Senator Cathy Cook, R-Mystic, applauded today’s Senate passage of legislation to create a pilot program that will improve job opportunities, and job security, for Connecticut citizens with disabilities and those who face other barriers to employment.

The legislation, which she co-sponsored with Senator Donald DeFronzo, D-New Britain, is subject to action by the House of Representatives.

“Sometimes when we pass legislation, we solve problems. We often duplicate similar laws from other states. But after two years of discussions we have created a new national model that will resolve emerging conflicts among two groups of people we wish to assist.  This bill begins a national model to provide new employment opportunities for a workforce comprised of people with disabilities, as well as those who face other disadvantages to employment,” said Senator Cook.

“Twenty years ago, I worked with friends to start Seabird Enterprises where people with disabilities learn job skills and work in businesses in the community.  That was innovative and unique at the time.  Now with this new policy that passed the Senate today, I can declare that we have truly come a long way.  People with disabilities have proved their value in the workforce, and now we will be able to help them integrate in new opportunities,” said Senator Cook.   

Last year, at Senator Cook’s request, the legislature established the Disabled and Disadvantaged Employment Security Working Group who worked to resolve the conflict between competing state policies, one that helps non-profit organizations assist people with disabilities to enter the workforce and one that attempts to provide job security to disadvantaged workers who face language and other barriers to consistent employment.

Specifically, SB 623, An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Disabled And Disadvantaged Employment Security Policy Group, calls for the state Department of Administrative Services to create a $3 million, four year pilot program under which preference would be given to “qualified partnerships” between non-profit agencies employing persons with disabilities and commercial contractors that employ economically disadvantaged persons.  These ‘qualified partnerships” would agree to hire people with disabilities as one-third of their employees, and one-third employees with disadvantages such as language barriers and other difficulties. These partnerships will receive preference in bids on contracts to perform janitorial services for state agencies. 

“It is my belief that this pilot program will be so successful that we will ultimately expand it and make it permanent. I am proud to live in a state that has always bee quick to recognize that everyone has the right to be included as full members of our society. This legislation is the next step toward making a real, positive, difference in the lives of many of our citizens, and I am proud to have played a role in helping to pass it,” said Senator Cook.