[rehab] ACTION ALERT: NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF THEOREGONCOMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

Wed May 20 04:33:55 UTC 2009

Dick,

Yeah, it smells, and it's a mess.  We're working to fix it, but the
Commission has been out of line and getting worse over the last 10 years.
Sadly.  The line in the article on wasteful spending, "they've done good
work in the past," is what we all say.  Literally.  They've done good work
in the past.  Not now, not for several years.

Here's hoping the NFB's hard work here will save the agency and its mission
while being able to finally achieve the reform that has been needed for so
long.

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Dick Davis
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 8:16 AM
To: 'Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [rehab] ACTION ALERT: NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF
THEOREGONCOMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

Wait just a minute! That may be exactly what some politicians want you to
do.  

I saw a second message that said the governor of Oregon wants to put the
Commission for the Blind out of existence to save money. I worked in state
government for many years, and to be frank, this whole thing smells. 

A report from the state auditor alleging agency fiscal mismanagement at the
same time the governor announces his intention to eliminate the agency to
save the state money? What a coincidence!

I'm sure after some hand wringing about the loss of services to blind people
some "kind person" will suggest that the Commission be put under an umbrella
agency to give it better "fiscal supervision". 

I've seen this kind of thing happen too many times to believe the state
propaganda.  Let the buyer beware!

Dick Davis

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of The BlindTechs Network
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 6:05 AM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Cc: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [rehab] ACTION ALERT: NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF THE
OREGONCOMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

Then the Agency shouldn't be spending money of the taxes payers so  
carelessly!

I will be calling and giving them my support of getting rid of the  
waisteful spending that this Agency has done.

Gabe Vega
CEO
The BlindTechs Network
www.theblindtechsnetwork.com
info at theblindtechsnetwork.com
623-565-9357 (voice)
(206) 203-4400 (Fax Phone)

On May 16, 2009, at 2:30 PM, Michael Hooks (by way of David Andrews
<dandrews at visi.com 
 >) wrote:

ACTION ALERT:  NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF THE OREGON COMMISSION  
FOR THE
BLIND

The Oregon Commission for the Blind was informed by Governor  
Kulongoski’s
office on Friday, May 15, 2009 that he is recommending that the  
Commission
for the Blind be "suspended" as a result of the economic crisis.  This  
would
mean that the agency would cease to operate effective July 1, 2009 and  
the
services we provide would somehow be integrated into other programs  
within
state government.

We believe that this is not a cost effective decision and that the  
services
that the agency provides to blind Oregonians are at great risk if this
recommendation is carried out.  The Oregon Legislature will be making  
the
final decision as to whether or not to continue the Commission for the
Blind.

The agency provides specialized vocational rehabilitation and  
independent
living services to individuals who are blind.  It is the only  
organization
in Oregon which provides these services.

Only 11% of the agency budget is provided by state general fund used to
match federal grants. This represents less than ½ of 1% of the total  
state
general/lottery fund budget.

Agency services are cost effective.  Successfully employed agency  
clients
pay back the state investment of their rehabilitation program in less  
than
16 months through their tax contributions and create savings in other
programs such as the Oregon Health Plan and other forms of public
assistance.

The older blind independent living program helps seniors live  
independently
after vision loss and prevents or prolongs the need for seniors to enter
into assisted living or nursing homes.  Delaying the need for this  
care by
even one year can save the state $36,000-$68,000 per individual.

The agency felt that it is imperative that we share this information  
with
all interested parties so that they can contact the legislature as  
soon as
possible.  Contacts should be made immediately with the Ways and Means  
Human
Services Sub-committee and the Full Ways and Means Committee as a  
decision
could be made within the week.  Included is a contact list for your
information.

The following contains a list of members of the full committee and
subcommittee on Human Services.  Following on subsequent pages is the
contact information for each committee member.
Ways and Means Full Committee Membership:
Sen. Margaret Carter, Co-Chair
Rep. Peter Buckley, Co-Chair
Sen. Betsy Johnson, Vice-Chair
Rep. Nancy Nathanson, Vice-Chair
Sen. Alan C Bates
Sen. Fred Girod
Sen. Rod Monroe
Sen. David Nelson
Sen. Joanne Verger
Sen. Vicki L Walker
Sen. Doug Whitsett
Sen. Jackie Winters
Rep. David Edwards
Rep. Larry Galizio
Rep. Bill Garrard
Rep. George Gilman
Rep. Bob Jenson
Rep. Betty Komp
Rep. Tina Kotek
Rep. Dennis Richardson
Rep. Chip Shields
Rep. Greg Smith

    Human Services Subcommittee Membership:
           Sen. Alan C Bates, Co-Chair
           Rep. Tina Kotek, Co-Chair
           Sen. Margaret Carter
           Sen. Jackie Winters
           Rep. Mitch Greenlick
           Rep. Bill Kennemer
           Rep. Dennis Richardson
           Rep. Carolyn Tomei
Senator Alan C Bates
Party: D  District: 3
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-205, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.alanbates at state.or.us> sen.alanbates at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/bates>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/bates

Representative Peter Buckley
Party: D  District: 5
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1405
Interim Phone: 541-488-9180
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-286, Salem,, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 71 Dewey Street , Ashland, OR, 97520
Email:  <mailto:rep.peterbuckley at state.or.us> reppeterbuckley at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/buckley>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/buckley

Senator Margaret Carter
Party: D  District: 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1722
Interim Phone: 503-282-6846
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-209, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: PO Box 3722, Portland, OR, 97208
Email:  <mailto:sen.margaretcarter at state.or.us>
sen.margaretcarter at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/carter>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/carter

Representative David Edwards
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: D  District: 30
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.davidedwards at state.or.us> rep.davidedwards at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/edwardsd>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/edwardsd

Representative Larry Galizio
Party: D  District: 35
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1435
Interim Phone: 503-350-0804
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-282, Salem,, OR, 97301
Interim Address: P.O. Box 231161, Tigard, OR, 97281
Email:  <mailto:rep.larrygalizio at state.or.us> rep.larrygalizio at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/galizio>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/galizio

Representative Bill Garrard
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 56
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1456
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-480, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.billgarrard at state.or.us> rep.billgarrard at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/garrard>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/garrard

Representative George Gilman
Party: R  District: 55
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1455
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-493, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.georgegilman at state.or.us> rep.georgegilman at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/gilman>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/gilman

Senator Fred Girod
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=senator&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 9
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1709
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-421, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.fredgirod at state.or.us> sen.fredgirod at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/girod>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/girod

Representative Mitch Greenlick
<http://www.leg.stateor.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&m
ember-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: D  District: 33
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1433
Interim Phone: 503-297-2416
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-492, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 712 NW Spring Ave., Portland, OR, 97229
Email:  <mailto:rep.mitchgreenlick at state.or.us>
rep.mitchgreenlick at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/greenlick>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/greenlick

Representative Bob Jenson
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 58
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1458
Interim Phone: 541-276-5821
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-481, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 2126 N. W. Despain Ave., Pendleton, OR, 97801
Email:  <mailto:rep.bobjenson at state.or.us> rep.bobjenson at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/jenson>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/jenson

Senator Betsy Johnson
Party: D  District: 16
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-215, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.betsyjohnson at state.or.us> sen.betsyjohnson at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/johnson>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/johnson

Representative Bill Kennemer
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 39
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1439
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-380, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.billkennemer at state.or.us> rep.billkennemer at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/kennemer>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/kennemer

Representative Betty  Komp
Party: D  District: 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1422
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-273, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.bettykomp at state.or.us> rep.bettykomp at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/komp> http://www.leg.state.or.us/komp

Representative Tina Kotek
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: D  District: 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-281, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.tinakotek at state.or.us> rep.tinakotek at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/kotek>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/kotek

Senator Rod Monroe
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=senator&sort-by=district#top>
Party: D  District: 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1724
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-409, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.rodmonroe at state.or.us> sen.rodmonroe at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/monroe>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/monroe

Representative Nancy Nathanson
Party: D  District: 13
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1413
Interim Phone: 541-343-2206
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: PO Box 41895, Eugene, OR, 97404
Email:  <mailto:rep.nancynathanson at state.or.us>
rep.nancynathanson at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/nathanson>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/nathanson

Senator David Nelson
Party: R  District: 29
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1729
Interim Phone: 541-278-2332
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-211, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 1407 NW Horn Ave., Pendleton, OR, 97801
Email:  <mailto:sen.davidnelson at state.or.us> sen.davidnelson at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/nelson_david>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/nelson_david

Representative Dennis Richardson
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=representative&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 4
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1404
Interim Phone: 541-601-0083
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-373, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 55 South 5th St., Central Point, OR, 97502
Email:  <mailto:rep.dennisrichardson at state.or.us>
rep.dennisrichardson at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/richardson>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/richardson

Representative Chip Shields
Party: D  District: 43
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1443
Interim Phone: 503-231-2564
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-276, Salem,, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 5313 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 97217
Email:  <mailto:rep.chipshields at state.or.us> rep.chipshields at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/shieldsc>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/shieldsc

Representative Greg Smith
Party: R  District: 57
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1457
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-482, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:rep.gregsmith at state.or.us> rep.gregsmith at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/smithg>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/smithg

Representative Carolyn Tomei
Party: D  District: 41
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1441
Interim Phone: 503-653-5180
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-279, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 11907 SE 19th Ave., Milwaukie, OR, 97222
Email:  <mailto:rep.carolyntomei at state.or.us> rep.carolyntomei at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/tomei>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/tomei

Senator Joanne Verger
Party: D  District: 5
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1705
Interim Phone: 541-756-4140
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-401, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 3696 Broadway PMB 344, North Bend, OR, 97459
Email:  <mailto:sen.joanneverger at state.or.us> sen.joanneverger at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/verger>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/verger

Senator Vicki L Walker
Party: D  District: 7
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-309, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.vickiwalker at state.or.us> sen.vickiwalker at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/walker>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/walker

Senator Doug Whitsett
Party: R  District: 28
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1728
Interim Phone: 541-882-1315
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE., S-303, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 23131 North Poe Valley Rd., Klamath Falls, OR, 97603
Email:  <mailto:sen.dougwhitsett at state.or.us> sen.dougwhitsett at state.or.us
Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/whitsett>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/whitsett

Senator Jackie Winters
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/servlet/XSLT?URL=members.xml&xslURL=members.xsl&
member-type=senator&sort-by=district#top>
Party: R  District: 10
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-301, Salem, OR, 97301
Email:  <mailto:sen.jackiewinters at state.or.us> sen.jackiewinters at state.or.us

Website:  <http://www.leg.state.or.us/winters>
http://www.leg.state.or.us/winters

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