STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb at the Statehouse signed legislation into law co-authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) enhancing employment opportunities for Hoosier workers with disabilities.
Ability Indiana, also known as the State Use Program, is a nonprofit, central coordinating agency that helps facilitate state and local agencies with purchasing products and services from employment centers around the state that hire individuals with disabilities. Currently, there are 33 approved employment centers throughout the state. Karickhoff said through the program, quality goods and services are provided at reasonable prices, while the state pursues its established policy of promoting competitive wage employment for individuals with disabilities
“Indiana’s State Use Program provides fulfilling employment opportunities to Hoosiers with disabilities throughout the state,” Karickhoff said. “This new law encourages state and local agencies to make purchases through qualified, Indiana-based nonprofit programs and ensures approved vendors offer goods and services within 10 percent of the fair market price, so the programs continue to stay competitive with current markets.”
According to Karickhoff, the law will also require the annual publication of a State Use Program catalog, which lists the products and services available through programs employing individuals with disabilities.
Under House Enrolled Act 1257, qualifying nonprofits for the State Use Program will need to be incorporated in Indiana. It also modernizes sensitive terminology concerning individuals with disabilities and brings several program requirements in line with recently changed federal regulations, Karickhoff said.
This law goes into effect July 1.
-30-
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated center) signs legislation co-authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) (standing, left) into law on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The new law improves the Ability Indiana program, which coordinates efforts of 33 agencies that employ workers with disabilities.
