NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

SENATE PASSES MEASURE TO EXPAND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO THE DISABLED

SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Senator Susan Garrett (D - Lake Forest) passed legislation last week to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Senate Bill 2538 includes several provisions that augment employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Illinois. The bill requires the Department of Central Management Services in cooperation with the Department of Human Services to implement plans to increase the number of individuals with disabilities employed by State government and requires that an annual report be submitted annually to the Governor and General Assembly concerning its actions.

“This legislation will show the people of Illinois that we are serious about equal opportunity,” said Garrett, who serves as Vice-Chair of Senate’s State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. Under the provisions of the bill, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Human Services will develop and implement a campaign designed to increase statewide public awareness of issues that affect individuals with disabilities.

“Employees of the state are paid by the taxpayers, including citizens with disabilities,” said Garrett. “Those individuals with disabilities should be afforded the same opportunities with the State of Illinois as other taxpaying citizens.”

Senate Bill 2538 now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.