FRCD is sharing this information behalf of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
TAKE ACTION! – House Bill 793 HAM #4 will be heard in the Illinois House Labor & Commerce Committee at its next hearing this Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
ADVOCATES, SUBMIT YOUR WITNESS SLIPS ON HOUSE AMENDMENT #4
Disability advocates and allies showed amazing support for House Amendment #3, with over 830 Witness Slips submitted in favor of the bill. Way to go! Thank you for your advocacy and leadership.
YOU NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT ANOTHER WITNESS SLIP FOR HOUSE AMENDMENT #4. THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT IS BEING INTRODUCED IN AN EFFORT TO OBTAIN MORE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.
IT’S TIME FOR AN ILLINOIS THAT CHAMPIONS EQUALITY, DIGNITY, AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE FOR ALL WORKERS! The proposed Dignity in Pay Act, House Bill 793 House Amendment HAM #4 if passed will phase out the outdated(1938) discriminatory and ableist practice of paying people with disabilities subminimum wage! Subminimum wage is a policy that allows employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage. This means that people with disabilities can be paid less than what other workers earn for their work. If this bill passes, Illinois will proudly become the 19th state to make sure that ALL individuals who work are paid a living wage. It’s time to prioritize dignity and equality in our workforce.
Below is a House Amendment #4 Overview:
- Amendment 4 extends permission for employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage through December 31, 2029
- A Transition Grant Program for 14(c) providers is established to support providers obtain alternatives, including federally matchable Supported Employment services and Community Day Services. (14-C activities are NOT federally matchable under the Adult DD waiver).
- It requires a review of the service and support needs of aging adults with disabilities who have been engaged in subminimum wage work, including …behavioral and medical supports including administration of medications while participating in employment supports and community day services.
- It increases the Personal Needs Allowance for 11,000+ CILA residents to $100 per month (currently at $60), beginning on January 1, 2025.
- It requires HFS and DHS to file a waiver amendment with federal CMS to increase group supported employment rates for organizations that provide disability employment programs.
TAKE ACTION! – House Bill 793 HAM #4 will be heard in the Illinois House Labor & Commerce Committee at its next hearing this Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
ADVOCATES, SUBMIT YOUR WITNESS SLIPS ON HOUSE AMENDMENT #4
WITNESS SLIPS MATTER! Submitting a witness slip on legislation is like raising your hand in a crowded room to make sure your voice is heard. It’s an opportunity to actively participate in the democratic process and advocate for the issues that matter to YOU. Witness slips give legislators helpful information about different viewpoints and concerns on an issue. They show lawmakers what the public thinks, helping them make decisions that reflect the needs and values of the people they represent. If you want the Dignity in Pay Act House Bill793 House Amendment HA3 to pass into law, you are a Proponent. If you don’t, you are an Opponent.