduce litigation for schools.<a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="OLE_LINK8"></a> <a name="OLE_LINK1"></a><a name="OLE_LINK3"></a>HR 1772 will promote instructional technology and content that are accessible to the blind and other students with print disabilities. To cosponsor, contact Otto Katt, Legislative Fellow for Congressman Phil Roe, at 202-225-6356 or <a href="mailto:otto.katt@mail.house.gov">otto.katt@mail.house.gov</a>. Questions can be directed to Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at <a name="OLE_LINK4"></a><a name="OLE_LINK10"></a>410-659-9314 x2206 or <a href="mailto:gcazares@nfb.org">gcazares@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>2. The Access Technology Affordability Act (HR 1734)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Currently, blind Americans rely on scarce sources of funding to acquire access technology. By providing a refundable tax credit for qualifying access technology purchases, Congress can stimulate individual procurement of access technology and promote affordability of these tools for blind Americans. This legislation will establish a per-person individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset the cost of access technology for blind people. To cosponsor, contact Jacob Olson, Legislative Director for Congressman David Young, at 202-225-5476 or <a href="mailto:Jacob.olson@mail.house.gov">Jacob.olson@mail.house.gov</a>. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at <a name="OLE_LINK12"></a><a name="OLE_LINK13"></a>410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:kbeverly@nfb.org">kbeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="OLE_LINK5"></a><a name="OLE_LINK11"></a>3. Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act (HR 1377)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Passed in 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers to pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages. This antiquated provision breeds low expectations and discourages disabled Americans from reaching their full potential. The TIME Act responsibly phases out the use of Section 14(c) Special Wage Certificates over a three year period, ending the era of segregated, subminimum wage work. <a name="OLE_LINK2">To cosponsor, contact Scot Malvaney, Policy Director for Congressman Gregg Harper, at 202-225-5031 or </a><a href="mailto:scot.malvaney@mail.house.gov">scot.malvaney@mail.house.gov</a>. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, <a name="OLE_LINK16"></a><a name="OLE_LINK17"></a>at 410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:KBeverly@nfb.org">KBeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>The members of the NFBNJ appreciated the time, professionalism and attention that you paid to the issues we brought before you. We look forward to working with Congressman Payne, Jr. to bring our goals to fruition. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at (609) 953-6988 or <a href="mailto:bmackey88@gmail.com">bmackey88@gmail.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Brian Mackey, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>14 Andover Drive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Medford, New Jersey 08055<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=367 height=155 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D2E1FB.1EF99640" alt="National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Live the life you want"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Senator Robert Menendez<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>528 Hart Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20510<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>C/O Stephen M. Lieberman, Legislative Correspondant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>May 4, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Dear Stephen,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="OLE_LINK15"><span style='color:black'>My name is Brian Mackey, and I am treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), secretary/treasurer of the NFBNJ At Large Chapter, secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and general board member in the Technology and Braille Divisions. On January 31, several members from the NFBNJ and I provided informational materials to you pertaining to issues that are important to blind and disabled Americans. We hope we can count on the Senator’s support for our legislative initiatives:</span></a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>1. The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Despite the ability to convert print books into accessible formats like Braille, large print, audio, and digital copies, millions of blind and otherwise print-disabled Americans are excluded from accessing 95 percent of published works. The Marrakesh Treaty calls for contracting parties to provide in their national copyright laws for a limitation or exception that allows for the reproduction, distribution, and cross-border exchange of accessible works. Questions can be directed to Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2206 or <a href="mailto:gcazares@nfb.org">gcazares@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>2. The Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Electronic instructional materials have replaced traditional methods of learning in postsecondary education, but the overwhelming majority of ebooks, courseware, web content, and other technologies are inaccessible to students with print disabilities. The law requires equal access in the classroom but fails to provide direction to schools for the way it applies to technology. AIM HE creates voluntary accessibility guidelines for educational technology to improve blind students’ access to course material, stimulate the market, and reduce litigation for schools. AIM-HE will promote instructional technology and content that are accessible to the blind and other students with print disabilities. Questions can be directed to Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2206 or <a href="mailto:gcazares@nfb.org">gcazares@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>3. The Access Technology Affordability Act (S 732)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Currently, blind Americans rely on scarce sources of funding to acquire access technology. By providing a refundable tax credit for qualifying access technology purchases, Congress can stimulate individual procurement of access technology and promote affordability of these tools for blind Americans. This legislation will establish a per-person individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset the cost of access technology for blind people. To cosponsor, contact Ryan Losak, Legislative Correspondent for Senator John Boozman, at 202-224-4843 or <a href="mailto:Ryan_Losak@boozman.senate.gov">Ryan_Losak@boozman.senate.gov</a>. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:kbeverly@nfb.org">kbeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>4. Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Passed in 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers to pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages. This antiquated provision breeds low expectations and discourages disabled Americans from reaching their full potential. The TIME Act responsibly phases out the use of Section 14(c) Special Wage Certificates over a three year period, ending the era of segregated, subminimum wage work. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:KBeverly@nfb.org">KBeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>The members of the NFBNJ appreciated the time, professionalism and attention that you paid to the issues we brought before you. We look forward to working with Senator Menendez to bring our goals to fruition. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at (609) 953-6988 or <a href="mailto:bmackey88@gmail.com">bmackey88@gmail.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Brian Mackey, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>14 Andover Drive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Medford, New Jersey 08055<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=367 height=155 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D2E1FB.1EF99640" alt="National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Live the life you want"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Senator Cory Booker<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>359 Dirksen Building<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Washington, DC 20510<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>C/O Kimberly Miller-Tolbert, legislative staffer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>May 4, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Dear Kimberly,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>My name is Brian Mackey, and I am treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), secretary/treasurer of the NFBNJ At Large Chapter, secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and general board member in the Technology and Braille Divisions. On January 31, several members from the NFBNJ and I provided informational materials to you pertaining to issues that are important to blind and disabled Americans. We hope we can count on the Senator’s support for our legislative initiatives:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>1. The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Despite the ability to convert print books into accessible formats like Braille, large print, audio, and digital copies, millions of blind and otherwise print-disabled Americans are excluded from accessing 95 percent of published works. The Marrakesh Treaty calls for contracting parties to provide in their national copyright laws for a limitation or exception that allows for the reproduction, distribution, and cross-border exchange of accessible works. Questions can be directed to Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2206 or <a href="mailto:gcazares@nfb.org">gcazares@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>2. The Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Electronic instructional materials have replaced traditional methods of learning in postsecondary education, but the overwhelming majority of ebooks, courseware, web content, and other technologies are inaccessible to students with print disabilities. The law requires equal access in the classroom but fails to provide direction to schools for the way it applies to technology. AIM HE creates voluntary accessibility guidelines for educational technology to improve blind students’ access to course material, stimulate the market, and reduce litigation for schools. AIM-HE will promote instructional technology and content that are accessible to the blind and other students with print disabilities. Questions can be directed to Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2206 or <a href="mailto:gcazares@nfb.org">gcazares@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>3. The Access Technology Affordability Act (S 732)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Currently, blind Americans rely on scarce sources of funding to acquire access technology. By providing a refundable tax credit for qualifying access technology purchases, Congress can stimulate individual procurement of access technology and promote affordability of these tools for blind Americans. This legislation will establish a per-person individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset the cost of access technology for blind people. To cosponsor, contact Ryan Losak, Legislative Correspondent for Senator John Boozman, at 202-224-4843 or <a href="mailto:Ryan_Losak@boozman.senate.gov">Ryan_Losak@boozman.senate.gov</a>. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:kbeverly@nfb.org">kbeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>4. Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Passed in 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers to pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages. This antiquated provision breeds low expectations and discourages disabled Americans from reaching their full potential. The TIME Act responsibly phases out the use of Section 14(c) Special Wage Certificates over a three year period, ending the era of segregated, subminimum wage work. Questions can be directed to Kimie Beverly, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, at 410-659-9314 x2441 or <a href="mailto:KBeverly@nfb.org">KBeverly@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>The members of the NFBNJ appreciated the time, professionalism and attention that you paid to the issues we brought before you. We look forward to working with Senator Booker to bring our goals to fruition. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at (609) 953-6988 or <a href="mailto:bmackey88@gmail.com">bmackey88@gmail.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Brian Mackey, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>14 Andover Drive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Medford, New Jersey 08055<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>