SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities have been paid much less than the Illinois minimum wage for many years. Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) and many other lawmakers believe it is wrong that some people are paid as low as 50 cents per hour and make only $100 per month.
Sponsors and advocates have constantly told reporters that Illinois should empower people with disabilities to maximize their employment and self-sufficiency. However, Illinois House Republicans believe business owners will be forced to make cuts if they have to pay workers higher wages.
"Currently, the individuals with disabilities enjoy job security but more importantly take pride in their ability to work and be active contributing members of society," said Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield). "The 14 C certificate ensures fair wages and quality services for these individuals. House Bill 793 does not help these workers. It puts their jobs at risk and jeopardizes their financial stability."
Advocates say the Dignity in Pay Act is well-intended, but they stress that other states built up opportunities for people with disabilities to receive job training programs that ultimately lead to community integrated employment.
"It is our obligation, not just agencies like Sparc, but it's the state's obligation to ensure that change is done correctly and that it's done safely for the people that depend on us," said Sparc CEO Doug McDonald.
Illinois House Republicans believe business owners will be forced to make cuts if they have to pay workers with developmental disabilities higher wages
Although, the bill calls for a special grant fund to help community agencies transition away from the sub-minimum wages. Sponsors and advocates said some businesses are already making this change without a law in place.Â
"We have been in support of a phase out for now going on three years, as approved by our board of directors," said Josh Evans, President of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. "Our position is that regardless of ability or disability, a person should at least earn minimum wage for an hour of time worked."
Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said these workers take pride in their job and love getting their paychecks. Rose and other Republican lawmakers worry that many people with developmental disabilities will end up unemployed if the plan becomes law.
"People walk away with that paycheck knowing that you helped, whether it was recycling cardboard, or worked at Panera, or whatever it was," Rose said. "You got that paycheck knowing you made your contribution. We can do that or we can go sit everybody in front of a TV screen all day long. That's where this is headed."
The Dignity in Pay Act would eliminate the use of 14 C Certificates on July 1, 2027. House Bill 793 failed to pass out of the House after a 59-32 vote on May 19, 2023. Eleven representatives voted present on the plan that day. However, Mah is determined to get enough support this spring.
"It's time that we set a firm date to eliminate the payment of sub-minimum wages in Illinois and engage in the work necessary to ensure that we can increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities," Mah said.
House Bill 793 includes a provision stating community group home residents should receive a personal allowance of at least $100 per month. The proposal also calls for the personal needs allowance to increase annually at the same rate as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment taking effect at the start of each year.
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