Joint Resolution

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

Whereas, more than 54 million Americans have disabilities; and

Whereas, 16 percent of Kansans between the ages of 21 and 64, as well as 41 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 Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas has on numerous occasions affirmed her administration's commitment to improving the lives of all Kansans with disabilities; and

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

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

Therefore be it resolved that, on this 1st day of December 2004, in the City of Topeka, Kansas, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State of Kansas 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 Kansans with disabilities; and

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

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

Kathleen Sebelius
Governor, State of Kansas