Act NOW: STOP paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage!

Congress is back from its August break and has just a few weeks left to pass this bill before the session ends. 
 

We need your help! Your quick action will make a difference. Urge Kansas’ US Senators Marshall and Moran to support fair, competitive wages for people with disabilities and cosponsor the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA)!

Did you know a little-known federal law enacted nearly 90 years ago still allows employers to pay Americans with disabilities LESS than the federal minimum wage? It’s shocking, but true. Help us end this outdated practice!  The bipartisan Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA, S.533) is crucial legislation that ensures people with disabilities receive fair wages and better job opportunities.

Time is running out for Congress to end this practice! Congress will adjourn in just a few weeks, leaving a small window of time to get this passed. We need your help in asking our Kansas Senators to cosponsor the TCIEA NOW! S. 533 also aligns with our statewide efforts to stop paying Kansans with disabilities less than minimum wage. 

Click the “Take Action” link below to request Senators Marshall and Moran cosponsor this vital legislation! 

Why This Issue Matters: 

• We are SO close to eliminating this practice in Kansas and nationwide. This bill will set up a responsible process to effectively transition the policy to ensure all people with disabilities will make at least a minimum wage!

• The TCIEA will phase out paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage over five years.  
• This bill supports people with disabilities in finding and retaining meaningful, competitive jobs in their communities.
• The TCIEA also builds on the success Kansas has had in reducing the number of entities that pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage by nearly 80% over the last 7 years. 
• In Kansas, the largest trade association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability service providers is Interhab.  All Interhab members are also members of ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources).  ANCOR supports this bill because it is the right policy!  Additionally, Interhab and other disability providers obtained state funding to help providers transition away from paying Kansans with disabilities less than minimum wage.