ASSEMBLY, No. 2781

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MARCH 3, 1997

By Assemblywoman WRIGHT and Assemblyman KRAMER

An Act permanently designating the first Sunday in May as "Loyal Heart Award Day" in New Jersey.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

    a. There are more than two million people in the State with disabilities whose civil rights are guaranteed under the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990"; and

    b. A multitude of caregivers support persons with disabilities and assist them to achieve their fullest potential; and

    c. An awareness of these caregivers should be included among the issues, expanded communications and awareness promotions that inform the public about the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities; and

    d. Federal, state, county and local governments have implemented inclusionary programs for persons with disabilities that they could not or would not be able to attend without the loving care and assistance of those who aid them; and

    e. The "Loyal Heart Award" was initiated in 1994 by Elayne Hyman Risley, chairwoman of the Middlesex County Chapter Coalition on Women and Disabilities, to recognize the contributions made by these selfless individuals who give their time and consideration to care for persons with disabilities; and

    f. In order to promote a spirit of community and to ensure continued public recognition of the important role these Loyal Heart Award recipients and all caregivers, who are often family members, friends, neighbors, health care professionals or aides, play in the life of persons with disabilities, it is only fitting that an annual Loyal Heart Award Day be celebrated during Human Potential Week.

    2. The first Sunday in May is permanently designated "Loyal Heart Award Day" in New Jersey to recognize and honor the loyal efforts of caregivers in helping persons with disabilities achieve their fullest potential.

    3. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill permanently designates the first Sunday in May as Loyal Heart Award Day in New Jersey in order to honor and provide public recognition to caregivers of persons with disabilities who give their time, care and consideration to help people with disabilities achieve their fullest potential.

Permanently designates first Sunday in May as "Loyal Heart Award Day" in New Jersey.