[Nfbofnc] FW: National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops

[Tim Jones]

i think we are im a little better shape today for now.
thamks
On Tue, Feb 14, 2012 at 4:02 PM, Gary H. Ray <ghraynfbofnc at charter.net>wrote:

> More info about the Amendment we need to call Virginia Foxx about.
>
> Gary Ray
>
>
> 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 <http://www.nfb.org/
> >
> Federation of the Blind, 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.
>
> ###
>
> 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.
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-- 
Tim Jones
North Carolina Food Service
Fort Bragg, NC
Office:  910-396-2297
Cell:  704-491-1486