NAM urges President to sign ADA Amendments Act.

Press Release Summary:



Considered meaningful achievement for all stakeholders by NAM Executive VP Jay Timmons, ADA Amendments Act strikes balance between protections for individuals with disabilities and obligations and requirements of employers. It corrects narrow court interpretations that have restricted ADA protections in workplace and stripped coverage for individuals with conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. NAM urges President to sign bill without delay.



Original Press Release:



NAM Urges President to Sign ADA Amendments Act



WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17, 2008 - National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Executive Vice President Jay Timmons today called congressional passage of the ADA Amendments Act, "a meaningful achievement for all stakeholders and an encouraging sign that good legislation can triumph over 'politics as usual' in Washington."

"This bill represents a truly remarkable collaboration of disability, civil rights and employer groups that generated strong bicameral and bipartisan support in Congress. The NAM is proud to have helped shape this landmark legislation and urges the President to sign this bill without delay," Timmons said.

"The bill strikes the right balance between protections for individuals with disabilities and the obligations and requirements of employers," he continued. "It corrects narrow court interpretations that have restricted ADA protections in the workplace and stripped coverage for individuals with conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and even cancer.

"Restoring the original intent of the ADA is a practical issue for manufacturers who urgently need qualified workers to fill vacancies - and it's also the right thing to do. As the Baby Boom generation begins to retire and technology continues to rapidly advance, manufacturers face growing shortages of skilled workers and are actively seeking all qualified individuals who want to work," he added.

Timmons went on to thank Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Sen. Harkin (D-IA) and Sen. Hatch (R-UT) for their leadership on this important legislation.

"The making of this bill sets an example for the way legislation should be shaped in the future. The NAM looks forward to continuing working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to address the workforce needs of manufacturers in America," he concluded.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.

CONTACTS:

LAURA NARVAIZ (202) 637-3104

KEITH SMITH (202) 637-3045

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