SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois House Democrat has been trying to phase out the sub-minimum wages for workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities since 2019.  During this past legislative session, the Dignity in Pay Act failed to gain enough support after an intense debate.

Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) believes that the state should empower people with disabilities to maximize their employment and self-sufficiency. Mah believes it is wrong that some disabled workers are being paid much less than the state’s minimum wage and it is past time to eliminate the sub-minimum wage.

However, other lawmakers, such as State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) and State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) believe a lot of these workers will be without jobs if the bill passes. Severin had this to say…

The representatives and stakeholders held a Wednesday morning capitol press conference to discuss the impact of legislation pending in the Illinois House of Representatives that would put at least 50% of workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities and service providers out of work throughout the state.

The representatives believe HB 793 would put service providers out of work because they can’t afford to pay minimum wage to workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities while also having to support workers with restroom and feeding assistance and making sure they take their medication on time. This bill does not help service providers pick up these extra costs if the legislation as written were to become law.

It is believed the measure will not be brought up during the current veto session but will be back again when legislators gather in Springfield in January.