This morning the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure Rep. John Mica (R-FL), hosted a roundtable discussion dealing
specifically with issues surrounding transportation and people with
disabilities. ACB was one of only 5 disability organizations invited to
attend and give remarks. Furthermore, we were the only blindness
organization represented at the event.
My remarks centered on the following:
1. H.R.734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 and the need for
its passage.
2.  A considerable amount of funding for capital transportation projects
appeared in the economic stimulus legislation. The disconnect that many in
the disability
community observe is that while new projects are being funded,  existing
local transit and paratransit services on the operational side of the
business
are being cut. These cuts are occurring as ridership and demand for these
services continue to increase.
ACB's views were warmly received by all that attended. Rep. Mica kicked off
the roundtable by saying "About a month ago I had the chance to meet with
representatives of the American Council of the Blind's Florida affiliate.
They spoke with me about the challenges that people who are blind have in
independently identifying     hybrid vehicles. This conversation with them
prompted me to construct this roundtable this morning."
I would like to recognize the Florida Council of the Blind for their hard
work and advocacy. It doesn't get much better than this! This is yet another
shining example of the value that   continued advocacy with members of
Congress can provide to your state-special interest  affiliate and ACB's
legislative agenda.
Rep. Mica was by no means the only member to attend and ask questions of the
panelists. The Chairman of the committee, Rep. James Oberstar, attended this
meeting for 90 minutes and asked several probing questions. The full list of
those members that attended is below. IF you see your representative listed
please call and thank them for attending.  The Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure is interested in continuing the dialogue that began today
as various transportation legislative vehicles begin to ramp up over the
next year. ACB will have a seat at the table for these discussions. The
Florida Council of the Blind is largely responsible for this fact.
Best Regards,
Eric
MEMBERS THAT ATTENDED ROUNDTABLE
James Oberstar Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
(D-MN)
Vernon Ehlers (R-MI)
Joseph Cao (R-LA)
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Eric Bridges
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (202) 467-5081
Fax: (703) 465-5085