U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced bipartisan legislation to end wage discrimination against workers with disabilities and support their transition into competitive, integrated employment. The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act seeks to phase out the use of subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities—still legal under federal law—and invest in programs that promote inclusive hiring practices.
“Those with disabilities contribute in valuable ways to our communities,” said Daines. “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 Montanans with disabilities in the workforce.”
Daines joins a bipartisan coalition that includes Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as Representatives Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Bobby Scott (D-VA), in leading the push to reform a decades-old provision of labor law that allows disabled workers to be paid less than minimum wage.
Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers can apply for special certificates allowing them to pay workers with disabilities significantly below the federal minimum wage—sometimes less than $1 an hour. While originally intended to promote employment opportunities, critics argue the practice is outdated and demeaning.
The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act would phase out this practice over a five-year period. The bill also authorizes $300 million in federal funding to support state and local agencies in helping individuals with disabilities transition into competitive, community-based jobs.
Currently, about 40,000 individuals with disabilities nationwide are employed under subminimum wage certificates. Advocates say the new legislation would bring U.S. labor law into alignment with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which emphasizes full inclusion and equal opportunity in all areas of life, including employment.
“This bill is about fairness and respect,” Daines added. “No one should be told that their work is worth less simply because of a disability.”
The legislation has gained support from disability rights organizations, workforce advocates, and bipartisan lawmakers who argue that all workers—regardless of ability—deserve equal pay for equal work.
The bill will be reviewed by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, with hearings expected later this year. If passed, it would mark a significant shift in national employment policy for Americans with disabilities.
By: DNU staff