[Nfbnet-members-list] Fiscal Cliff Alert

[David Andrews]

Dear Federationists,

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.

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.

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.

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 
<http://www.house.gov>www.house.gov , www.senate.gov, or call the 
Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225.3121.  For more information, contact 
Lauren McLarney at the National Federation of the Blind, (410) 
659.9314 ext. 2207.
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