ing to gather here today to recognize the businesses and industries and
the employees who represent as well the principles of the Committee to
Promote the Employment of the Handicapped.

As you know, one of the chief goals of my Administration is expanded
development of the economy of our State. Maryland over the past ten
years grew at a much faster rate than the national average and all indi-
cations point to an even more rapid pace during the current decade.
Expanded economy means more to me than a high-toned financial
catch phrase. It means more to me than seeing physical growth of our
industries, industrial plants and businesses. In addition to this, expanded
economy means something that touches the lives of all our citizens. It
means new jobs for the people of Maryland. This creation is of two-
fold importance. First, economic expansion can create jobs in the areas
of our State where unemployment rates are high. It can mean a steady
income for men and women in these areas, men and women who for
years, perhaps, have been scratching out a living from part-time jobs or
who have, indeed, been unable to get any work at all. These people
want to work and it is the duty of government, I believe, to seek means
of creating a climate for work, to bring them a measure of opportunity
and security to which every citizen of this nation is entitled. Secondly,
expanded economy can mean new horizons to those of our citizens
already employed....

There is nothing, in my opinion, so depressing to the spirit than the
knowledge that opportunity for self-improvement is gone, that new
fields to conquer no longer exist. I don't want that to happen in Mary-
land. In these times when new challenges await us every day, we cannot
afford to have a citizenry that feels it is in a rut. We must have people
with their eyes on the future, with vision, with drive and with a desire
to keep this State and this nation moving forward. In a State which
seeks new opportunities for its people and new opportunity for its indus-
tries and businesses, this condition is possible.

The Committee to Promote Employment of the Handicapped has a
role, a vital role, in the growth of our State. As Governor, and as one
who has had long experience in the governmental affairs of our State,
I know first hand the job some of our physically handicapped people
are doing. They hold down important jobs in our State agencies and
the heads of these agencies have told me over the years, and tell me
today, of the efficiency, imagination and dedication to duty that our
physically handicapped employees have. Private industry has had the
same experience. With the growth that Maryland is anticipating in the

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