1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to workforce development; appropriating money for a grant to 
1.3 	Advocating Change Together.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $120,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $120,000 in fiscal year 2015 are appropriated 
1.7 	from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and 
1.8 	economic development for a grant to Advocating Change Together (ACT). ACT shall 
1.9 	implement Explore-Prepare-Act workshops to train up to 720 people with intellectual and 
1.10 	developmental disabilities across the state in pre-employment and on-the-job advocacy 
1.11 	skills.
1.12 	(b) Program participants must receive training regarding:
1.13 	(1) applying for and securing a new job;
1.14 	(2) negotiating wages and benefits;
1.15 	(3) developing communication skills;
1.16 	(4) networking with others to find or increase employment;
1.17 	(5) developing professional conduct that includes personal hygiene, grooming, and 
1.18 	appropriate workplace behaviors;
1.19 	(6) advocating for transportation to more actively seek employment or more actively 
1.20 	participate in work opportunities;
1.21 	(7) requesting disability-related accommodations at work or during a job interview;
1.22 	(8) integrating support services including social worker, job coach, or service 
1.23 	provider;
1.24 	(9) developing budgeting and money management skills;
2.1 	(10) participating in supplemental educational services and resources; and
2.2 	(11) peer-to-peer supports as people make changes that lead to better work outcomes.
2.3 	(c) Program administration must include:
2.4 	(1) hosting the training sessions throughout statewide regional offices;
2.5 	(2) providing curriculum and program facilitators;
2.6 	(3) hosting a Leadership Circle twice each year to set employment goals for the state 
2.7 	and serve as an advisory council;
2.8 	(4) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek new employment, 
2.9 	promotions, and to maintain employment;
2.10 	(5) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek supports from 
2.11 	social workers, job coaches, family, or service providers for support and assistance in 
2.12 	implementing their employment goals;
2.13 	(6) evaluating program outcomes via contract with the University of Minnesota 
2.14 	Institute on Community Integration;
2.15 	(7) participating in the Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) 2014 
2.16 	conference by presenting program results and methods; and
2.17 	(8) providing an annual report on the findings of the Explore-Prepare-Act workshops 
2.18 	in paragraph (a) to the legislature in January 2014 and January 2015.