[nfbwatlk] FW: Constituent: Dept. of Services for the Blind

[Joanne Laurent]

I am forwarding the response that I received from Representative Ed Orcutt
regarding HB 2953. He is on our side. But in the event our efforts are not
successful he is seeking ideas for alternatives. Please read his comments
below and respond directly to him, or if you prefer, I will forward any
RESPECTFUL messages to him. (In addition to the message below, I just
received two more emails from him so he clearly has taken notice and is
showing concern). I am only the cheerleader, not the lobbyist, so you guys
take it from here!


-----Original Message-----
From: Orcutt, Rep. Ed [mailto:Orcutt.Ed at leg.wa.gov] 
Sent: February 01, 2010 5:45 PM
To: 'Joanne Laurent'
Subject: RE: Constituent: Dept. of Services for the Blind

Joanne,

I am very concerned about whether DSHS is capable of handling services for
the blind -- I'm not particularly confident in their abilities in many
areas. As we seek to find ways to reduce the cost of programs without
negatively affecting those programs, I am very interested in ideas on how we
can find and implement cost savings. Do you have ideas on where we could
merge this agency to achieve cost savings while protecting the quality of
services currently provided? I am genuinely interested in specific options
you may be able to develop to enable us to achieve these goals.

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: Joanne Laurent [mailto:joanne at blindcoach.com] 
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2010 9:53 PM
To: Orcutt, Rep. Ed
Subject: RE: Constituent: Dept. of Services for the Blind

Hello Representative Orcutt,
   I am attaching a copy of my written testimony regarding HB 2953
abolishing Services for the Blind. I do hope you will read it so you
understand why I am opposed to this bill and why it is in the state's best
interest to abandon this particular piece of the proposed budget. This issue
is much bigger than blindness; it is a manifestation of what you, J.
Herrera, & Sen. Zarelli predicted would happen last spring during a town
hall meeting. I do hope I can count on your support in fighting against this
legislation. Thank you. 

Joanne Laurent
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist If you can't learn it, I'm not
teaching it right!
www.blindcoach.com

Highest Expectations Travel and Adaptive Skills Instruction for the Blind
P.O. Box 586 Ariel, WA 98603
(360) 231-4597