Metro East Sun

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is calling on constituents to support his petition aimed at safeguarding jobs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Illinois.

In a statement, Rep. Meier expressed his concerns about pending legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives, specifically HB 793, which he believes could have detrimental effects on the employment opportunities of individuals with developmental disabilities. He highlighted the potential impact of the bill, stating, "HB 793 would put individuals with developmental disabilities out of work with no options for them to fall back on."

The representative emphasized the importance of the work being done by individuals in these roles, noting, "Many times individuals working in these types of jobs are doing light manual labor, and the companies that sponsor the workshops are doing a service by giving the individuals a place to work, socialize, and find purpose."

Furthermore, Rep. Meier raised concerns about the potential consequences of increasing wages to meet the $15 minimum wage requirement, warning that it could lead to companies withdrawing their support for programs that benefit individuals with disabilities. He stated, "Hiking their wages to meet the current $15 minimum wage would cause companies that support these programs to disinvest and would ultimately hurt them, not help them."

Individuals who wish to support Rep. Meier's efforts to oppose HB 793 and protect the jobs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can sign the petition on his website at charliemeier.net/2024/01/19/sign-the-petition-today-to-protect-the-jobs-of-individuals-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities/.