YOUR TAXES AT WORK

A bill to create a new government agency has stirred early lawmakers’ questions.

The bill would set up a 17-member commission to help provide employment for disabled people.

It was filed by Reps. Neal Collins and Mandy Powers Norrell and the Able South Carolina organization.

Critics of the bill ask why a 17-member commission is needed, how much will it cost and if it could be done by an existing agency.

Rep. Chip Huggins of Irmo said, “We have got to look at lots of ways to put people in the workforce. I talk with employers who can’t find workers in lots of areas. If the disabled can fill these, it would be great. But a 17-member commission seems excessive.”

Rep Chris Wooten of Lexington agreed.

“We need to help the disabled find jobs but be careful about creating new and bigger government.”

Huggins said he would like to have the opinion of new Department of Employment and Workforce Director Dan Ellzey who has extensive experience in all areas of employment.

Able South Carolina said the federal government provides tax credits for employing the disabled. But the state has no hiring guidelines or incentives to encourage employing the disabled.

“This would be a positive and much needed step,” said Kimberly Tissot, executive director of Able SC.

A 2019 state report compiled by the Employment First Study Committee said that of 727,702 South Carolinians with a disability, 67% are unemployed, the 6th highest rate in the US.

The 17-member commission would help state agencies, local government and private businesses help the disabled find jobs.

The proposed SC Employment First Oversight Commission would track state agencies’ progress and report to the governor and state lawmakers annually.