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

[Jedi]

Huh. I got a response from Kevin Ranker some time ago which wasn't 
worth forwarding. the first paragraph was the prefunctory "thanks for 
your concern," and the last paragraph was more or less the same thing 
with the additional "it's great to see you involved in blind services," 
and with the rest of the message all about health care primarily with 
environmental issues thrown in for good measure. It was disappointing 
especially because I thought he would be a better candidate than that. 
Joanne, if I were you, I'd forward that message to Mike freeman 
straight away since Mike's good at lobbying and legislation.

Respectfully,
Jedi


Original message:
> 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




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