U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, unveiled a new proposal from the Biden Administration aimed at abolishing the subminimum wage for people with disabilities. Under current regulations, certain employers can obtain certificates to pay disabled workers below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This practice predominantly affects workers with intellectual or developmental disabilities, often resulting in wages below $3.50 per hour.
The proposed rule seeks to eliminate these certificates, thereby discontinuing a practice Senator Casey described as “shameful” and “discriminatory.” “Every worker deserves to be paid a fair wage, and Americans with disabilities are no exception,” Casey stated, emphasizing the move towards fair treatment and financial independence for disabled workers.
Senator Casey has been a vocal advocate in Congress for ending the subminimum wage, hosting a hearing in February where he showcased examples of employers who pay fair wages to disabled employees. Furthermore, in 2022, he encouraged the Biden administration to allocate $177 million to 14 states to support the transition away from the subminimum wage certificates.
