As far as our situation out here in the Wild Pacific Northwest, we are in a full blown battle with our governor's office over the status of both the school for the blind and the Department of services for the blind. Both NFBW and WCB are working together, along with every single organization and agency serving the blind. We have some assurances through a very powerful senator, that he will almost guarantee that he can kill the two bills. We are getting the membership out to see their legislators, as well as calling and emailing them.
In addition we are attempting to replace at least part of the 6 positions the state has cut from our library for the blind. And we are working to replace the $100 thousand that the Office of Financial Management cut from our Older Blind Program.
We've written some pretty good Fact Sheets and are circulating them. Fred Schroeder has been a great help, along with Paul DzieDzic. Paul was director of the Department from 1982 through 1987. He was very active in NCSAB affairs as well as CSAVR. He now works in our state Social and Health Services Agency doing some consulting, and is in a great position to observe and report critical information to us.
Mostly we are depending on our membership to rise to the challenge. We are stressing the fact that the governor's office can show no immediate saving from these mergers and that they did not involve or even consult the blind community.
Of course almost every governor attempts to shuffle agencies around and consolidate where possible. But my sense is that this time the plan is being pushed to show effort on the part of the governor to down size government and pave the way for tax increases. We are just part of the big push.
Other than that, life goes on. I do wish we could find the connection to capture the interest and involvement of our younger blind folks. I was between the ages of 35 to 42 when we battled to free our blind programs from the DSHS and establish a separate agency. Now I am coming up on 75 and the battle is on again. We need an injection of youth.
Keep a sharp eye on your own legislature in Nebraska. I fear that no state is safe. As my old Mentor reminded me over and over again, The price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance.
Curious Carl
check out my blog
www.curiouscarlscorner.blogspot.com
www.curiouscarlscorner.blogspot.com
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