[Nfbwv-talk] Fwd: [NFB-Legislative-Directors] Summary of April 19 Conference Call

[Sheri Koch]

Hi everyone,

I'm forwarding an email from the national office which outlines the progress of the various legislative initiatives. As you can see, exciting things are happening.   

As things occur and or additional action is needed, I will be in touch with you.

Sheri


Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Pare, John via NFB-Legislative-Directors" <nfb-legislative-directors at nfbnet.org>
> Date: April 20, 2017 at 12:39:39 PM EDT
> To: State Presidents <StatePresidents at nfb.org>, "nfb-legislative-directors at nfbnet.org" <nfb-legislative-directors at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "Pare, John" <JPare at nfb.org>
> Subject: [NFB-Legislative-Directors] Summary of April 19 Conference Call
> Reply-To: NFB Legislative Directors List <nfb-legislative-directors at nfbnet.org>
> 
> Dear Affiliate Presidents and Legislative Directors:
>  
> Thank you for participating in yesterday’s conference call. Below is a summary of what was discussed.
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind opposes H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act. Read President Riccobono’s letter to learn more.
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind opposes H.R. 1990, legislation to privatize interstate rest stops. Read President Riccobono’s letter opposing H.R. 1990.
>  
> Accessible Instructional Material in Higher Education Act, H.R. 1772 (AIM HIGH)
> This bill will promote instructional technology and content that are accessible to students who are blind or print disabled. Read the AIM HIGH fact sheet to learn more.
>  
> The Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017, H.R. 1734 and S. 732 (ATAA)
> These bills will facilitate the purchase of access technology for blind people by creating a refundable, per person tax credit. Read the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 fact sheet to learn more.
>  
> With respect to NLS funding for refreshable Braille displays, it appears that this is more likely to occur in fiscal year 2019. As a result we are pivoting our NLS funding efforts to focus on the preservation of the funding that occurs via the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA). These funds are distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Please check with your state library for the blind and ask them if they receive LSTA funding. Please report this information to me.
>  
> Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually-Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled.
> All of the key stakeholders have agreed on proposed language for the Marrakesh Implementation Act. Now that all of the key Senate confirmations are complete, we expect the Senate to begin work on this treaty. We will keep you informed on next steps.
>  
> Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act of 2017, H.R. 1377 (TIME)
> This bill will increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities by removing stigmas and low expectations propagated by section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Note that the bill now phases out subminimum wages over a six year period corresponding to the recommendation of the National Council on Disability.
>  
> Please encourage your members to call their representative and urge him or her to cosponsor our three House bills: H.R. 1377, H.R. 1734, and H.R. 1772. Please also encourage your members their two senators and urge them to cosponsor S. 732.
>  
> Finally, we are in urgent need of cosponsorship from Republican members of the House Committee on Ways and Means. If you are a constituent of one of the following representatives, please contact that representative and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1734. You do not need to mention the other bills to these legislators. We need them to focus solely on H.R. 1734.
>  
> Thanks for all you do!
>  
> Warm regards,
> John
>  
> Republican Ways and Means Committee Members:
> David Schweikert (AZ)
> Devin Nunes (CA)
> Vernon Buchanan (FL)
> Carlos Curbelo (FL)
> Peter Roskam (IL) Subcommittee Chair
> Jacqueline Walorski (IN)
> Lynn Jenkins (KS)
> Mike Bishop (MI)
> Erik Paulsen (MN)
> Jason Smith (MO)
> Adrian Smith (NE)
> Thomas Reed (NY)
> George Holding (NC)
> Patrick Tiberi (OH)
> James Renacci (OH)
> George Kelly (PA)
> Patrick Meehan (PA)
> Tom Rice (SC)
> Kristi Noem (SD)
> Diane Black (TN)
> Kevin Brady (TX) Full Committee Chair
> Sam Johnson (TX)
> Kenny Marchant (TX)
> David Reichert (WA)
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