Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Strengthens Opportunities for Missouri Disabled Workers
MEXICO–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with workers at Handi-Shop Incorporated where he signed legislation that will benefit more that 7,000 Missouri workers and strengthen opportunities for Missourians with disabilities to be active participants in Missouri's workforce.
"This legislation ensures that Missourians with disabilities will have opportunities to continue making vital contributions in their communities and access to jobs that will help them meet their full potential," Gov. Blunt said. "Sheltered workshops employ some of Missouri's most dedicated workers and play an important part in educating and building skills for the employees."
House Bill 352, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs, increases funding for sheltered workshops. The workshops employ disabled Missourians and are operated by non-profit organizations. Currently, sheltered workshops receive $65 per week per worker and $13 per diem for weekend work. This legislation increases the amount of state aid workshops receive over the next four years to $95 per week per worker and $19 per diem for the weekend. There are 93 sheltered workshops in Missouri that employ about 7,400 disabled Missourians.
The legislation also increases the bonus from five to 10 points in the state bidding process for qualified nonprofit organizations for the blind and for sheltered workshops. The change will make sheltered workshops more competitive for state contracts.
"Without the workshop, I wouldn't have a job. I appreciate the people at the Capitol that see how important our work is," said Dana Duchesne, Handi-Shop employee.
"I am proud to represent Handi-Shop Incorporated and other important sheltered workshops that work tirelessly to find new and dignified opportunities for disabled Missourians," said Rep. Steve Hobbs. "The workers here and around the state deserve our appreciation and support. I thank Gov. Blunt for signing this important bill into law and look forward to the new opportunities this will create for Missouri workers."