Aruna Miller: Maryland Must Lead in Disability Employment

India-West Staff Reporter

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller testified before the House Appropriations Committee, advocating for House Bill 502 (HB502), which aims to create the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP) and designate Maryland as a Model Employer. The bill is part of the national SAME initiative and focuses on expanding job opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities.

Miller stressed the state’s role in leading by example, saying, “Our mission is to make Maryland a national leader in employing individuals with disabilities while addressing both employment disparities and workforce shortages.” Currently, only 45% of Marylanders with disabilities aged 18-64 are employed, compared to 79% of those without disabilities. At the same time, Maryland faces a workforce shortage with only 40 workers for every 100 available jobs.

The legislation seeks to close these employment gaps, support job seekers with disabilities, and improve workforce participation. By establishing ODEAP, the bill will provide resources for job seekers and promote best practices in recruitment and retention through the Model Employer initiative.

Miller, a strong advocate for economic equity, praised Governor Wes Moore’s leadership and reiterated her administration’s commitment to removing barriers to employment. “Removing obstacles to employment strengthens our economy and benefits everyone,” she said.

Miller will testify again before the Senate Finance Committee on February 18 in support of SB433, the Senate version of HB502.