HCS/SB 173 - This act creates a graduated increase in payments to sheltered workshops. Currently, the workshops are reimbursed at a rate of thirteen dollars multiplied by the number of six-hour or longer days worked by handicapped workers. This act increases this payment so that, by July 1, 2008, and thereafter, the workshops are reimbursed at a rate of eighteen dollars multiplied by the number of six-hour or longer days worked by handicapped workers. This act also provides that in making purchases for this state, the commissioner of administration shall give a bidding preference consisting of a twenty-five point bonus on bids for products and services produced or assembled in qualified nonprofit organizations for the blind and in sheltered workshops approved by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, if the work generates in excess of five thousand dollars in annual revenue for the participating nonprofit organization. Current law bases it on a five-point bonus on bids. An affidavit signed by the director or manager and the board president of a participating nonprofit organization shall be provided to the purchasing agency by the contractor at the completion of the contract or within thirty days of the first anniversary of the contract, whichever comes first, verifying compliance. ADRIANE CROUSE