Bill > SCR219

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, particularly those aimed at helping people with disabilities find jobs. "Employment first principles" means that integrated employment in the general workforce is considered the primary and preferred option for individuals with disabilities seeking assistance. This includes ensuring that people with disabilities are paid at least the minimum wage and receive comparable benefits to their non-disabled colleagues for similar work, and that they have opportunities to interact with people without disabilities in the workplace. The resolution emphasizes that this does not mandate preferential hiring for individuals 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 contracted service providers.