State Representative Adam Niemerg. Photo submitted by State Rep Niemerg.
For Immediate Release – Saturday, May 25, 2024
Rep. Adam Niemerg Expresses Concern: Ending Subminimum Wage Could Reduce Job Opportunities for Disabled Workers
Dieterich, IL – State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) says eliminating the subminimum wage for people with disabilities will ultimately hurt the very people the legislation is intended to help.
The Illinois House approved House Bill 793, which eliminates the subminimum wage for disabled employees and requires a gradual ramp-up of wage increases to align with the minimum wage.
“There are numerous not-for-profit organizations that go out of their way to create positions for people with disabilities,” Niemerg said. “The intent is more about fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment for individuals with disabilities than the actual jobs they perform. These jobs exist in large part because of the subminimum wage. Requiring these organizations to pay minimum wage will mean most of them will have to stop hiring people with disabilities. This legislation is well-intentioned but will do more harm than good.”
House Bill 793 will now move to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.
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