Joint Resolution

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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Whereas, the United States and the State of Utah are committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all citizens; and

Whereas, more than 54 million Americans have disabilities; and

Whereas, 15 percent of Utahns between the ages of 21 and 64, as well as 40 percent of those age 65 and over, have disabilities; and

Whereas, individuals with disabilities can further benefit from the promise of equal opportunity; and

Whereas, in February 2001, President George W. Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative as a Comprehensive national strategy for promoting equal participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the nation's social and economic life; and

Whereas, Governor Olene S. Walker of Utah has on numerous occasions affirmed her administration's commitment to improving the lives of all Utahns with disabilities; and

Whereas, access to employment is key to accomplishing the goals of the New Freedom Initiative and improving the lives of Utahns with disabilities; and

Whereas, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State of Utah wish to work in partnership to promote and enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities;

Therefore be it resolved that, on this 10th day of November 2004, in the City of Salt Lake, Utah, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State of Utah will:

(1) Work together to identify best practices affecting individuals with disabilities who are State employees or who are applicants for State employment;

(2) Cooperatively eliminate barriers to equal employment for Utahns with disabilities; and

(3) Enumerate best employment practices used by the State of Utah for the benefit of other state governments around the nation.

Cari M. Dominguez
Chair, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Olene S. Walker
Governor, State of Utah

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This page was last modified on November 17, 2004.