Bill > HR65

This Resolution requests that state and county agencies in Hawaii adopt "employment first principles," which means prioritizing competitive employment in integrated settings as the primary option for individuals with disabilities seeking work through publicly funded programs. Competitive employment is defined as work in the general labor market, full or part-time, in a setting where people with and without disabilities interact, and where individuals are paid at least minimum wage and receive comparable benefits to their non-disabled peers. The resolution emphasizes 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, building on previous legislative efforts like Kal's Law which allowed individuals receiving Medicaid to earn more without losing benefits.