Oklahoma task force opens yearlong study of 14(c) subminimum‑wage certificates, prioritizing data and benefits planning Lawmakers and disability advocates launched a two‑year task force to study the federal 14(c) certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to some workers with disabilities. Speakers urged better state data, expanded benefits counseling and careful transition plans; testimony is scheduled for March and a report is due in 2027.

Oklahoma lawmakers and advocates are on a mission to reshape the future for workers with disabilities, challenging the controversial 14(c) wage certificates that allow subminimum pay.

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#OK #WageEquality #EmploymentInclusion #CitizenPortal #BenefitsPlanning

Mass. disability employment subcommittee agrees to invite SEED to brief on state-as-model-employer work The subcommittee voted by consensus to invite SEED (State Exchange on Employment and Disability), an ODEP initiative, for a briefing on modeling Massachusetts as a model state employer, benefit-cliff analysis and data partnerships with DER and CAPE Youth.

Massachusetts is taking bold steps to become a model employer for individuals with disabilities by inviting SEED to guide their efforts on policy and data partnerships!

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#MA #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal #EmploymentInclusion #PolicyDevelopment

Commission Members Discuss Reentry Issues and Unemployment Rates in Alabama Commission addresses high unemployment rates among formerly incarcerated individuals in Alabama.

The Alabama Joint Reentry Commission is tackling a staggering 27% unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated individuals, highlighting the urgent need for effective reentry programs.

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#AL #EmploymentInclusion #CommunitySupport

Government Operations Committee Reviews Community Rehabilitation Program Sunset Provision Committee discusses reauthorization for community rehabilitation programs impacting individuals with disabilities.

The future of Utah's Community Rehabilitation Programs hangs in the balance as a key provision faces a critical sunset review, potentially impacting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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#UT #DisabilityEmpowerment #CitizenPortal #EmploymentInclusion

Legislators debate support for preferred source program for disabled and veterans Walsh opposes bill linking formerly incarcerated to support for veterans and disabled individuals.

New York lawmakers have sparked a heated debate over a groundbreaking bill that could reshape employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals alongside veterans and those with disabilities.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #EmploymentInclusion #CriminalJusticeReform

Rep Van Werkom highlights Michigan's unemployment crisis among individuals with disabilities Rep Van Werkom discusses employment challenges for 1.3 million disabled Michiganders.

Michigan is facing an alarming unemployment crisis, with 15% of its 1.3 million residents with disabilities struggling to find work.

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#MI #CitizenPortal #JobAccessibility #EmploymentInclusion

Gaston presents agenda bills for review at community meeting Gaston reviews agenda bills impacting IDD community and city benefits.

Connecticut's Human Services Committee is taking bold steps to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they have access to meaningful employment and vital resources.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #SocialEquity #SupportiveServices #EmploymentInclusion

Ohio establishes Employment First Taskforce Fund for developmental disabilities support Legislation creates fund to enhance care and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ohio's new House Bill 225 is set to transform the landscape of care for individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting fair employment opportunities and protecting their rights.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #EmploymentInclusion #RightsProtection #QualityOfLife

Ohio establishes Employment First Task Force for individuals with developmental disabilities Director of developmental disabilities forms task force to enhance employment opportunities in Ohio.

Ohio's new House Bill 225 is set to transform employment prospects for individuals with developmental disabilities by prioritizing informed choice and community integration.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #WorkforceDevelopment #EmploymentInclusion

Connecticut establishes State-wide Primary Care Access Authority and employment task force Connecticut forms a Primary Care Access Authority and a task force for disabled employment.

Connecticut's new House Bill 7107 could revolutionize healthcare access and job opportunities for individuals with disabilities—are we witnessing a transformative moment?

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#CT #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #DisabilityRights #EmploymentInclusion

California extends CA RISE program with $17M for employment social enterprises California's CA RISE program secures renewed funding to enhance employment opportunities for marginalized groups.

California's CA RISE program is set to receive a $17 million boost to support employment social enterprises, aiming to transform economic mobility for marginalized communities.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EconomicMobility #EmploymentInclusion

DuPage County Board recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and World Autism Day Board proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Month and April 2 as World Autism Day.

The DuPage County Board shines a spotlight on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, celebrating local heroes who empower over 14,000 individuals with disabilities every day.

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#DuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #EmploymentInclusion

Legislators form working group to address wages for persons with disabilities Lawmakers establish a working group to review disability wage issues by 2027 session

Connecticut lawmakers are taking a bold step towards fair wages for individuals with disabilities by forming a dedicated working group to tackle this critical issue.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #FairWages #LegislativeReform #EmploymentInclusion

Beyond the Box initiative seeks funding to support justice involved individuals Initiative aims to improve hiring and retention for justice involved individuals amidst funding challenges.

The Beyond the Box initiative is on a mission to transform employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals, but it desperately needs funding to break down hiring barriers and create lasting change.

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#NY #WorkforceDevelopment #FundingChallenges #EmploymentInclusion

Legislature passes HB 81 prioritizing employment for disabled veterans Law mandates employment preference for disabled veterans and establishes administrative oversight.

Montana's new House Bill 81 is set to revolutionize employment for disabled veterans, prioritizing their hiring and promising a brighter future for those who served our country.

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#MT #DisabilityAccess #MontanaVeterans #VeteranSupport #EmploymentInclusion #CitizenPortal

Oregon VR program supports 14253 job seekers with disabilities in fiscal year 2024 Oregon's VR program faces rising caseloads while achieving high employment placement rates for clients.

Oregon's employment landscape reveals a staggering gap: only 48% of individuals with disabilities are employed, highlighting an urgent need for change.

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#OR #EmploymentInclusion #VocationalRehabilitation

Springfield Council explores veterans' hiring preferences and skills-based policies Councilors discuss expanding veterans' hiring preferences and the importance of experience over degrees.

Springfield City Council is revolutionizing hiring by prioritizing skills and experience over degrees, especially for veterans—could this be the future of employment?

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#SpringfieldCityHampdenCounty #MA #DiversityInWorkforce #EmploymentInclusion #SpringfieldVeterans

New Mexico allocates $500K for adult vocational rehabilitation services New Mexico directs funding to support services for blind, deaf, and hard-of-hearing individuals.

New Mexico's House Bill 2 is set to transform vocational rehabilitation services with a groundbreaking $15 million investment aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities and addressing unemployment in the state.

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#NM #SocialEquity #EmploymentInclusion

Kentucky Senate Bill 87 expands employment services for individuals with disabilities SB 87 promotes job training programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Kentucky's Senate Bill 87 is poised to revolutionize employment for individuals with disabilities, aiming to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive workforce.

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#KY #EmploymentInclusion #SocialIntegration #CitizenPortal #EconomicIndependence

Colorado allocates $5.6M to labor and employment for disability support initiatives Colorado appropriates $5,638,925 for the department of labor and employment's disability programs.

Colorado's Senate Bill 97 is set to revolutionize support for individuals with disabilities by allocating over $5.6 million to enhance employment resources and accessibility.

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#CO #PublicAwareness #EmploymentInclusion #DisabilitySupport #CitizenPortal

Arkansas enacts HB1508 to enhance employment for blind individuals through nonprofit work centers Arkansas establishes work centers to provide employment and training for blind individuals.

Arkansas lawmakers are taking a bold step towards inclusivity by advancing House Bill 1508, which prioritizes job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and aims to transform the workforce landscape.

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#AR #EmploymentInclusion #DisabilityRights #EconomicStability

Connecticut to implement new employment program for individuals with significant disabilities Connecticut's Disability Services will launch a program aiding individuals with severe employment limitations.

Connecticut is set to transform the job market for individuals with significant disabilities through Senate Bill 1158, a groundbreaking initiative designed to open doors to employment and economic independence.

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#CT #EmploymentInclusion #EconomicSelfSufficiency

Advocates highlight success of vocational programs for individuals with disabilities Individuals with disabilities gain employment and community engagement through supportive vocational programs.

A powerful testimony from an Oregon Senate meeting reveals how state initiatives are transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment and community integration.

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#OR #VocationalRehabilitation #EmploymentInclusion