SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Disabled Americans living in Illinois will be allowed to earn a minimum wage, thanks to the passage of a new bill in the statehouse.
The Dignity in Pay Act was passed on Thursday and eliminated Illinois’ 14(c) certificate program, which allowed employers to pay people with disabilities a subminimum wage.
"The Dignity in Pay Act is an unprecedented, crucial leap forward to a future where all individuals, regardless of ability, can maximize their talents and contributions to our workforce—and earn a fair wage," said Gov. JB Pritzker.
"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 continued in a statement.
The bill comes with a $2 million annual grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services to phase out the subminimum wage program by December 31st, 2029.
Opponents of the bill had voiced concern that it could potentially put disabled people out of work, since the programs that employ them may not be able to afford the full minimum wage, which is set to rise to $15 an hour on January 1st, 2025.
People living with disabilities are also eligible to earn Social Security Disability Insurance from the federal government.
