President's 2008 Budget and the Consumer Price Index
The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind sends out this alert to make you aware that the President's 2008 budget request does not include a Consumer Price Index (CPIU) increase for the vocational rehabilitation program. This is a serious threat to the integrity of the public vocational rehabilitation program. With 43 agencies already in an order of selection, it is obvious that current funding levels are inadequate. The elimination of the CPIU would inevitably lead to reductions in essential programs and services.
Advocates should not assume that the new Congress will automatically reject the president's budget. This is especially true since other popular federal programs have been cut while vocational rehabilitation has received annual CPIU increases.
The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind will communicate to Congress the devastating impact of the President's proposed budget, and to assure the continued health of the public vocational rehabilitation program. We urge all other interested parties to make their voices known.
Greg Trapp, J.D.
President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind
Executive Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind
505-841-8844