La Ha works to bring “Dignity in Pay” improvements

State Representative Nicole La Ha is continuing her work to bring needed improvements to "Dignity in Pay" programs to benefit disabled individuals who are employed in community workshop or other 14c certificate programs.

"Individuals with disabilities want to be fully integrated stakeholders in our economy, and our local communities certainly benefit when everyone is involved in our community," said Representative Nicole La Ha, herself the mother of a child who lives with disability. "It is incredibly important that the State of Illinois keep its promise made to individuals living with disabilities and fully fund Dignity in Pay Grants to providers."

Legislation enacted into law in 2024 eliminated 14c certificates and required individuals with intellectual disabilities to be paid minimum wage. The State of Illinois allocated $2 million in the original legislation to support efforts of Community Day Service (CDS) providers to transition the approximately 3,500 persons with developmental disabilities out of 14c employment. The funding has now been exhausted and 80% of CDS providers never received funding.

To address this shortfall, Rep. La Ha has co-sponsored House Bill 4179 to allocate $10 million to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for grants under the 14c transition program. These grants would help community agencies transition away from subminimum wage while keeping CDS providers operating and workers employed.

Representative La Ha also filed House Bill 2847. HB 2847 provides for income tax credits to employers of persons with severe mental illness or developmental disability in an amount equal to 25% of the wages paid by the taxpayer to the person with a developmental disability or severe mental illness, but not to exceed $6,000 in wages paid during the taxable year to any single qualified employee. This legislation is aimed at further incentivizing the community employment of individuals with severe disabilities.

Those interested in following the progress of La Ha's legislation can follow the bills at the Illinois General Assembly's website, ILGA.gov, or check Representative La Ha's legislative website at RepLaHa.com for updates.