<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000" target="_blank" style="font-size:large;font-family:"trebuchet ms",sans-serif">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000</a><span style="font-family:"trebuchet ms",sans-serif;font-size:large">Greetings from the desk of Clarke King, Legislative Director for the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</span></div><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">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.</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Please find below the materials from the meeting:</font></p><ul><li><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Meeting Notes:<span class="gmail_default">d</span></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Meeting Recording</font><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000" target="_blank" style="font-size:large;font-family:"trebuchet ms",sans-serif"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"></span></a></li></ul><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">I've pasted the meeting notes below for your convenience and attached them as a Word document for easy access and reference.</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">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.</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"></span></font><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000" target="_blank" style="font-size:large;font-family:"trebuchet ms",sans-serif">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/NYiZAYUimlMpiGidn2lXVWs3wDv63e4eCrRKfgxF5WdsPdCqH-9q2THoOhwy2SG9.geynhQD5VS6Ue4wc?startTime=1774393220000</a><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Should you have any questions or wish to become more engaged in our legislative efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out.</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the mission of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Warm regards,</font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Clarke King<span class="gmail_default">, </span>Legislative Director<br>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br><a href="mailto:director.legislation@nfbnj.org" target="_blank">director.legislation@nfbnj.org</a></font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p><p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><span class="gmail_default">****<br></span><span class="gmail_default"></span><br></font></p><h1 style="margin:0.25in 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">First Quarter National Federation of the Blind of
New Jersey Legislative Meeting Notes</font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Date: March 24, 2026<br>
Time:7:00
PM<br>
Location: NFB of NJ Zoom</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">This meeting was recorded</font></p>
<h1 style="margin:0.25in 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></h1>
<h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">1. Opening Remarks</font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">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.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Linda then invited Clarke King,
Legislative Director, to provide updates regarding the Affiliates'
efforts around Legislation.</font></p>
<h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">2. Federal Legislative Update</font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Review of 2026 Washington Seminar</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Clarke began with an overview of where we currently stand, including:</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Important takeaways from the 2026 Washington Seminar</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">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. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Recent developments since the meetings.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Two U.S. Representatives have signed on as Co-Sponsors on both bills\u2014Donald
Norcross of District 1 and Josh Gottheimer of District 5. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Three Legislative Priorities were discussed in our meetings.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Protecting Education, Employment, and
Independent Living laws for Blind Americans.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Blind Americans Return to Work Act (H.R. 1175)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Access Technology Affordability Act\u201d ATAA\u201d (H.R.
1529/S1918) </font></p>
<h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"> 3. New
Jersey State Legislative Committee Update</font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Nancy Starzynski, NJ State Legislation
Coordinator, provided an overview of the State Legislative Committee.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><b><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Committee
Background</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Established in June 2025 to build ongoing communication with local legislators
and senators.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Each NFB of NJ chapter has a representative
serving on this committee.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>State legislative updates are included on the
chapter's monthly meeting agendas</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Committee
Goals & Activities</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Support chapters in helping members learn how to
contact their local leaders.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Encourage members to share their personal
stories and discuss issues important to blind New Jerseyans.</font></p>
<h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">4. Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond</font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">The group discussed long\u2011term goals and next steps.</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">A. Member Engagement with Elected Officials</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Continue encouraging chapter members to contact their local
representatives.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Focus on sharing personal experiences and discussing priority issues.</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">B. Resolutions</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Members should know and share our resolutions.<br>
Resolutions link: <a href="https://nfbnj.org/resolutions" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)" target="_blank">https://nfbnj.org/resolutions</a> </font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">C. Communication to Membership</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">The group discussed establishing a consistent communication process for
federal and state issues, potentially through:</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>A quarterly newsletter</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Contact information for local leaders</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Legislative updates and educational content</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Links to resources</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Highlights of state legislative initiatives</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">D. In\u2011Person Meetings</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Plan in\u2011person meetings at both the federal and state levels.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Linda and Clarke will be meeting with Senator Booker this spring.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>All meeting requests must go through chapter
presidents to avoid duplication.</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">E. March on Trenton Day (2027)</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Proposal to hold a March on Trenton Day in 2027.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Possibility of hosting a breakfast event for local leaders.</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">F. Conferences and Town Halls</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Encourage attendance at in\u2011state conferences and town halls to share
personal stories.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Noted success at the League of
Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City (November 2025), which
provided strong first\u2011time exposure for NFBNJ.</font></p>
<h3 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(112,48,160)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">G. Chapter Meeting Discussion Topics</font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Practice and role\u2011playing exercises to help members communicate
effectively.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Emphasis on maintaining a positive, consistent message, not complaints.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><b><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Topics included:</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Access Link</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Transportation to NYC</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Access to state parks and nature areas</font></p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">
</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><img src="cid:ii_mndnhcjt1" alt="image.png" width="2" height="1"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> </span></font></p><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">
</font><h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">5.
Q&A</font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">During the Q&A session, a question was raised about how to know
when Congress is in session.<br>
This type of information could be included in the proposed newsletter.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">The group also discussed that members should <strong>only contact
representatives for whom they are constituents</strong>.</font></p>
<h2 style="margin:8pt 0in 4pt;break-after:avoid;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">Action
Items</font></h2>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Continue chapter outreach to local elected
officials</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Share and promote NFBNJ resolutions</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Develop a proposal for a quarterly legislative
newsletter</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Coordinate federal and state in\u2011person meetings
through chapter presidents</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Begin planning for March on Trenton Day (2027)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Identify upcoming conferences and town halls for
NFBNJ participation</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Incorporate role\u2011playing and communication
practice into chapter meetings</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p></div>
</div>
</div>