National Federation of the Blind of Florida, Inc.

Board of Directors’ Meeting

April 9, 2006

 

Roll Call: 

President: Kathy Davis

First Vice President, Dwight Sayer

Second Vice President, Dan Hicks

Treasurer, Tom Hartig

Secretary, Merry Schoch

Board Members:  Betty McNally, Gloria Mills Hicks, Joe Minichiello, and JD Townsend.

Special guest:  Peggy Elliott

 

The meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida Board of Directors was called to order by President Kathy Davis at 8:06 p.m.

 

Commemorative Coin Act – Peggy Elliott

Peggy explained to the Board the Commemorative Coin Act.  She stated every year Congress authorizes two coins.  The act defines the amount of silver dollars allowed to strike.  The costs of the coins are $40; usually purchased by coin collectors. Production costs the United States government $30.   The remaining $10 from the sale of the coins is the surcharge that goes to the charity that is defined in the bill. 

The National Federation of the Blind is named in the bill as the benefactor of the Louis Braille Commemorative Coin to help promote and establish a National Braille Literacy campaign. The benefactor must raise an equal amount of money to the surcharge earned.   For example:  If all the coins were sold the surcharge amount would be $4 million, this would be the amount the National Federation of the Blind would have to raise.  The Mint would audit the NFB before disbursing the funds.

Peggy discussed the issue of the American Council of the Blind’s opposition with the NFB being named as the benefactor of the coin.  She explained what the ACB would like is for a federal agency to get the money and then distribute the grants among different agencies/organizations for the blind.  This procedure will cost taxpayers since the federal agency will be paid through taxpayer dollars.

The purpose of this meeting was to receive guidance from Mrs. Elliott in regards to how we can assist getting Senators Nelson and Martinez on board with the Louis Braille Commemorative Coin bill.

Due to the fact the Senators are from different parties, they must be handled differently.  Peggy will send us a document to use for Senator Martinez.  It is a speech presented by Senator Ney on the House floor that speaks to the subjects of Louis Braille, the NFB, and the importance of a Braille literacy campaign.  She believes it is important to give Martinez documentation, and she agrees with Dan that it is important to put people in front of Nelson who he remembers from his Congress days.

Peggy suggested members of the Florida affiliate call both Senators’ local offices to arrange for appointments to speak with the Senator or one of his aides.  She stated it is important to have 8 to 10 personal visits around the state with each Senator’s office.  Gloria will take the lead in making sure all of Senator Nelson’s offices get a visit, and Dwight and Betty will make sure that all of Senator Martinez’s offices get a visit.  She suggested the visitors and membership follow-up with e-mails within one to two weeks. 

Peggy recommended since Florida has a large membership to have some of the individuals focus on local offices and some on the Washington office.  Dwight will handle Washington for the personal visits for both Senators, and have other members support in sending e-mails.

          Peggy asked Kathy if the Rehab Council might be willing to adopt a resolution regarding this matter.  Kathy stated they will try to get it through.  Peggy will send a portion of Senator Ney’s speech to JD, and JD will draft the resolution.  Kathy will send a copy of the resolution to Peggy.

          Peggy gave the Board her contact information should anyone need to contact her with any other questions or concerns.  She also stated that we could contact James McCarthy or Jessie Hartle at the National office.  She will notify us if either of the Senators sign on to the bill.

          Merry will send the following list to Peggy with the items that she will send to Kathy:

1.     Nancy Burns e-mail

2.     Senator Ney speech on the House floor.

3.     History of Louis Braille which is located on a part of the bill.

4.     Clip to include n the resolution for JD to draft...

 

Continuation of Meeting with State Convention Matters

 

Kathy thanked Dan for getting out the 4th draft of the agenda.  She stated she would like the Agenda committee to meet soon, and it was decided they will meet on Tuesday, April 18th.   Kathy reported that Tom will be going to the hotel on Wednesday to check out the rooms. 

Dwight announced that if a participant needs a wheelchair accessible room, they should contact Francie in sales when making their reservation. 

He is still working on getting a government rep. to attend the convention. 

          JD will make another call for resolutions.  Betty announced that Vandelon Holland will be the individual who coordinates the childcare service.   Betty is also working with Marilyn Baldwin in the coordination of volunteers to help participants get oriented to the hotel environment.  Joe reported the Senior Seminar is coming along very well, and they have two presenters.

 

The next Board meeting will be held on April 30th at 8:00 p.m.

 

Adjourned 9:10 pm