Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and Barbara B. Kennelly letter to Newt Gingrich, March 27, 1995

Congress of flje tHmteb States Jjoust of iRtpMtntattoeS (Hlasbmgton, 5BC 20515 27 March 1995 The Honorable Newt Gingrich Office of the Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker: We are writing in regard to Section 501(b) of the “Contract with America’s” Senior Citizens Equity Act, soon to be considered by the House. This section, if included in the final bill, will have lasting adverse effects upon working-age blind people throughout the United States. We very much appreciate the understanding you have stated regarding this matter, and we share your expressed wish to have the exclusionary provision affecting the blind removed from the bill. It is our view that the mandated changes in the earnings limit may occur in a manner which excludes one (and in fact by far the smallest) of the two groups currently affected by the earnings exemption threshold. We are heartened by the unequivocal support that you have given to this view. Unfortunately, we are faced with the situation that the bill as reported still includes the provision in question. A policy of removing earnings restrictions is as sound for blind people as it is for seniors. This is why we would like to join you in an effort to find a solution which reduces the work disincentives for both groups. The principles of the “Contract with America”— personal responsibility, economic opportunity, and individual liberty— must apply to blind people as well as to seniors. While a number of us may differ over substantive policy concerns arising in H.R. 8, the Senior Citizens Equity Act, we can wholeheartedly agree on this point. Therefore, we are looking forward to working with you to achieve a resolution of this matter which is workable and fair for those affected. Sincerely, Member of Congress