| [February 14, 2012] |
 |
National Federation of the Blind Urges Congress to Reject Commercializing Rest Stops
BALTIMORE --(Business Wire)--
The National
Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide
organization of blind Americans, today urged the United States Congress
to reject an amendment to the proposed American Energy and
Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 7) that would allow the
commercialization of highway rest stops. Currently, the only commercial
activity permitted at such rest stops is the operation of vending
machines by blind entrepreneurs under the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
Dr. Marc Maurer, Preident of the National Federation of the Blind,
said: "This amendment would threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of
blind entrepreneurs in the United States who depend on revenue from rest
stop vending machines. With an unemployment rate among blind Americans
that exceeds 70 percent, such a move is deeply irresponsible, as these
entrepreneurs will lose their businesses and be forced to rely on public
assistance. We urge Congress to reject this ill-considered and reckless
proposal."
The amendment, #217, has been put forward by Congressmen Steve
LaTourette (R-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). The
House Committee on Rules is expected to vote later today on whether to
allow the amendment.
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is
the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people
in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through
advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging
independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the
blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January
2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute, the first research and training center in the United States
for the blind led by the blind.
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