Annapolis, MD. - Feb 12 :
Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller and Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty testified today in front of the House Appropriations Committee in support of legislation that would create the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP).

HB502 will also launch Maryland as a Model Employer, which mirrors the nationwide SAME initiative aimed at establishing best practices and policies for states to build stronger, more inclusive workforces. State government plays an important role in advancing the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities through their own employment policies, thereby serving as a model for the private, non-public, local government, and municipality sectors.

Lt. Governor Miller and Secretary Beatty spoke on how the legislation would uplift Marylanders with disabilities by addressing employment gaps, solving workforce shortages, and improving economic outcomes while providing pathways to employment opportunities. The bill also aims to establish Maryland as a Model Employer for private-sector business by improving hiring, recruitment, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities within the State workforce.

“Our mission is to make Maryland a national leader in employing individuals with disabilities while addressing both employment disparities and workforce shortages,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “For far too long we’ve left people with disabilities on the sideline of our economy. With this bill we lift a community that has long gone overlooked. Reducing barriers and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities will result in significant economic benefits for individuals, businesses, and the State.”

“I am grateful for Governor Moore and Lt. Governor Miller's leadership on this issue of such importance to the disability community,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty. "Our State government plays an important role in advancing the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities through our own employment policies."

Currently, only 45 percent of Marylanders with disabilities ages 18-64 are employed compared to 79 percent of those without disabilities in the same demographic, and Maryland faces a worker shortage with only 40 workers available for every 100 jobs. This legislation will formalize the State’s commitment to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities while addressing Maryland’s critical workforce needs.

The Lieutenant Governor and Secretary Beatty will both be testifying on the cross-filed version of HB502 - SB433 - in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 18.

What the Bill Does:

Establishes the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP)
Located within the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
Supports employment outcomes for job seekers with disabilities.

Launches Maryland as a Model Employer
Modeled on the nationally recognized State as a Model Employer (SAME) Initiative, Maryland will improve hiring, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities.
Maryland State government will serve as a model employer for private-sector business by committing to improve hiring, recruitment, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities in the State workforce.

Lt. Governor Miller and Secretary Beatty Testify in Support of Marylanders with Disabilities Legislation