2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
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2023 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 70
September 20, 2023 - Introduced by Senators NASS, JAGLER, JACQUE, TAYLOR,
CABRAL-GUEVARA, QUINN and FEYEN, cosponsored by Representatives
DITTRICH, MURPHY, MAXEY, CONLEY, DONOVAN, NEYLON, SPIROS, MOSES, TITTL,
BALDEH, HURD, WICHGERS, WITTKE and EDMING. Referred to Committee on
Senate Organization.
1 Relating to: recognizing Employment Choice First as a means to preserve the
2 dignity, self-esteem, and pride of individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin.
3 Whereas, the citizens of the State of Wisconsin deserve the dignity and freedom
4 to find work in the place of employment that best reflects their needs and skills; and
5 Whereas, an individual's employment and work also promote involvement and
6 fellowship in other community activities; and
7 Whereas, Employment Choice First is a movement affirming the philosophy
8 that choice of employment setting is a right of all individuals and that this choice
9 should be made by the individual; and
10 Whereas, the mission of Employment Choice First in Wisconsin is to establish
11 opportunities for all working-age individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin to gain
12 employment within a setting that meets their individual needs and skills, and to
13 engage businesses and organizations that value the contributions of employees with
14 disabilities; and
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1 Whereas, Wisconsin state agencies that provide services and support to persons
2 with disabilities, as well as agencies that provide employment and related services,
3 should implement Employment Choice First by collaborating to ensure that state
4 programs, policies, procedures, and funding support a full array of employment
5 services; and
6 Whereas, implementation of Employment Choice First ensures that individual
7 preference, interest, and need are the guiding principles of determining appropriate
8 employment settings; and
9 Whereas, sharing data and information across systems can assist state
10 agencies in tracking progress toward full implementation of Employment Choice
11 First; and
12 Whereas, state agencies can adopt measurable goals and objectives to promote
13 assessment of progress toward full implementation of Employment Choice First;
14 now, therefore, be it
15 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the State of
16 Wisconsin recognizes that an individual's choice of employment and work setting
17 result in tangible and intangible benefits, including the enhancement of
18 independence and economic self-sufficiency, as well as purpose, dignity, self-esteem,
19 and a sense of accomplishment and pride; and, be it further
20 Resolved, That the State of Wisconsin recognizes that a diverse workforce
21 enriches local communities, promotes a well-rounded working environment, and
22 enhances economic development; and, be it further
23 Resolved, That the State of Wisconsin recognizes that all individuals,
24 including those with disabilities, should have choices with respect to where they seek
25 employment and professional development; and, be it further
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1 Resolved, That the State of Wisconsin will promote the dignity, self-esteem,
2 and economic self-sufficiency of working-age individuals with disabilities by
3 providing access to paid employment aligned with each individual's interests,
4 desires, and needs.
5 (END)