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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>I just wanted to update you on SB 1000.<BR>This
bill would sweep monies from several dedicated funds, including up to $2
million<BR>from the Deaf Relay and Equipment Distribution Fund<BR> into the
General Revenue fund.<BR>The equipment portion is the part that funds the
Telecommunications Access Program<BR>(TAP for Telephone and TAP for
Internet).<BR>While the current fund balance (about $4 million) is enough that
TAP would not likely<BR>be impacted over the next year, my concern is over the
precedent that would be set<BR>by taking monies out of this dedicated
fund.<BR>If it happens one year, there is no assurance that it wouldn't happen
again in future<BR>years.<BR>SB 1000 has had a hearing already in the Senate
Appropriations Committee, but the<BR>Committee has not yet voted on the
bill.<BR> Some key points are:<BR>The program provides adaptive equipment
to individuals with all types of disabilities<BR>who are not able to use the
internet or a telephone because of their disability.<BR>The program is funded
through the dedicated surcharge on monthly telephone bills<BR>to provide the
Missouri Relay service and on the equipment side, to provide TAP.<BR>The fund is
dedicated for this purpose and removing funds would set a worrisome
precedent<BR>for future years.<BR>The Public Service Commission is already
expecting that the fund balance will begin<BR>to go down next year, as revenues
into the fund go down.<BR>If anyone would like to share their thoughts with
committee members, I am listing<BR>names and contact information of some of the
key members below.<BR>Rob Mayer, Chair 573-751-3859<BR>Kurt Schaefer,
Vice-Chair 573-751-3931<BR>Tom Dempsey 573-751-1141<BR>Jim Lembke
573-751-2315<BR>David Pearce 573-751-2272<BR>Frank Barnitz 573-751-2108<BR>Thank
you,<BR>Chip Hailey<BR></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>