[Ohio-Talk] An Open Request to the Leadership of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio from Eric Duffy

[Eric]

 An Open Request to the Leadership of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio



Dear NFB-O Leadership:



HB 427 (a bill to end the payment of subminimum wages to disabled people in Ohio) is now at the tipping point in the Ohio General Assembly.  With only four meetings left before the scheduled break, the Government Oversight Committee must schedule hearings on this Bill and vote it out of the Committee with a favorable vote sending it on to the House. Although proponent, opponent, and interested-party testimony could be consolidated into one hearing, this is likely not the way it will be done. It is quite likely that these parties will be scheduled separately.  Therefore, it is critical that these hearings be scheduled now.



Every member should write or call each member of the Government Oversight Committee, even if you do not live in that representative’s district. Ask him or her to contact Chairman Peterson and request that this Bill be scheduled for hearings immediately.



Richard and Suzanne, you both have personal meaningful stories to tell that could help move this legislation forward.  At a minimum you should be prepared to offer written testimony, and ideally to travel to Columbus to provide in-person testimony. Now that the Seneca County case is no longer in the courts, Joe Magers would be an excellent witness to appear before the committee. Joe is not in a position to pay for his transportation to and from Columbus, I would hope that this is something the affiliate would take care of for    him, given the importance of this issue. If for any reason this cannot be done, I will reach out to friends who are interested in helping bring this abhorrent practice to an end in Ohio.



It is urgent that we make contact with all members of the committee now. If we all act quickly, we can get this done. Those in the NFB participating on the 14(C) taskforce should have the Government Oversight Committee contact list as well as a sample letter.  If for some reason you do not, I will be happy to provide it. If I can assist in any way in this matter, I am happy to do so.

Sincerely,



Eric Duffy



614-377-9877

  
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