From: Andy Baracco 
Subject: Re: Resolution 97.04
Hi Harvey. The V. A.'s relationship with the Randolph Shepherd program is
the topic of another resolution. I do not agree with the V. A.'s position
on that issue. I was told by our canteen manager that the V. A. canteen
service was established to provide employment for veterans, but it has
been my observation that they usually hire off the street. In fact, they
have consistantly refused to hire disabled veterans, or to participate in
any kind of rehab initiative. Even more troubling is the fact that they
have started a practice of contracting out some of their food service to
companies like Burger King and Domino's Pizza.
Andy Baracco
On 9 Oct 1997, Harvey Heagy wrote:
> 
> 
> I can't comment on what you say because I don't know one way or the other, 
but maybe you can enlighten us on why the V.A. is consistantly violating the 
law by refusing Randolph-shepherd vendors access to their facilities even 
though 2 different federal courts have ordered them to do so?  This denies 
blind people jobs and disallows a quality food service access to hundreds of 
facilities nationwide just because they want their own canteen service to 
have first priority.  We've been at this since 1936 and have proven our 
capability in this area and could have done even better had state licensing 
agencies not screwed up the program.  But the fact is that our record is 
clear, and the federal courts have spoken in 2 circuits.
> Harvey 
> 
> 
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