Stories regarding the State of new York’s efforts to sell items over-the-counter at a Long Island rest area
12/13/16
From Terry Smith, NFBEI
Hello All: Below you will find 2 links to stories regarding the State of new York’s efforts to sell items over-the-counter at a Long Island rest area. One article is a print story and the other is a news story that appeared on the New York NBC television affiliate. We were already gearing up for an effort in Congress to commercialize the rest areas. We have been hearing that such an effort is likely considering the strain on state budgets and the reluctance to raise taxes. In this article, you will note that the State of New York believes the current law that limits sales to only vending machines is antiquated. We can expect them to make a push to get the law changed.
Currently, blind vendors and SLA’s operate vending at 1,098 rest areas. Two-thirds of these are serviced by 363 blind vendors and the others are operated under third party contracts. These contracts generate $5 Million annually in revenue for this state BEP’s. Protecting the livelihoods of those 363 blind entrepreneurs and the revenue stream for the states will be our top priority.
We will keep you posted.
http://www.tinyurl.com/hr44dy5
Thanks!
Terry Smith, NFBEI