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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Ohio,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>As we discussed in our special meeting tonight, The DeafBlind Committee need your support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please submit written testimony to me at <a href="mailto:delcenia@prodigy.net%20or">delcenia@prodigy.net or</a> Suzanne Turner at SMTurner.234. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:OHRFinanceCommittee@Ohiohouse.gov">OHRFinanceCommittee@Ohiohouse.gov</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>by 9:00 a.m. on either April 1<sup>st</sup> or April 2<sup>nd</sup>. But the sooner the better!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sample Letter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dear Honorable [LAST NAME OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR],<br>My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am a DeafBlind [ADVOCATE / RESIDENT] in your community.<br>I am writing to ask for your support for an amendment to HB 96—the DeafBlind Fund. The fund has support of Republicans and Democrats. Both Representatives Jeff LaRe (R) and Crystal Lett (D) have drafted amendments to continue the important services for DeafBlind Ohioans through the GRF 415515 DeafBlind Fund.<br>For the past year and a half, the DeafBlind Fund has been used for a Support Service Provider (SSP), or Navigator (CN), Pilot Program. This program has allowed DeafBlind individuals to take part in our community and function independently doing necessary tasks. The fund was first added in the 2024-2025 Ohio Biennial Budget with support from Republicans and Democrats and signed by Governor DeWine. The DeafBlind Fund was under Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. The fund was administered by the Columbus Speech & Hearing Center (CSH).<br><br>Those of us who are DeafBlind are concerned for our future. We need permanent funding for services to keep this basic quality of life.<br><br>I would greatly appreciate your support of HB 96 DeafBlind Fund. And I would greatly appreciate your support in finding a permanent solution for services to our underserved DeafBlind Ohioans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>(your full name)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>