Relating To The Employment Of Persons With Disabilities.
Impact
The bill mandates that state and county agencies implement Employment First principles not just in hiring practices but also throughout the services they administer or fund, especially within Medicaid home and community-based waiver programs. This policy shift is geared towards ensuring that individuals with disabilities can obtain competitive, integrated employment that pays at or above the minimum wage. Consequently, it aligns with a broader national trend where over 40 states have similarly implemented Employment First legislation, signifying a collective move towards inclusivity in employment practices.
Summary
House Bill 1622 aims to establish Employment First as a policy of the State of Hawaii and its counties, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. This initiative supports the notion that employment in the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities who currently receive assistance from publicly funded programs. With the legislative backing, the bill emphasizes not only the access to employment opportunities but also the enhanced coordination among various state agencies to promote employment for persons with disabilities through integrated settings.
Contention
While the bill establishes strong provisions for integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce, it also includes clarifications that there should not be any preference given to hiring individuals with disabilities solely based on their status. This aspect instigates discussions about balancing equal employment opportunities without mandated quotas, which has been a point of contention among various stakeholders. Advocates worry that without specific hiring preferences, the intended positive impact of the Employment First policy might be diluted, limiting the actual employment inclusion of disabled individuals.