DATE: February 24, 2006
CONTACT: Adam Fisher (207) 287- 8634

Governor John Baldacci has issued an Executive Order to set forth strategies to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine State Government. The Executive Order charges state government with increasing outreach and recruitment of people with disabilities for state jobs, and calls on the Maine Department of Labor and the Bureau of Human Resources to help facilitate the transition of workers with disabilities into the Maine State Government workforce.

"Maine people with disabilities offer a valuable asset for promoting Maine's future workforce and economic growth," said Governor Baldacci. "This Executive Order makes real the promise of this administration to focus on employment opportunities for all Mainers."

The Executive Order reflects policy recommendations recently presented by the Maine Jobs Council Commission on Employment and Disabilities. The Maine Jobs Council, the State Bureau of Human Resources, and the Maine Department of Labor will develop a plan to promote the employment of people with disabilities and will report back to the Governor and Legislature on the results of their efforts by March, 2007.

The text of the Executive Order is attached.