IN SCR0053

Urges the Legislative Council to assign the State Budget Committee or Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy to study establishing a non-profit business enterprises preference program for state contracting and subcontracting.

Directs study to focus on maximizing employment opportunities for Indiana citizens with disabilities through the State Use Program (IC 16-32-2) and related statutes (IC 5-22-13).

Identifies that persons with disabilities have higher unemployment rates and that employment increases self-worth, independence, and reduces public assistance burden.

Notes that non-profit work centers employing predominantly persons with disabilities produce high-quality products and services suitable for state agency purchases.

Requires the Secretary of the Senate to transmit the resolution to the Legislative Council through the Legislative Services Agency Executive Director.