National Industries for the Blind
Adopted at the 64th Annual Meeting in 1996
WHEREAS, the United States Congress passed the Wagner-O'Day Act in 1938 encouraging the federal government to purchase products and services from industries serving people who are blind as long as these industries provide quality products and services, at fair market prices, with timely delivery; and
WHEREAS, cities and states enacted similar laws as 'state Use Laws' to promote and encourage government at all levels to purchase products and services from industries employing people who are blind; and
WHEREAS, organizations like National Industries for the Blind with industries in 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, enhance opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment; and
WHEREAS, these opportunities enable people who are blind to lead more productive and meaningful lives, support their families, become tax paying citizens rather than welfare recipients, and gain work experience; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the need for city government and community involvement with people who are blind or otherwise severely disabled,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages its members to purchase quality products and services from Industries for the Blind, also known as Lighthouses for the Blind, and to enhance and build their community's relationship with people who are blind and severely disabled.