Springfield, IL - Majority Caucus Whip and State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) is the 2009 recipient of the Carl Suter Award. The Award is given out by the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED) to those who strive to further the rights and opportunities for Illinois’ disabled citizens.

ICED was created by a statute in 1974 to represent the interests of employees with disabilities in Illinois state government. The Committee advocates for the rights of state employees with disabilities. It also serves as a resource for state agencies on disability-related issues. The Committee achieves its goals through education and legislation. ICED has spent the last couple of years trying to find a solution to disability hiring issues in Illinois. Over the years, Senator Garrett has been a leader in providing disability hiring incentives. Senate Bill 40, which passed the House and the Senate unanimously, requires various agencies of State government to develop and implement programs that will increase the number of individuals with a disability that are employed by State government.

“I will continue to advocate for employment opportunities for the disabled community,” said Senator Garrett. “They deserve the right to work and be equal members of society despite any disabilities they might have.”

The 2009 Carl Suter Award will be presented to Senator Garrett at the state Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities’ legislative reception.

WHO: Senator Susan Garrett, ICED members, Illinois legislators
WHAT: ICED Legislative Reception
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hoogland Center for the Arts, Club Room
                 420 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL