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Community Corner

Community Update

Clearwater Lawmaker Honored

for Outstanding Leadership and Service

Representative Ed Hooper receives award from The Able Trust

 

TALLAHASSEE – Representative Ed Hooper is among the 2014 Ability Award winners honored reently at a ceremony held in Tallahassee. Through the Ability Awards, The Able Trust honors businesses, organizations and individuals for their employment, leadership and services that allow more citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce. 

 

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The Able Trust selected the Clearwater republican as the 2014 Representative of the Year.  As Chair of the Transporation & Economic Development Appropriations, Rep. Hooper helped to ensure restoration of funding for Able Trust programs help Floridians with disabilities enter the workforce.  

 

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“Representative Hooper recognized that a truly inclusive workforce, one that includes persons with disabilities, benefits all Floridians,” said Dr. Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust. “His commitment to helping people with disabilities gain independence has made a remarkable difference in the lives he touches.”   

 

As Chair of the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee, Rep. Hooper agreed to include restoration fund for The Able Trust in that committee’s budget, and then worked to assure movement of the request through the legislative process.

 

Prior to his election to the legislature in 2006, Rep. Hooper served the City of Clearwater as a Fire Lieutenant for 24 years.   He will be leaving state public office due to term limits, and is currently running for Pinellas County Commissioner. 

 

The Able Trust annually recognizes outstanding achievements in 13 categories, including outstanding employment placement programs, legislators, youth leaders with disabilities, small and large employers, media representatives, volunteers, and more.

 

 

About The Able Trust 

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded more than $30 million throughout Florida, enabling thousands of Floridians with disabilities to enter the workforce.


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