Utah House removes sunset for supported-employment program for people with disabilities

The Utah House voted to remove a sunset date on the state’s supported-employment program for people with disabilities, approving House Bill 251 on Feb. 5. The measure preserves current funding levels and requires the program to report progress every two years to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee.

Representative Menlove, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the program — launched about 2008 and re-funded one year ago after budget cuts — helps people with disabilities obtain and keep jobs by providing job coaches who accompany participants to work sites, train them on essential duties and gradually step back as the employee becomes independent. Menlove said job coaches cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per participant per year.

“Because we fund our part, vocational rehabilitation funds the Ticket to Work,” Menlove said, describing how the $250,000 the state invests is matched twice by vocational-rehabilitation dollars, creating what he called “triple dollars” to support training and placement.

Representative Layton asked whether the bill added new funding; Menlove replied it did not, and that the program will continue at current funding levels. Representative Red spoke in support, noting employment can improve mental health outcomes and reduce costs to the state’s Medicaid system.

Summation was waived and the House clerk reported the bill passed by voice and roll-call tally: 63 yes, 3 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.