Pritzker signs bill eliminating subminimum wage for people with disabilities

Disabled people in Illinois will no longer be paid a subminimum wage by the year 2029 under a bill signed into law by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday.

The Dignity in Pay Act phases out subminimum wage authorizations in Illinois — as the state joins 18 other states in getting rid of the wage system. In some cases, disabled workers have made as little as 50 cents an hour or less than $100 per month for a 40-hour work week, according to Access Living.

“Illinois is closing an era of an outdated two-tiered wage system that lets disabled workers make less money for their hard work,” Pritzker said at a Chicago bill signing. “...This bill will help break down the pernicious stereotypes about the worth and potential of people with disabilities.

The bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act will supersede a provision in the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, which allowed for subminimum wage payments to those with disabilities with special authorization, known as a 14(c) certificate. The certificates will be completely eliminated by Dec. 31, 2029.

The new law will also establish a transition program for those who have been employing individuals with disabilities, to receive funding and support in order to increase work options as they discontinue the subminimum wage.

“Today I stand before you because people believed that our world could be different. That my life absolutely would be different. And it is,” said Erin Compton, a disability advocate. “My job at the Chicago Cubs through an organization called Angels for Hire is proof that accessible employment is possible…Let’s prove that people with disabilities are not broken people, but normal people in an inclusive world.”

A day after President Donald Trump took the oath of office, Pritzker also noted that while “individual rights are under attack,” including those with disabilities, legal immigrants and LGBTQ Americans, he wants to work with the Trump administration “when it comes to doing good things for Illinois and for our working families.”

“The Biden administration proposed a federal policy that would take Illinois policy nationwide,” Pritzker said. “Now, the ball is in the Trump administration’s court, and I’m hopeful that they will work with us to lift up disabled workers.”

State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, told the Sun-Times said she’s in a wait-and-see mode to see what Washington does when it comes to rights for the disabled, as well as immigration issues.

“I think one of the things is this state is a beacon for other states and other people to see,” Castro said. “This is how we do things, and when you talk about those rights being impacted, it’s important for us to make sure they’re enshrined here. And then obviously, to give folks comfort to know that we have a governor and a General Assembly that is going to fight for them no matter who’s sitting in the Oval Office.”