Supporters of Senate 2107 (and companion House language) told the committee the proposal would allow state agencies and municipalities to direct a modest portion of service contracting to nonprofits that employ people with significant disabilities, creating job opportunities and reducing public assistance reliance.

Andrea Cook, vice president of communications and community relations at Work Inc., described her agency’s long record of federal contract work that employs more than 1,500 people with disabilities statewide and noted that federal AbilityOne contracts require 75 percent of direct service hours be performed by people with significant disabilities. "These individuals want to contribute and earn a livable wage and pay taxes just like everyone else," Cook said.

Witnesses and supporters said the bill was modeled after the federal Wagner O'Day/AbilityOne program and would allow up to a small percentage preference for bidders that meet employment thresholds (for employers with 75 or more full‑time equivalent employees). Testimony included a fiscal‑benefit argument: supporters cited an analysis suggesting an average full time worker who moves off public benefits could reduce state costs by roughly $42,000 and produce net fiscal gains once taxes and reduced assistance are counted.

Representative Davis asked about the specific $42,000 savings estimate and about how recent federal changes to benefit programs might change that calculation. Work Inc. representatives said they would revisit the numbers as federal policy details solidify but maintained the employment effect — moving people off benefits — is a primary goal.

Supporters said the proposal would not increase the overall cost of delivering services but would redirect existing contracting toward nonprofits that deliver services while providing employment pathways for people with disabilities. The committee asked for additional written fiscal analyses and how proposed preferences would interact with other state procurement obligations.

No vote was taken; the committee asked supporters to supply more detailed budget and fiscal‑impact materials.