Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Nicole La Ha announced the progress of the Dignity in Pay Act through the Senate Executive Committee in a Facebook post dated November 21. She said, "If passed, this bill will eliminate subminimum wages for workers with disabilities."

"I'm excited to share that the Dignity in Pay Act, HB0793, has passed the state Senate Executive Committee with bipartisan support and is now moving to the Senate floor," said La Ha, according to Facebook. "I was proud to vote "yes" for this bill when it came through the house. If passed, this bill will eliminate subminimum wages for workers with disabilities. This is an important issue that I will continue to advocate for!"

According to WGEM, the act received bipartisan support and passed on November 20 with a 9-3 margin. The state's 14(c) certificate program currently allows employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than minimum wage. If the Dignity in Pay Act is approved by the Illinois Senate, it would terminate this program by December 31, 2029. The bill includes a $2 million annual grant program managed by the state Department of Human Services.

Screenshot of State Representative Nicole La Ha's Nov. 21 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Facebook page.

WGEM also reported that Senators Jil Tracy, Neil Anderson, and Linda Holmes opposed the bill, which had previously passed the Illinois State House in May.

The bill's webpage explains that certificates permitting sub-minimum wages for individuals with disabilities are authorized under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, alongside the Department of Human Services, must file an amendment to increase rates for certain waiver services under the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities by January 1, 2025. Community agencies must submit a transition plan to qualify for grants associated with these changes.

La Ha was elected to represent Illinois' 82nd District after being appointed to fill a vacancy following John Egofske's resignation. In her candidacy announcement for Illinois State Representative District 82 in 2024, she expressed gratitude on Facebook and committed to being a family-focused voice prioritizing safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and lower taxes.