Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier of Okawville has expressed his views on the recent signing of HB 793 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The bill, which aims to eliminate the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities, has been a topic of discussion and debate.

In his statement, Meier acknowledged the imperfections of the bill but noted its relative improvement over other proposals. He highlighted the national movement towards ending subminimum wage programs for people with disabilities and mentioned efforts to involve Southern Illinois workshops in planning stages.

Meier voiced concerns about job availability in rural Illinois, questioning whether enough positions exist that justify a $15 hourly wage for these individuals. To address this issue, he is working on filing a bill aimed at creating jobs for workshop clients while also benefiting senior citizens.

He emphasized his commitment to ensuring employment opportunities for all interested individuals, referencing promises made by House Democrats and Governor Pritzker. "We will be holding them accountable at every turn to ensure that their promises are not empty," Meier stated.

Despite his reservations, Meier voted in favor of the bill when it passed the House in 2023. He encouraged continued efforts to enhance the Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (EEOPD) Task Force and to phase out 14c certificates in future years.