For several years I have faced significant hardship, struggling to secure and retain employment due to limitations resulting from my disability and confronting a mental health diagnosis. I find myself amongst a significant number of people who are disabled or mentally ill and are experiencing barriers to employment and income; we are taxed with an economic struggle we should not have to bear.

A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the employment-population ratio for people with a disability was 19.3 percent in 2019, compared to 66.3 percent for those without a disability (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). The significant gap between the employment rates of disabled people and those without disabilities puts many of us in the throes of poverty and economic instability.

We call for the creation of a Universal Based Employment and Income program leveraging state workforce solutions and existing social welfare programs. Such a program can create an avenue for the disabled and mentally ill to recover their dignity through meaningful work while securing a stable income, and it can close the glaring employment and income gap between those with disabilities and those without.

In the end, we are not only citizens of our nation, we have skills, capabilities, and values that can contribute significantly to the workforce. The time to acknowledge and facilitate that contribution is now. Please sign this petition to support our call to establish an inclusive, equitable employment opportunity for all, regardless of mental or physical abilities.

 

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We are calling for systemic change to address workplace inequities, unemployment barriers, and the lack of comprehensive financial and social support for workers. Join us in advocating for the establishment of the Govuni Universal Based Employment and Income Program (UBEIP)—a transformative initiative that provides guaranteed employment, fair wages, and access to universal benefits for all participants.

 

Together, we can create a system that empowers individuals to leave toxic work environments, overcome discrimination, and achieve financial independence while fostering equality and dignity for everyone.

 

 

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Why This is Important

 

Millions of Americans face workplace discrimination based on race, age, disability, or mental health, compounded by toxic work environments that limit their potential. Current systems for unemployment, disability benefits, and social support are fragmented, leaving many workers without the resources they need to thrive.

 

The Govuni UBEIP offers a revolutionary solution:

 

Guaranteed Jobs: $21/hour minimum pay, increasing with experience and education. We use wage reimbursement programs from state workforce solutions to cover training up to 6 months with 75 percent reimbursement.

 

Comprehensive Benefits: Access to health insurance, retirement plans, and food assistance, and disability benefits.

 

Safety Net for Transition: Resources for disabled workers and those leaving toxic workplaces, including legal support and benefits navigation.

 

Support for Career Growth: Paid on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs.

 

 

This program addresses systemic barriers, creates equity in the workforce, and ensures that no one has to choose between their well-being and financial survival.

 

 

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Key Features of the Govuni Universal Based Employment and Income Program

 

1. Fair and Equitable Wages

 

Minimum pay of $21/hour, adjusted for qualifications and experience.

 

Opportunities for bonuses, 15% equity participation, and 401k plans with an 8% match, and 2:1 match towards equity.

 

 

 

2. Comprehensive Benefits

 

Paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life) after six months.

 

Access to Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, housing assistance, disability insurance, SSI/SSDI and local utilities assistance during the transitional phase.

 

 

 

3. Workplace Exit and Transition Support

 

Strategies for workers to leave toxic environments while maximizing severance pay.

 

Assistance with applying for unemployment, SSI/SSDI, and health grants.

 

 

 

4. Holistic Financial Assistance

 

Grants of up to $7,500 for healthcare expenses through Copays.org.

 

Enrollment in FHA Unemployment Programs for reduced housing costs.

 

 

 

5. Flexible Employment Opportunities

 

Part-time work during the transitional phase when you become unemployed and disabled.

 

Full-time employment (30+ hours/week) with sustainable benefits after unemployment expires plus disability benefits approvals.

 

 

 

6. Community Empowerment

 

Active engagement in Govuni’s advocacy efforts to pass progressive reforms, including universal healthcare, education, and reparations.

 

 

 

 

 

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What You Can Do

 

Your signature on this petition can help bring the Govuni Universal Based Employment and Income Program to life. By supporting this initiative, you are advocating for:

 

A fair and dignified workforce system.

 

Resources for those who face discrimination and workplace challenges.

 

Long-term reforms to create a more equitable society.

 

 

 

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Call to Action

 

Sign this petition and help us demand legislative action to establish the Govuni UBEIP. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to sustainable employment, comprehensive benefits, and a dignified quality of life.