SUMMARY

This bill accomplishes the following.

1. Part A, which is based on a similar law in Maryland, establishes a state tax credit that allows employers a tax credit for employees with disabilities.

2. Part B allows a taxpayer with a disability a refundable earned income tax credit equal to 25% of the tax otherwise imposed.

3. Part C directs each agency, department and instrumentality of State Government to take steps to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

4. Part D directs the Department of Health and Human Services to amend its rules to provide greater flexibility for individuals with intellectual disabilities to receive day habilitation services and supportive employment services. This Part also directs the department to increase the available number of hours and to increase the cap on the reimbursement for day habilitation services and supportive employment services to an amount that covers a maximum of 40 service hours per week.

5. Part E directs the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Labor to jointly initiate a media campaign designed to educate and inform the people of the State regarding issues affecting individuals with disabilities.