Disabled individuals in Illinois will not be paid a subminimum wage by the yr 2029 underneath a invoice signed into legislation by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday.
The Dignity in Pay Act phases out subminimum wage authorizations in Illinois — because the state joins 18 different states in eliminating the wage system. In some circumstances, disabled staff have made as little as 50 cents an hour or lower than $100 per thirty days for a 40-hour work week, in keeping with Entry Residing.
“Illinois is closing an period of an outdated two-tiered wage system that lets disabled staff make much less cash for his or her onerous work,” Pritzker mentioned at a Chicago invoice signing. “…This invoice will assist break down the pernicious stereotypes in regards to the value and potential of individuals with disabilities.
The bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act will supersede a provision within the 1938 Honest Labor Requirements Act, which allowed for subminimum wage funds to these with disabilities with particular authorization, referred to as a 14(c) certificates. The certificates will likely be utterly eradicated by Dec. 31, 2029.
The brand new legislation may even set up a transition program for individuals who have been using people with disabilities, to obtain funding and assist with a purpose to improve work choices as they discontinue the subminimum wage.
“Immediately I stand earlier than you as a result of individuals believed that our world might be completely different. That my life completely can be completely different. And it’s,” mentioned Erin Compton, a incapacity advocate. “My job on the Chicago Cubs by way of a company referred to as Angels for Rent is proof that accessible employment is feasible. … Let’s show that individuals with disabilities aren’t damaged individuals, however regular individuals in an inclusive world.”
A day after President Donald Trump took the oath of workplace, Pritzker additionally famous that though “particular person rights are underneath assault,” together with for these with disabilities, authorized immigrants and LGBTQ People, he desires to work with the Trump administration “in the case of doing good issues for Illinois and for our working households.
“The Biden administration proposed a federal coverage that might take Illinois coverage nationwide,” Pritzker mentioned. “Now, the ball is within the Trump administration’s courtroom, and I’m hopeful that they may work with us to raise up disabled staff.”
State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, instructed the Solar-Instances mentioned she’s in a wait-and-see mode to see what Washington does in the case of rights for the disabled, in addition to immigration points.
“I feel one of many issues is that this state is a beacon for different states and different individuals to see,” Castro mentioned. “That is how we do issues, and if you speak about these rights being impacted, it’s essential for us to verify they’re enshrined right here. After which clearly, to offer of us consolation to know that we now have a governor and a Normal Meeting that’s going to struggle for them regardless of who’s sitting within the Oval Workplace.”
