National Federation of the Blind Comments on President's State of the Union Address

BALTIMORE, Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, commented today on the State of the Union address delivered by President Obama yesterday evening, focusing particularly on the president's call for a raise in the federal minimum wage.

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Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said in part: "The same moral and economic arguments being used to justify a lifting of the minimum wage apply to workers with disabilities, about 300,000 of whom are currently being paid wages significantly below the federal minimum wage and the poverty line.  Workers with disabilities also need a living wage that raises them out of poverty and dependence on public assistance, and allows them to contribute to the economy by spending the money they have earned. … Equality is part of our American creed, and as we write what the president called 'the next great chapter in our American story,' we must, at long last, apply our belief in equal treatment and equal opportunity to Americans with disabilities."

For President Maurer's full comments, please visit https://nfb.org/blog/vonb-blog/what-remains-unsaid-about-minimum-wage.

The National Federation of the Blind needs your support to ensure that blind children get an equal education, to connect blind veterans with the training and services they need, and to help seniors who are losing vision continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need your support.  To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind