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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a legislation that increases employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

In a statement on Thursday, Gov. Wolf said he is proud to sign House Bill 1641, which codifies his Employment First policy. Two years ago, the governor implemented the policy through an executive order. The goal was to make Pennsylvania a “model state that is hospitable to workers with disabilities.”

“This is a win-win for Pennsylvania. Our employers need smart and skilled workers and increasing employment opportunities ensures people with disabilities can achieve greater independence and inclusion in our communities,” said Gov. Wolf.

The new law comes after the governor expanded services for people with disabilities. In January, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services launched a Community Living Waiver. Nearly 1,000 more people with autism of intellectual disability received services.

Employment First Act addresses two problems in Pennsylvania

House Bill 1641 creates the Employment First Act, which requires all entities receiving public funding to provide competitive integrated employment for working-age Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Pennsylvania State Representatives Bryan Cutler and Dan Miller introduced House Bill 1641. State Sen. Bob Mensch sponsored a companion bill in the Senate.

According to him, “People with disabilities have skills from which businesses can benefit. In fact, those capabilities are particularly needed given Pennsylvania’s workforce shortage. This new law addresses two significant problems.” He thanked Gov. Wolf for recognizing those problems.

In addition, Cutler said he worked withMiller for years to help improve the lives of people with disabilities and to address the workforce shortage in Pennsylvania. With the help of many advocacy groups and Mensch, they were able to bring  House Bill 1641became a law.

The law also authorizes the establishment of the Governor’s Cabinet for People with Disabilities. Its primary responsibility is to review existing regulations and policies and recommend changes to ensure the implementation of Employment First.

Additionally, the law requires that creation of Employment First Oversight Commission. It is responsible for setting measurable goals to guide agencies and report annual progress.

“Across our Commonwealth today, too many people with disabilities spend their days working in segregated facilities. Enactment of the Employment First Act will provide people with disabilities the opportunity to work at competitive wages in a wide range of jobs,” said Mench.