(The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate voted to phase out the subminimum wage for workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The Dignity in Pay Act eliminates the federal waiver that allows companies to pay disabled adults subminimum wage. Supporters said it is wrong for some workers to be paid as low as 50 cents per hour.
“To provide dignity to those who are disabled, to put a human face to say that those folks who are developmentally disabled are worth more than a subminimum wage,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Sen Christina Castro, D-Elgin.
The legislation creates a special grant fund of $2 million to assist community agencies to transition from the subminimum wages, and eliminates the use of 14-C certificates in 2029.
Hundreds have voiced opposition to the legislation, saying it would cost disabled workers their jobs, a fact that wasn’t lost on state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.
“I can’t vote for a bill, no matter how well intentioned it is, that I know is going to send pink slips to people in my area,” Rose said on the Senate floor Thursday.
Rose said companies are going to hire more productive employees for the minimum wage price, and sheltered workshops will cease to exist.
State Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said among those who are opposed to the measure are people with mentally disabled children.
“Don’t take these jobs away from these people,” said Tracy. “We had 600 opponents of people who are going to be affected by this and they’re telling you they don’t want this.”
The measure was passed by a 43-11 vote and now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who released a statement after its passage.
“This law will create employment opportunities for people with disabilities by providing a five-year transition period for employers and employees, establishing a support program to provide resources and assistance to service providers, raising the Personal Needs Allowance for group home residents, and increasing Supported Employment Rates to expand competitive, integrated work opportunities statewide,” Pritzker said.
Illinois will become the 19th state to enact similar legislation.
