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

[Nightingale, Noel]

HB 2953 does not purport to create cost savings.  The fiscal note is cost-revenue neutral with respect to relocating DSB within DSHS.  That would be my response to your representative, Joanne.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joanne Laurent
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 10:08 AM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] FW: Constituent: Dept. of Services for the Blind

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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