Lawmakers Warn Of Job Loss If Subminimum Wage Is Raised For Workers With Disabilities

By Andrew Hensel, The Center Square

October 31, 2023

A measure up for debate in the Illinois House seeks to provide workers with disabilities in Illinois an increased minimum wage. However, some worry this will end up with many losing their jobs.

House Bill 793 would eliminate the 14-C certificates, which allows for lower pay for those with developmental disabilities.

The bill stalled in the House in May, but now legislators are discussing the measure as it could come back up for debate in the coming session.

State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, said these workers will lose their jobs due to the cuts businesses will be forced to make.

"We have had some of the workshops in southern Illinois do this," Meier said. "One of them now employs 70% less employees now that they've had to go to minimum wage. The lower portion of these workers are now unemployable anywhere else for the rest of their lives."

State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, said providers are also against the measure.

"They are calling it the Dignity in Pay Act, and I am here to counter that narrative," Stuart said. "The bill is not agreed, as Charlie [Meier] pointed out when 33 out of 35 providers are not in agreement, that is not agreed."

Those in support of the bill said the measure is about fairness.

"An essential aspect of raising the minimum wage for workers with disabilities is its role in promoting social inclusion. Economic exclusion often perpetuates social marginalization, reinforcing negative stereotypes and limiting opportunities for disabled individuals," bill sponsor and state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, told The Center Square. "The question of equal pay on the face is a social justice issue, and if an employee fits talent and meets the job requirements, they should be paid equal wages."

The measure, if approved, would raise the minimum wage for such workers to the state's minimum wage by 2027. The state's current minimum wage is $13 an hour. That's set to increase Jan. 1, 2024, to $14 an hour, and another dollar to $15 an hour by 2025. The current sub-minimum wage is $10.50.

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