Governor Laura Kelly has approved Senate Bill 15, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing job opportunities for disabled Kansans. Known as the Disability Employment Act, the bill incentivizes businesses to hire disabled workers by providing an income tax credit for purchases from qualifying businesses that pay these workers at least minimum wage. The bill also introduces the Sheltered Workshop Transition Grant Program to help employers move away from a federal policy allowing them to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage.
Governor Kelly stressed the need for fair wages for disabled workers. She said the bill would increase job opportunities, expand the workforce, and ensure dignity and respect for all workers. Businesses paying disabled workers less than minimum wage will not qualify for the Disability Employment Act tax credit.
Representative Sean Tarwater, Kansas House District 27, outlined the bill’s benefits. He said it would create more jobs for disabled Kansans and potentially increase their pay. He also mentioned that the bill could positively impact local economies as the workforce expands and workers have more disposable income.