12 · SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 LENDINGAHAND Legislation introduced to aid disabled Employment First bill would ensure opportunity, equal pay for workers Under the proposed Employment First legislation introduced this summer in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate, individuals with disabilities will see a change in the support toward competitive and meaningful employment. According to the legislation introduced as House Bill 1641 by Rep. Bryan Cutler (RPeach Bottom) and Rep. Dan Miller (D-Mt. Lebanon) and as Senate Bill 21 by Senator Bob Mensch (R-Pennsburg), the purpose of the act is to “ensure that individuals with a disability be given the opportunity to achieve economic independence through jobs that pay competitive wages in community integrated settings.” Among other things, the legislation would require the governor to set a goal of seven percent of the state workforce be made up of people with a disability, require state agencies to develop financial incentives for providers to help those with disabilities get jobs both in the private and public sectors and create an oversight commission to monitor progress. A release from Senator Mensch’s office when the bill was introduced this summer, stated that the legislation would not require additional state spending but instead would require agencies to “shift priorities within existing budgets.” “For quite some time, Pennsylvania has been talking about deinstitutionalization and home and community-based living, where people with disabilities have the opportunity to work at competitive wages in a wide range of jobs in the private and public sectors across the Commonwealth,” Mensch said in the release. “Pennsylvania employers are dealing with a serious workforce shortage. On any given day there are more than 200,000 job vacancies posted on the state’s official job listing. More and more employers in Pennsylvania are finding that people with disabilities are productive, responsible and dependable employees. National research and pilot programs in Pennsylvania have proven that the employment of people with disabilities at competitive wages benefits both employers and persons with disabilities. It’s a win-win.” In the House, the bill has been assigned to committee, Miller said. “As of right now, our bill is not scheduled for a vote in front of the full House,” he said. “I’m very honored to work with Bryan Cutler because he can help move this bill forward, and he’s a great champion of this bill. We need that help to be able to push it through in what can be a challenging legislative environment considering the state budget is not complete. “With that still occupying a lot of the conversation in Harrisburg, we have some very important bills, of which this is one, that have to fight for airtime, so to speak. That will be the challenge for us.” Miller said that Gov. TomWolf already has brought aspects of the bill to his own administration via executive order and expects that he will sign the bill if they can get it to his desk. To read the bill in full, visit legis.state.pa.us. BY KAREN PRICE Just Ask for VNA It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer. 724-282-6806 Toll-free 877-862-6659 www.lutheranseniorlife.org 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001 adno=6490699 Care at home... the best place With over 30 years of experience and a mission to provide the highest quality care at home for your loved one, Care Unlimited Inc. offers you peace of mind. RNs, LPNs, Aides, and Companion Sitters. All personnel screened, bonded, and insured. 1.800.535.3747 adno=6489315
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