Ramsey County work program for Minnesotans with a disability OK’d

Hoping to create more job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the House on Monday passed a bill that would allow Ramsey County to establish a supported work program for people who require a job coach.

A localized version of the Olmstead Plan, which gives Minnesotans with disabilities the chance to live more independently, live closer to family and engage in productive employment, according to the Department of Human Services, the bill would authorize the county to provide exceptions to its classified employment process.

Sponsored by Rep. Randy Jessup (R-Shoreview), HF2174 was passed 132-0 and heads to the Senate where Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) is the sponsor.

Jessup said the plan gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to “develop fully as possible the lives they choose.”

The supported work program would create the equivalent of five full-time employees – between five and 15 jobs, depending on hours – for individuals with disabilities, according to Jessup. The bill wouldn’t allow the employees’ job coach to be a Ramsey County employee.