House Supports Bill to Provide Competitive Work Opportunities for People with Disabilities, Cutler and Miller Say
HARRISBURG – The House unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Dan Miller (D-Allegheny) to benefit both individuals with disabilities and improve the state’s workforce shortage. The Employment First Act would more effectively integrate people with disabilities in their communities while providing them a range of job options.
“After meeting with many groups like #IWantToWork and hearing about how people with disabilities are often paid well below minimum wage in segregated facilities, Rep. Miller and I understand how important this legislation is in its own merits,” Cutler said. “It becomes even more critical because of the Commonwealth’s workforce shortage.”
The bill would call for state agencies to employ individuals with disabilities in at least 7 percent of the overall state workforce. It, however, would not require state agencies to give preference in hiring to people with disabilities.
An oversight commission, with people who have disabilities making up more than half of its members, would set measurable goals for improving the percentage of workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania. It would also issue an annual progress report.
“The strong support the bill has received is due in no small part to its bipartisan nature, so I thank Rep. Miller for again partnering with me to call for competitive wages for people with disabilities like he has in previous legislative sessions,” Cutler added.
The bill would not require additional state funding. Instead, Commonwealth agencies would be required to shift priorities within existing budgets.
It now advances to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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