Phasing out sub-minimum wage: IL Senate sends Dignity in Pay Act to Pritzker's desk

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois senators passed a bill Thursday to phase out the sub-minimum wage for workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities after years of negotiations between lawmakers and stakeholders.

Sponsors believe it is wrong that some people are paid as low as 50 cents per hour and make only $100 per month.

The Dignity in Pay Act could create a special grant fund of $2 million to help community agencies transition away from the sub-minimum wages. The proposal would eliminate the use of 14-C certificates on July 1, 2029.

"Eighteen other states, as well as the city of Chicago, have begun to phase out this process to provide dignity to those who are disabled," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). "It puts a human face to say that those folks who are developmentally disabled are worth more than a sub-minimum wage."

Still, some Republicans believe business owners will be forced to make cuts if they have to pay workers higher wages. Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said he is worried many people in his district could lose their jobs once the law takes effect.

"Indiana's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. From Paris, Illinois to Terre Haute is about 20 minutes. At $15 an hour, you just put all of those folks that this bill is designed to help out of business," Rose said. "They'll be out of work and pink slipped."

The legislation includes a provision stating community group home residents should receive a personal allowance of at least $100 a month. This bill also calls for the personal needs allowance to increase annually at the same rate as Social Security cost-of-living adjustments taking effect at the start of each year.

House Bill 793 passed out of the Senate on a 43-11 vote. The measure now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for his signature of approval.

"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," Pritzker said. "Thank you to chief bill sponsors Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago), Sen. Cristina Castro, bipartisan partners in the Illinois General Assembly, and all of the civil rights, human rights, organized labor, anti-poverty, and trade associations who worked together to achieve a more equitable and inclusive Illinois."

Macon Resources in Decatur is one of the only businesses that pays every worker minimum wage or higher. Sponsors and advocates told reporters in May that every business should follow that standard because workers with developmental disabilities deserve dignity and respect.

The plan passed out of the House on a bipartisan 78-30 vote with three representatives voting present on May 23.