Van Hollen Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers in Introducing Bill to End Subminimum Wages for Workers with Disabilities

Today, Senator Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ranking MemberRobert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and  Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas-17) in introducing theTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. This is abipartisan, bicameral proposal, which would phase out the use of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities and help transition them into fully integrated, competitive employment.
Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, workers with disabilities can legally be paid far below the federal minimum wage, sometimes less than $1 an hour. This bill ends that practice over five years, invests $300 million in state and local transition efforts, and ensures all workers with disabilities can earn fair wages and work alongside their peers.
Currently, nearly 40,000 people with disabilities are still employed under this policy. This legislation ensures they are no longer left behind in our workforce and brings federal labor law into alignment with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Americans with disabilities deserve fair pay for their work. But the subminimum wage has denied far too many people with disabilities that promise for far too long. This bipartisan legislation puts an end to that unjust practice nationwide and invests in opportunities for workers with disabilities to strengthen their economic independence,”said Senator Van Hollen.
“It is long past time for Congress to phase out the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities and expand access to fulfilling employment and economic self-sufficiency. By fostering collaboration between employers and services providers, this bipartisan legislation makes clear that it is not only possible, but beneficial, to invest in fully integrated and competitive jobs for people with disabilities. We must take this next step to ensure that every worker can succeed in the workplace and earn a fair wage,”said Ranking Member Scott.
"Disabled Americans deserve the opportunity to compete and succeed in today's workforce. Unfortunately, subminimum wage practices continue to unfairly prevent many individuals from earning the full value of their contributions and prevent disabled individuals from retaining necessary benefits should they receive a promotion. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which ends these practices and encourages disabled Americans to fully participate in our workforce without constraints. While this is an important step, there is still much work to be done to build a competitive and fair workforce. I remain committed to continuing in this fight,”said Representative Sessions.
“Those with disabilities contribute in valuable ways to our communities. There is dignity and hope in work, and they should never be underpaid simply because they live with a disability. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to end this discriminatory practice and ensure fair pay to those with disabilities in the workforce,”saidSenator Daines.
TheTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act:
TheTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Actis supported by:Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), Melwood, The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Microsoft, Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce, National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), CEO Commission for Disability Employment, Applied Self-Direction, Spina Bifida Association, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Organization on Disability, CommunicationFIRST, United Spinal Association, ANCOR, National Employment Law Project (NELP), American Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind (ACB), Allies for Independence, National Association of Councils of Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), SourceAmerica, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Autism Society of America, Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), and National Industries for the Blind.
For thebill textof theTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, clickhere.
For afact sheeton theTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, clickhere.
For asection-by-sectionof theTransformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, clickhere.