Subminimum Wage Plan Divides Disability Advocates

[Jefferson23]

** What can I say, a constant struggle.

By Michelle Diament

July 30, 2013 Text Size A A

Disability advocates are split over a proposal in the U.S. Senate that would establish limits on people with disabilities working for less than minimum wage.

The Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is expected to take up a reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act on Wednesday. Within the proposed legislation is a plan to establish first-ever requirements that must be met before individuals with disabilities could be allowed to work for less than the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.

Currently, many with disabilities leave high school and are referred directly to sheltered workshop environments. That would change under what’s known as section 511 of the bill. Those with disabilities could only be placed in subminimum-wage jobs if they meet certain age-related requirements and while receiving job training services to prepare them for competitive employment. What’s more, individuals age 24 or younger would be required to pursue vocational rehabilitation services first.

“I believe it is critically important that every young person with a disability have an opportunity to experience competitive, integrated employment as they transition from school to adult life,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, one of the bill’s chief sponsors, in a statement to Disability Scoop.

remainder: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/07/30/subminimum-wage-divides/18409/

[UglyGreed]

1. Gotta take advantage

because 7.25 an hour is just too much pay.

[Jefferson23]

2. So frustrating, sigh. Thank you for the post.

[UglyGreed]

3. Anytime

[jmowreader]

4. What will happen...

Employers who hire people eligible for this will fire them the day before their eligibility runs out, then when they go to get a "full-scale" minimum wage job the people who were in the program will be told "sorry, we can't hire you, you don't have any skills. Maybe if you enroll in our job training program..."

[UglyGreed]

5. Exactly

Use em till they are able to dump em