Disability
Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs bill to eliminate practice of underpaying disabled people
On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed House Bill 793 into law, a bill to end the practice of paying people with disabilities subminimum wage.
Before signing the new law, also known as the Dignity in Pay Act, Pritzker said it will break down harmful stereotypes about individuals with disabilities and expand opportunities.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signs into law the Dignity in Pay Act, which prohibits employers from paying disabled workers less than minimum wage:
“This bill will help break down the pernicious stereotypes about the worth and potential of people with disabilities.” pic.twitter.com/YdDV4feaJ3
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) January 21, 2025
After including a sunset to phase out the practice by 2029, HB 793 received bipartisan support in the Illinois Legislature and passed in the House of Representatives with a 78-30 vote last May.
Pritzker also took a jab at newly-sworn-in President Donald Trump (R), saying “our Midwestern values are under siege” because of fears his presidency has instilled in vulnerable communities like disabled people, legal immigrants and LGBTQ+ Americans. He also called on the federal government to help lift up disabled workers.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) describes President Donald Trump’s first day back in office as one that has caused “fear for people with disabilities, for pregnant women, for legal immigrants and temporary migrants, for LGBTQ Americans, small business owners and so many others.”… pic.twitter.com/vfz65wsYnq
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) January 21, 2025