Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced she will reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. This legislation would provide states and employers with the resources to transition workers with disabilities into fully integrated and competitive jobs—which includes earning at least the minimum wage alongside individuals without disabilities—while phasing out the subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities.
She will be joined in introducing this bill by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Bob Casey (D-PA).
“America is the land of opportunity where no one is defined by the conditions of their birth. It’s in this spirit that we should be doing everything we can to bring people with disabilities off the sidelines and into the workforce,” said Rodgers. “This work started with creating and expanding ABLE accounts, which are empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. Today, with this bipartisan legislation, it continues on the next policy frontier – employment. Together, we can end the outdated practice of paying individuals with disabilities a subminimum wage and help them live more independent lives.”
Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers can apply for special certificates from the Department of Labor (DOL) to pay individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage....
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