In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation that would amend Title 71 and give people with disabilities additional points on the State Civil Service Exam. This legislation was previously SB 451 in the 2023-24 session. Members who cosponsored this legislation previously include Senators Bartolotta, Brewster, Kane, Fontana, Dillon, Pennycuick, Costa, Cappelletti, and Street.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that more than one in ten Pennsylvanians have some level of disability. Additionally, the Departement of Labor & Industry's Center for Workforce Information & Analysis reports that the unemployment rate for Pennsylvanians with disabilities in December 2023 was only at 4.6% as compared to a rate of 3% for Pennsylvanians without disabilities. Furthermore, the 2024 Employment First Oversight Commission's report continues to call for a State employed workforce composed of at least 7% workers with disabilities, a goal set by Act 36 of 2018 that has not yet been achieved.  

People with disabilities offer a wide variety of skills and abilities to employers. This legislation provides the Commonwealth with the opportunity to become a leader in disability hiring and set the example for all employers in Pennsylvania.

Please join me in sponsoring this legislation and give all Pennsylvanians the opportunity to be a part of our workforce.