Workforce Commission hears Purchasing from People with Disabilities advisory committee performance‑measure recommendations

The Purchasing from People with Disabilities (PPD) advisory committee presented its report and recommended performance measures and targets for the Texas Works Wonders state use program.

Juan Garcia, Vocational Rehabilitation Division manager, summarized the committee's statutory charge under Texas Human Resources Code and TAC §806.21. Platt Allen, chair of the advisory committee, said the committee appointed a subcommittee to identify measures and targets, consulted WorkQuest (the data collector for community rehabilitation programs, or CRPs) and TWC's information division to ensure the measures could be collected, and proposed stretch but attainable targets based on current trends. The committee recommended no changes to the CRP certification criteria used to approve CRPs for participation.

The committee also noted it did not recommend measures tied to 14(c) subminimum‑wage employment because WorkFirst rules prohibit use of 14(c) certificates on state use contracts. The presentation was for information only; the report will be available to commissioners and staff for follow-up and no action was required at the meeting.

Why it matters: The performance measures will guide evaluation of the Works Wonders state use program and influence how TWC and local partners assess and manage CRP performance and state use contracts.

Next steps: Staff will post the committee report and respond to any questions; commissioners invited staff and the committee to return with additional briefing as needed.