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

[Mike Freeman]

Jedi et al:

I've seen Joanne's note with Ed Orcutt's response. I'll have to think a bit as I am not sure there is an agency merger that makes sense although several plans have been floated.

I understand that the ranking minority member of the HHS Appropriations Committee (where the hearing was this morning) is against the bill so there will at least be a fight over the issue. We all await more first-hand accounts of what went on.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: Jedi <loneblindjedi at samobile.net>
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Date: Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 11:04:48
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] FW: Constituent: Dept. of Services for the Blind

>
>
> 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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> 
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