BILL NUMBER:S7392

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the
definition of "minority group member"

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

This bill expands the definition of "minority" under NYS Executive Law,
Article 15-A, for Participation by Minority Group Members and Women with
Respect to State Contracts, expanding businesses run by "people with
disabilities" in the definition under Section 310, 6(e) consistent with
the definition in Human Rights Law Article 15, Section 292, (21).

JUSTIFICATION:

People with disabilities represent a significant minority group in the
nation and the state. Based on data from the American Community Survey
(ACS), in 2013, there were 2,099,458 (10.9%) New Yorkers with disabili-
ties.

Of the 1,043,603 individuals with disabilities ages 18 to 64 years
living in the community, 322,875 individuals were employed-creating an
employment rate of 30.9 percent. This resulted in a gap of 41.8%
compared to individuals without disabilities in the same age range in
the State.

              

Of the 1,034,056 individuals with disabilities ages 18 to 64 years who
were living in the community, 308,030 individuals lived in poverty, a
poverty rate of 29.8 percent, more than twice that of people without
disabilities in the State.

For the individuals with disabilities ages 16 years and over living in
the community that had earnings from work, median earnings were $21,605.
It results in a gap of $12,627 when compared to individuals without
disabilities for the same age in the State.

As a result of these significant gaps, people with disabilities need
more employment opportunities, including self-employment that encourages
business development and use of technology and telecommuting. While
advances have been made over the past two decades, some people with
disabilities may still be facing barriers to employment due to accessi-
bility issues. Certainly, traditional work options in various job
markets at offices made inclusive and accessible to people with disabil-
ities are desirable.

However, one way to address these concerns and increase opportunity for
this significant population would be to amend and expand the definition
of "minority" under NYS Executive Law, Article 15-A, for Participation
by Minority Group Members and Women with Respect to State Contracts,
expanding businesses run by "people with disabilities" in the definition
under Section 310, 6(e) consistent with the definition in Human Rights
Law Article 15, Section 292, (21).

It should be noted that the emphasis of this opportunity is to encourage
self-employment for people with disabilities leading to their economic
self-sufficiency. Businesses under this designation must be owned by a
person with a disability and provide integrated employment at compet-
itive wages, encouraging the hiring of additional workers with disabili-
ties in an inclusive workforce.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take place immediately.