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<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Dear Federationists,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>There has been a lot of discussion
about the upcoming fiscal cliff, a term describing tax increases and spending
cuts set to go into effect on January 1, 2013. Both Republicans and Democrats
are expressing grave concerns about the effects going over that cliff will have
on our economy and have spent the last few weeks trying to reach a debt
reduction agreement. As they work on coming to a compromise regarding spending
cuts, it is important for the blind to understand the gravity of the proposed
cuts and the consequences those cuts will have on programs fundamental to
disabled Americans. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>If we go over the fiscal cliff,
approximately $200 billion in federal spending cuts will go into effect.
Included in these cuts are substantial reductions to education, vocational
rehabilitation, and other disability service programs. The effects these cuts
will have on disabled Americans will be dramatic. These programs provide
special education, job training assistance, and support services to a
population with an unemployment rate over 70 percent. Blind people want to be
independent, productive members of society and these programs are most critical
when the financial stability of the country is dependent on Americans getting
back to work. Underfunding education and vocational rehabilitation will have
the unintended consequence of forcing more and more disabled Americans onto the
rolls of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income,
prohibiting them from reaching their full potential and putting the burden of
their security on taxpayers. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Politicians have warned some budget
cuts are expected and necessary, and that entitlement programs are the center
of the debate. One side of this debate is pushing for a complete overhaul or
elimination of these programs and the other side is refusing to touch the
programs at all. The NFB needs to be the voice of reason in the debate and
advocate for a thorough, comprehensive reform that will allow these programs to
better produce the desired outcome of blind Americans living in the community
and paying taxes, rather than receiving long-term assistance. This reform might
require cuts, but we are confident that widespread, default cuts without any
targeted solutions will weaken the already-struggling programs and further
underserve a disadvantaged population. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Members of Congress must compromise fast and reach a debt
reduction agreement so we do not go over the fiscal cliff and face these
impending cuts. Tell them how important education and vocational
rehabilitation are to your independence and financial security. Democrats and
Republicans will understand how essential it is that blind people reach their
full employment potential and may be open to a dialogue about more
comprehensive reform solutions if we urge them. Federationists should ensure
the voice of the nation’s blind is heard during this critical time. To
find your representative’s contact information, go to <a
href="www.house.gov">www.house.gov</a> , <a href="www.senate.gov">www.senate.gov</a>
<<a href="http://www.senate.gov/">http://www.senate.gov/</a>> , or call
the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225.3121.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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