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“Offering tax incentives to small companies to reach out to potential employees with mental, physical or medical disabilities would be a win-win,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff
The State Senate and Assembly recently approved legislation that would create a tax credit program for small businesses that hire disabled employees, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the bill’s sponsor, announced on Friday.
Under the measure, businesses with fewer than 100 employees would be able to receive a $5,000 tax credit for each disabled person they hire; up to $25,000. The employees must work at least 35 hours per week for at least one year for the companies to be eligible for the credit. Statewide, $5 million would be available each year to cover the cost of the credits, according to Addabbo.
“This proposal would help New York’s small businesses hire talented, qualified workers who simply happen to be disabled, and who may find it difficult to obtain employment,” the senator said. “Offering tax incentives to small companies to reach out to potential employees with mental, physical or medical disabilities would be a win-win: providing employers with first-rate workers they might not otherwise consider, and enabling disabled New Yorkers to gain work experience and support themselves.”
Addabbo cited a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report which indicated that employment for disabled Americans fell to 34.5 percent in 2015 from 39.3 percent in 2009. The employment rate for disabled workers in the Empire State is 33 percent.
“Clearly, we need to do more to help our disabled family members, neighbors and friends find meaningful employment and enjoy the independence that a steady job can bring,” Addabbo added. “At the same time, it’s important to help our small business owners, who are the backbone of our economy, find qualified employees to share in and contribute to the success of their companies.”
The proposed legislation is headed to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk for final consideration.
