[nfbwatlk] FW: RE: WTBBL Update

[Mike Freeman]

I suspected this was coming. On the other hand, it is still quite a blow as 
WTBBL is the one state blindness-related program that gets praise from 
everyone all the time.

The reality is that we probably won't be able to stop this short of 
proposing tax increases (which I think will eventually be needed) but both 
the citizenry and the state legislature aren't quite ready to hear this yet. 
WE should be ready to put our oar in the water to ensure that WTBBL isn't 
left out if/when economic times get better!

Mike Freman, President
NFB of Washington

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike" <mike at mello.com>
To: <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:50 PM
Subject: [nfbwatlk] FW: RE: WTBBL Update


>
>
> -original message-
> Subject: RE: WTBBL Update
> From: "Miller, Danielle" <danielle.miller at sos.wa.gov>
> Date: 12/22/2009 11:03 AM
>
> Hi, Mike - It really is awful news.  I think you can let people know at 
> this point.  I just really wanted all the staff and the PAC to hear it 
> from me first.  If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to 
> contact me or Jan Walsh.  I'll be on vacation the next couple days, but 
> will have some access to my email.
>
> I hope you have a good holiday.
>
> Danielle
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Mike Mello [mailto:mike at mello.com]
> Sent: Mon 12/21/2009 7:33 PM
> To: Miller, Danielle
> Subject: Re: WTBBL Update
>
>
> I am so sorry to hear this news.
> is this information public... can I share?
> Thank you.
> --Original Message Text---
> From: Miller, Danielle
> Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:07:36 -0800
>
>
>
> Dear PAC 
>
>
>
> It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that the Washington 
> State Library (WTBBLs division) was given the directive to make cuts in 
> the form of layoffs across library programs today. WTBBL lost 3.7 FTE and 
> lost 1.0 FTE of on-site information technology support. This is a total of 
> 6 people that work at WTBBL. The effective date of layoff action (or last 
> day of work) is February 12, 2010. The affected positions are:
>
>
>
> Shipping page
>
> Shipping/Audio Books page
>
> Reception
>
> Youth Services
>
> Braille Coordinator
>
> Information Technology Specialist
>
>
>
> The next few months will be difficult as we lose colleagues and friends 
> and look for ways to provide the highest level of services possible to our 
> patrons.
>
>
>
> As always, I will try to get you as much information as I have as soon as 
> I have it. We should know more after the Governors next proposed budget 
> is released the week of January 4.
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
> Danielle
>
>
>
>
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~
>
> Danielle Miller
>
> Program Manager
>
> Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
>
> 2021 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121-2783
>
> p: 206.615.1588 / f: 206.615.0437
>
> danielle.miller at sos.wa.gov (please note new email address)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Michael J. Mello
>
> mike at mello.com
>
> (208) 301-0565
>
>
>
>
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