SENATOR COLLINS RECEIVES AWARD FROM UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Collins received the "Lead On" award today for her work on behalf of people with disabilities from the United Cerebral Palsy. The award was presented during an event sponsored by a number of disability organizations called, "Honoring Our Elected Officials." "I believe strongly in the words shared by Senator Bob Dole in 1997 which I find appropriate today, ‘that aging should not mean poverty, that disabilities should not mean indignity, that diversity should not mean discrimination,'" said Senator Collins. "I am truly honored to have been chosen to receive the ‘Lead On' award. I will continue my commitment to ensuring that all Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to achieve their full potential."

Anne Rader who serves on the United Cerebral Palsy's Board of Trustees presented the award to Senator Collins. Anne Rader said the following at today's event, "Senator Collins is a thorough, thoughtful lawmaker who casts her votes not on party lines, but principled ideals that are supported by the facts. She fights for what she believes in and we are very fortunate to have her continued support."

Senator Collins was chosen for this award for her long-standing record on issues of importance to the disability community. Senator Collins has led the charge to fully fund the federal government's share of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Senator sponsored the Work Incentives Improvement Act so Americans with disabilities can work so they gain economic independence. She is currently working with Senator Grassley ((R-IA) to pass the Family Opportunity Act so children with disabilities have access to critical healthcare services. Senator Collins has also introduced the Keeping Families Together Act, which supports statewide systems of care for children with serious mental illness so parents are no longer forced to give up custody in order to secure treatment.