Illinois will eliminate subminimum wages for Illinoisans with disabilities under a plan signed Tuesday by Gov. JB Pritzker.
The law implements a five-year plan to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to earn at least minimum wage and establishes a transition plan for certain providers to receive funding, training and support to increase work options and discontinue subminimum wage labor.
It also tasks the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services and Human Services to submit a request to the federal government to increase Medicaid rates for certain disability employment programs.
“(The law) not only sunsets an unfair wage policy, it puts an unprecedented emphasis on expanding employment opportunities for people across the spectrum of disability — strengthening rates, programs and training opportunities for employers who are dedicated to the independence and support of people with disabilities,” Pritzker said at a bill signing in Chicago.
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities CEO Josh Evans said a task force is continuing work to address other challenges that face the sector in Illinois, including transportation for individuals as well as training and support for staff at organizations that work with the population.
“It gives me great hope that in not too many years, we’re going to be in an even better place than where we’re at right now,” he said.
Illinois joins 18 other states that have eliminated such wages. The Senate approved the plan during last fall’s veto session, after the House passed the bill last spring.