Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, July 16, 1998

News FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Richard Cross July 16, 1998 202-225-3061 EHRLICH HONORED BY THE BLIND Congressman Bob Ehrlich has been honored by two national blind organizations for his support of a federal program which benefits thousands of blind and disabled Americans. Ehrlich was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by NISH and the National Industries of the Blind for his support of the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (JWOD), a federal program which utilizes the purchasing power of the federal government to generate jobs and training opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled. Though modest by Washington standards, JWOD expands employment opportunities for 31,000 disabled citizens, who produce goods and services worth approximately $680 million. Last year in Maryland, there were 1,517 workers employed through JWOD. “I am proud to be an enthusiastic supporter of JWOD,” stated Congressman Ehrlich. “JWOD allows thousands of blind and disabled citizens to achieve a level of self-sufficiency which might otherwise prove elusive. I am certainly no fan of federal programs that waste taxpayers’ money. However, when a program works well, costs relatively little, and benefits vulnerable citizens, it is incumbent upon elected officials to provide appropriate support.” In the past, Ehrlich has been honored by the Maryland chapter of the National Federation of the Blind for his sponsorship of H. R. 612, legislation to raise the Social Security earnings limit for blind citizens.