Cutler and Miller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Competitive Wages for People with Disabilities
HARRISBURG – To encourage the employment of people with disabilities at competitive wages by Commonwealth employers, Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Dan Miller (D-Allegheny) introduced the Employment First Act. The bipartisan legislation would prioritize community inclusion and offer the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to work in a wide range of jobs in the public and private sectors.
“As the bill will enable people with disabilities to end their dependence on governmental assistance, it has a great capacity to empower this important population of Pennsylvania residents,” Cutler said. “Currently the workforce participation rate for individuals with disabilities is 20 percent, so I am hopeful that this bill will encourage others to seek employment.”
Pennsylvania businesses face a serious workforce shortage, with more than 200,000 job vacancies posted on the state’s official job listing each day. National research and pilot programs in the Commonwealth have proven that the employment of people with disabilities at competitive wages can be successful for businesses and for people with disabilities.
“As the need for competitive wages is relevant to everyone, I am thankful to Rep. Miller for working with me to draft legislation that will require competitive wages for those with disabilities, rather than paying them well below minimum wage in segregated facilities as is currently the case,” Cutler added.
The bill will not require additional state funding. Instead, Commonwealth agencies would be required to shift priorities within existing budgets.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
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