Illinois Senate Passes Bill to End Subminimum Wage for Workers with Disabilities
The Illinois Senate recently approved House Bill 793, also known as the “Dignity in Pay Act,” with a bipartisan 43-11 vote. The bill aims to stop Illinois organizations from paying subminimum wage to workers with disabilities, ending the 14(c) exemption that allows for lower wages. If signed by Governor JB Pritzker, the bill will abolish subminimum wage for workers with disabilities by 2029.
The legislation was supported by advocates who believe that workers with disabilities deserve to be paid fair wages for their work. The bill also includes a transition grant program to help organizations adjust to paying workers with disabilities at least the state minimum wage. Governor Pritzker expressed his support for the bill, stating that it represents a crucial step forward in ensuring that individuals, regardless of ability, can earn fair wages.
However, the bill faced opposition from some organizations that operate “sheltered work” programs, which employ people with disabilities at subminimum wage rates. Critics argue that these programs will struggle to pay minimum wage for potentially low-productivity work, leading to job losses for individuals with disabilities. Despite these concerns, supporters of the bill believe that ending subminimum wage exemptions will ultimately benefit workers with disabilities and open doors to increased federal funding and job training opportunities.
With the passage of this bill, Illinois is set to become the 19th state to end 14(c) participation, joining other states that have successfully transitioned away from subminimum wage practices. Lawmakers hope that the bill will help create a more inclusive and equitable workforce for individuals with disabilities in Illinois.
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