Gingrich bill for students with disabilities to become law

A bill sponsored by Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) to prepare students with disabilities for the workforce is set to become law.

House Bill 400 would see the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation facilitate the job and career development process between local schools and employers to aid in successfully transitioning students with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment, according to a news release from Gingrich's office.

Gingrich, the chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee, is a supporter of the "I Want to Work" campaign, which helps students with disabilities get jobs and internships while they are still in high school, the news release said.

"Currently, services for these individuals end as they 'age-out' of the education support systems, and these individuals often do not have the opportunity to become independent and productive taxpaying citizens," Gingrich said in the news release. "My legislation will change that, helping these students to achieve the dignity of work."

The House passed the bill Tuesday by a unanimous vote, according to the news release.