U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is cosponsoring a bipartisan bill to spur the employment of Americans with disabilities.
“Individuals with disabilities contribute immensely to our workforce and economy,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said last week. “Incentivizing employers to hire qualified individuals with disabilities will promote growth and equity in the workplace.”
Rep. Fitzpatrick on July 25 introduced the Disability Employment Incentive Act, H.R. 3992, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) to expand tax credits and deductions that are available for employers who hire and retain employees with disabilities, according to the congressional record summary.
Democrats in January introduced the same-named bill, S. 255, in the U.S. Senate.
Specifically, the proposed legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits under the work opportunity credit; increase the work opportunity credit for vocational rehabilitation referrals, qualified SSI recipients and qualified SSDI recipients; expand the disabled access credit; and bolster the deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly, according to the bill’s text.
The measure has garnered support from several groups, including The Arc of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the United Spinal Association, among others.
H.R. 3992 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, while S. 255 is being reviewed by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.