Gov. Pritzker Signs Rashid-Backed Dignity in Pay Act, Eliminating Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

Chicago, IL – Rep. Abdelnsasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) released the following statement today, after Gov. Pritzker signed the Dignity in Pay Act into law:

“Every worker deserves equal pay for equal work. Period. For workers with disabilities this isn’t just about a paycheck – it’s about having the same right to live and thrive with dignity as everyone else. 

“Submiminum wage is an exploitative system that has kept disabled people in poverty at a rate twice that of non-disabled people – even though their work is no less valuable. I’m proud to have chief co-sponsored a bill that will help Illinois live up to our values of fairness, economic justice, and a living wage for all workers. 

“Today is a strong step towards building a more equitable and inclusive Illinois.” – Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid

Research from the Government Accountability Office shows that half of people with disabilities working for subminimum wage make less than $3.50 per hour. Illinois joins 15 other states that have already eliminated subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.