Bill > HCR72

This Concurrent Resolution requests that state and county agencies in Hawaii adopt "employment first principles" when hiring and in all programs and services they manage or fund, especially those aimed at helping people with disabilities find jobs. Employment first means prioritizing integrated, competitive employment in the general workforce as the primary option for individuals with disabilities. Competitive employment is defined as work in the regular job market, either full or part-time, in a setting where people with and without disabilities interact, and where the pay is at least minimum wage and comparable to what others receive for similar work. The resolution clarifies that this does not mandate preferential hiring for people with disabilities or eliminate other support services. It also specifically asks the Department of Human Services to apply these principles to its waiver program personnel and ensure contracted providers do the same for their employees.