SAN FRANCISCO -- The California State Assembly has recognized State Compensation Insurance Fund Supervisor Lealand Stewart for his efforts to provide meaningful employment opportunities for disabled workers.

San Francisco Assemblyman Mark Leno presented a formal Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Stewart from the California Assembly. Earlier this summer, Mr. Stewart was honored as “Employer of the Year” by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Supervisor Michaela Alioto-Pier on behalf of the Mayor's Committee for Employment of Persons with Disabilities. The committee honors San Francisco-based businesses, community organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to the employment of persons with disabilities.

“I commend your dedication and commitment to the community,” wrote Assemblyman Leno, who represents the 13th District, in the letter accompanying the Assembly’s certificate.  “Thank you for all that you do.”

"We are very proud that the California Assembly has formally recognized Mr. Stewart and his dedication to ensuring persons with disabilities are fairly treated and have opportunities to obtain permanent and meaningful employment," said State Fund Acting President James C. Tudor. Tudor is a long-time member of the San Francisco Special Olympics Committee and served on their board for a number of years. He added, "I congratulate Mr. Stewart on receiving this very special acknowledgment. State Fund’s commitment to provide productive employment for disabled members of the community will continue.”

Tina Marzell, job developer for the employment training organization, ‘Toolworks,’ has worked with Mr. Stewart for several years. She said, "We appreciate State Fund’s commitment to provide opportunities to people who often have a difficult time finding an ‘open door’ to decent wages and positive employment."

State Fund has received numerous awards for its community work. The Mayor's Committee honored State Fund for its outreach programs in 1989, 1991, 1996, and 2001. The California Governor’s Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities also honored State Fund as ‘Employer of the Year’ in 1991. In addition, State Fund has received national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and has twice won the Marriott Foundation Award as ‘Employer of the Year.’

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Established by the California Legislature in 1914, State Compensation Insurance Fund guarantees the availability of workers’ compensation coverage at cost to all California employers and competes fairly with private carriers. State Fund is a wholly self-supporting non-profit enterprise that serves as a moderating and stabilizing influence on California's workers' compensation insurance system.