SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Bills Rep. Liz Reyer (DFL – Eagan) authored to provide additional services and support for Minnesotans with disabilities were included in legislation the Minnesota House passed this week.
“People with disabilities should be able to find housing and build a fulfilling life in Minnesota,” said Rep. Reyer. “The bills we passed this week will provide more people with access to these opportunities. While there’s more work to be done, we’re committed to ensuring Minnesotans with disabilities have the resources they need to thrive.”
Rep. Reyer’s bill to increase the availability of accessible housing was included in legislation the House approved on Monday, April 25. Under this legislation, recipients of Housing Infrastructure Bonds – bonds the Minnesota Housing Finance Authority issues to fund the development of housing for low- and middle-income Minnesotans – will be required to include units that are accessible to people with physical and sensory disabilities. These requirements include accommodations like roll-in showers and low-fume paint and carpet.
Rep. Reyer also authored legislation to ensure workers with disabilities can thrive in Minnesota. It implements recommendations from the Advisory Task Force on State Employment and Retention of Employees with Disabilities, including:
- Creating an accommodation fund for employees and a 700-hour on the job program
- Including people with disabilities in affirmative action programs
- Adding new requirements for job postings to make them more accessible
- Modernizing outdated and potentially discriminatory language
This legislation passed as part of a larger bill on Tuesday, April 26.