This is bad for workers with disabilities.
Now state and federal lawmakers are considering bills that would eliminate subminimum wage certificates. The first co-sponsor of the federal bill, authored by Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., was Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane. Two other Republicans have joined her in sponsoring the bill along with 10 Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
“As you see more employers giving someone with disabilities a chance, what they’re finding is that they’re really good employees,” McMorris Rodgers said. “They are loyal, they’re hardworking, they show up every day excited to be there, ready to work hard, and they have a very positive impact on the culture, so I just think that this is an idea whose time has come.”
McMorris Rodgers said the timing is ideal because of record low unemployment – especially among minorities and the disabled. The federal bill has a six-year transition period that would provide support to individuals and employers in the form of grants, accommodation funds, job coaches and apprenticeship programs.
“There’s a growing number of organizations that are focused on helping employers make a transition and make this a positive, so I would encourage these employers to talk with some of these organizations, and I would be happy to connect them,” she said.