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2000 SESSION

000240544
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 146
Offered January 21, 2000
Directing the Disability Commission to study the feasibility of offering tax and other incentives to technology companies as a means to create employment opportunities for disabled persons in positions that require an education or training in computer programming, engineering, electronics, or other technology fields in order for such persons to perform the essential functions of such positions.
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Patrons-- Ticer, Byrne, Colgan, Couric, Hanger, Howell, Lucas, Maxwell, Puller and Whipple; Delegates: Albo, Almand, Amundson, Bolvin, Brink, Callahan, Darner, Devolites, Hull, Moran, Parrish, Plum, Scott, Van Landingham and Watts
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, technology programs, infrastructure, and technology companies are inextricably tied to the economic prosperity of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Commonwealth to promote employment opportunities for disabled workers (those persons under a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) possessing the requisite set of skills for certain unfilled positions; and

WHEREAS, disabled workers are underrepresented in technology positions including, but not limited to, computer programming, engineering, electronics, and other technology fields; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to continue to be a leader in the promotion and development of technology and to promote employment opportunities for disabled workers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Disability Commission be directed to study the feasibility of offering tax incentives to technology companies as a means to create employment opportunities for disabled workers (those persons under a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act) in positions that require an education or training in computer programming, engineering, electronics, or other technology fields. In particular, the Commission shall study whether (i) tax credits made available to technology companies are an effective means for promoting employment opportunities for disabled persons in such positions; (ii) the structure of any such tax credit; (iii) the number of years for which such tax credits would be available; (iv) the minimum employment requirements that must be met by technology companies in order to be eligible for such tax credits; and (v) the employment of those disabled workers for which credit is to be made available.

In conducting the study, the Commission shall explore other tax and grant incentives that might increase the employment opportunities for disabled persons in such skilled positions. The Commission shall provide recommendations, as necessary, to meet the objectives set forth herein.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.