ROCKVILLE, MD — Goodwill Industries International is pleased to honor Sen. Tom Harkin (IA) as a recipient of its Goodwill® National Policymaker Award for 2013. The award recognizes a federal lawmaker who has clearly demonstrated support for Goodwill’s public policy priorities.
Goodwill Industries of the Heartland (Iowa City, IA) nominated Harkin, who has been a long-standing advocate for people with disabilities. He served as a U.S. Congressman from 1975-1985, and as a U.S. Senator since 1985.
As a young senator, Harkin was tapped by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) to craft legislation to protect the civil rights of millions of Americans with physical and mental disabilities. What emerged from that process would later become Harkin’s signature legislative achievement — The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He continues to advocate for broadening the application of the ADA to ensure that individuals have ample resources and opportunities. Harkin has also championed the UN Convention on the Rights for People with Disabilities and is working to have the treaty passed this year.
“Sen. Harkin advocates for the fair treatment of all individuals while also supporting equal opportunities. Through his work on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he works to find balance between allowing individuals to thrive independently while providing supports that will give a leg up,” said Pat Airy, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Heartland. “Having served nearly four decades in Congress, Sen. Harkin will be missed.”
The award was announced at a reception in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, May 15th. The reception was part of Goodwill Industries International’s seventh annual Advocacy Day – “Designing Goodwill into the Future.”
