[glcb] three cheers for the vendors

[carla ruschival]

A huge congratulations to the vendors; it's a happy time tonight.

The Portman amendment to So-1813, the provision that would have 
allowed commercialization of interstate rest areas throughout the 
United States, was defeated resoundingly in the U.S.  Senate 
today.  The vote was 12 for the amendment, and a whopping 86 
opposed.  What a great advocacy effort!

This amendment, had it passed, would have endangered every aspect 
of the vending program.  Obviously it would have caused vendors 
who work in rest areas to lose their jobs.  But it would have 
also made it virtually impossible for business enterprise 
programs to cover their administrative costs, to fund many of 
their maintenance services, and to provide equipment for new and 
existing locations.  The defeat of this amendment touches the 
lives of thousands of blind people, and is cause for much 
celebration.

It was reported earlier today that many governors were supporting 
the amendment.  The decissive vote is a testimony to the power of 
individual advocacy.


Carla