Iowa lawmakers have advanced legislation that would eliminate the income tax for health-care workers who support people with disabilities.

Advocates see the measure as an incentive for health-care professionals who might consider entering this field, but are discouraged by the low pay. They have called House File 264 a "trade-off" for the low wages.

Carlyn Crowe, public policy manager for the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, said the incentive would help companies attract and retain people to jobs that are notoriously hard to fill because of the challenging work and poor pay at an average hourly rate of $14.25.

"At a 4% state income tax, the average person might save $1,300 a year," she said. "It's not a huge savings, but it could just be enough that it's a tax savings instead of an increase in hourly wage."

Many Iowa employers are facing worker shortages, but the problem is especially acute for nonprofit in-home care providers who serve people with disabilities, such as nurses and nursing assistants. The bill is on its way to the House Ways and Means Committee.

This isn't the first time Iowa lawmakers have addressed the issue of wages for health-care workers who serve this population. Two years ago, the Legislature approved a 3.5% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for community-based health-care providers. Crowe said wages are so low that the providers themselves often need public assistance to make ends meet.

"We kind of keep creating a bigger problem by not paying higher wages to these individuals," she said. "So, this particular bill and this provision would just be one step into kind of getting us down the line for what we could be doing for this line of work. "

Supporters say raising wages for home health-care providers hasn't gained traction, but an income tax exemption serves the same purpose as a pay hike, putting more money in their pockets.

Teens and young adults in Texas who have disabilities have an opportunity to get a paid internship this summer.

The Texas Workforce Commission offers its Summer Earn and Learn program for students between the ages of 14 and 22. The students are placed with large and small businesses to earn a paycheck and learn valuable work experience.

Joe Esparza, the commissioner representing employers, said all 28 workforce development boards across the state participate in recruiting students and employers

"The employers are obviously benefiting because they're investing in their communities, and they get somebody who's motivated to work," Esparza explained. "I think having that opportunity gives these students a chance to interact with customers, to learn IT systems, to just engage in something that they are very interested in."

He said more than 14,000 students have been placed in internships since the program started in 2017.

More than 1,300 employers across Texas participated in the program last year, giving students hands-on experience. Some of the businesses include the Amarillo Zoo, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Odessa College. Esparza noted the internships last five to eight weeks and student participants attend work readiness training to prepare them for their work experiences.

"We at the state level always encourage employers to get involved and create programs," Esparza emphasized. "In most every business, there's usually an opportunity to bring somebody in as an internship and it's a great opportunity for them to learn new skills and become part of the workforce there."

Some of the students have been hired full-time by the companies at the end of their internships.


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About a third of U.S. parents with children younger than 18 say they worry their children might be bullied at some point and it became a reality for one Nevada parent.

Christina McDarment said her 12-year-old daughter, who has a disability and was in the public school system, began to get bullied at the age of 10. She is now 12 and being homeschooled. McDarment explained her daughter experienced name-calling and others making fun of her appearance, which eventually led to things getting physical.

Zero-tolerance bullying policies have been implemented around the nation to stop such behavior. And while McDarment noted she supports the idea the mandates propose, which consist of a punitive approach to bullying, when put into practice she argued it can lead to a counterproductive response.

"I think the school just doesn't do enough to make sure this stuff stops," McDarment asserted. "What is it going to take? Someone really seriously getting hurt and ending up in the hospital or something?"

McDarment emphasized she was disappointed by the lack of willingness by her daughter's school to address the bullying, resulting in the girl not wanting to go back. Opponents to zero-tolerance policies said they are unjust, harmful and stigmatizing, especially for students with special needs. But proponents countered by saying they are needed to keep a school environment conducive to learning by removing disruptive students.

McDarment acknowledged her daughter's former public school now wants her to return but said she is unsure if it is the best decision for her daughter. She added it is not because her daughter did not like school, she just could not withstand the constant bullying. Today, her daughter is excelling in a homeschool environment.

"She is a lot happier," McDarment observed. "She went from all 'F's to all 'A's and 'B's."

McDarment encouraged parents to be observant and notice changes in their children's behavior or appearance. She added if they say they're being bullied, believe them. If you or someone you know is being bullied, you can text 'CONNECT' to 741741 for free, confidential 24/7 mental health support.


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Several hundred hikers are expected to climb to a summit of over 14,000 feet for this year's Pikes Peak Challenge in Colorado Springs, an annual event that supports people whose lives have been impacted by brain injury.

Zach Hudson, development director with the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, said participants can choose a summit that fits their skill level. Some will hike up halfway to Barr Camp, and others will walk several miles around Manitou Springs.

"All of the money raised goes toward supporting Coloradans and their loved ones, families, friends and professionals who are living with brain injury and have been affected by brain injury in some way," Hudson said.

The challenge started nearly 40 years ago as a "Walk Through the Clouds" when six hikers made it to the summit of Pikes Peak. Hudson said many brain injury survivors and their families participate to defy the odds and accomplish something they've been told they'd never do.

The all-ages event is set for Saturday, Sept. 7, and registration is now open at 'pikespeakchallenge.com.'

There are over 500,000 Coloradans living with a brain injury, and Hudson explained the challenge helps people across the state access free services. The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado offers art classes, music therapy, resource navigation and support groups. It also organizes adaptive skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, fishing and other activities in the summer.

"Our mission is to make sure that all people with a brain injury are able to thrive in their communities and get connected to the resources that they need," he continued.

The alliance has also started offering permanent supportive housing in Denver to address the link between brain injury and homelessness. Hudson said the Pikes Peak Challenge is the organization's largest annual fundraiser.

"And then afterwards, the party in the park is a great way to come together with the community, meet other people, mingle with participants, have a nice meal, enjoy some music and a nice beautiful day in the park," he explained.


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