Rep. Rob Green (R-Shelbyville) drafted a bill to establish tax credits for businesses that employ people with disabilities.
Green, who represents parts of Shelby and Johnson counties, said: House Bill 1559 It aims to help Hoosiers with disabilities who face obstacles in finding meaningful employment. Another legislator, her Rep. Peggy Mayfield of R-Martinsville, and two of her others signed as co-authors on the bill.
U.S. Department of Labor Statistics show an estimated 80% unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By contrast, Indiana as a whole has an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Green said the bill, if passed, would help more people with disabilities find jobs.
“A Hoosier with a disability provides valuable skills and talents,” Green said in a statement released by his office. “Unfortunately, despite their abilities and talents, they are often overlooked. It can help encourage
If the bill is passed in writing, the tax credit could be claimed beginning in 2024, reducing state revenue beginning in the 2025 fiscal year. If all current disabled employees are billed, this bill could cost him $94 million to $307 million in lost state revenue. As an exemption under credit, according to the bill’s latest Fiscal Impact Statement. The credit he can claim for three years, and how much he can claim for three years and how much he can claim depends on the size of the business, the financial impact statement said.
Indiana arc expressed support for Green’s bill. ARK is an organization that works to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
“by Indiana Workforce Development Authority, Indiana closed out 2022 with more than 130,000 job vacancies,” said Hannah Carlock, senior director of public affairs at Ark, Indiana, in a statement. “There is an untapped pool of potential employees who are constantly overlooked because they have a disability. I hope it encourages us to move to a “state where everyone works.” “
Green, whose son is on the autism spectrum, says one of his goals is to fight for people with disabilities.
“This is a very personal matter for me,” Green said in a statement. “For all parents with special needs, the question is, ‘What will happen to my child when I’m gone?’ It weighs heavily on their hearts. It is our hope that, if passed, this measure will help alleviate that burden and give our children the dignity and independence that comes from meaningful work. “
