Yes. Many workers in Illinois classified as having “mild” or “moderate” disabilities are making less than $1/hour. These include people with epilepsy, polio, visual impairment, deafness, CP, mood disorders, and learning disabilities. These are tracked in Illinois Department of Labor records.

• Vermont: Pop. Approx. 623,000

• Tennessee: Approximately 6.9 million

• California: Approximately 39.5 million

• Kansas: Approximately 2.9 million

• South Carolina: Approximately 5.2 million

• Virginia: Approximately 8.6 million

• Washington: Approximately 7.8 million

• Colorado: Approximately 5.8 million

• Oregon: Approximately 4.3 million

• Rhode Island: Approximately 1.1 million

• Delaware: Approximately 989,000

• New Hampshire: Approximately 1.4 million

• Maryland: Approximately 6.2 million

• Washington, D.C.: Approximately 702,000

• Hawaii: Approximately 1.4 million

• Maine: Approximately 1.3 million

• Alaska: Approximately 731,000

This bill will create more work for people with disabilities. By developing a serious plan crafted by experts, and allowing 5 years for phase-out, we can launch in a gradual and successful way. Also, we can learn from the states that have already done so.

Equal minimum pay for working adults – no matter the disability – protects everyone’s civil rights. It is important to guarantee equal protection under the law.

Study after study reveals that workers with disabilities are dependable and productive, add value to the work environment with their dedication and enthusiasm, contribute to the morale of other workers, and are loyal employees – these are all characteristics that cannot be measured by speed or an outdated 14 (c) model.

This bill recognizes the need for a broad overhaul of work and day activity options for people with disabilities. If money is not the motivation for a person, they deserve alternatives that are stimulating and fulfilling.

People with disabilities aren’t children – and they aren’t earning tips in sheltered workshops. They are adults who should have the opportunity to earn what other adults start at.

No. By emphasizing the ability of all workers to contribute with the right supports, employers will awaken to the possibility and benefits of hiringpeople with disabilities. A concerted, ambitious statewide focus on disability employment will give rise to previously unimagined work experiences for people with all types of disabilities.

Piece rates could still be paid exactly as is through July 2029.

Workers who become productive wage earners put their money back into the community. It is long past time we end the second-class citizenship that subminimum wages force on workers with disabilities.

People with significant disabilities who want to work can contribute to the workforce in a significant way. Allowing subminimum wages cements second-class citizenship for disabled people and reinforces false, damaging perceptions about the potential of disabled people.

Yes. Examples include the UCP Seguin, Misericordia, Macon Resources Inc., Arc of Iroquois County, MarcFirst, Ray Graham, the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Thresholds.

No.

No. The subminimum wage transcends partisanship: States as “red” as Tennessee, Kansas, South Carolina, and Virginia are among the 18. Former U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) has been a national champion on this issue.