[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E165-E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO RELINK BLIND TO EARNINGS TEST

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                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to restore fairness to the Social Security earnings test 
for blind individuals. Since 1977, the linking of the blind to senior 
citizens for the purposes of the earnings test has assisted in helping 
many blind individuals become self-


[[Page E166]]

sufficient, and more productive members of society. This is no longer 
the case. That important link was broken in 1996. While senior citizens 
will be afforded greater opportunity to increase their earnings without 
losing their Social Security benefits, the blind, however, will not 
have that same chance.
  Blindness is often associated with adverse social and economic 
consequences. It is often difficult for blind individuals to find 
sustained employment or for that matter employment at all. The blind 
want to work and take pride in doing so. Our action in 1977 provided a 
great deal of hope and incentive for the blind population in this 
country. Now is not the time to roll back two decades of success. I 
urge my colleagues to support this important legislation to restore 
fairness to the Social Security earnings test.

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