Access Living friends and allies,
The hearing on Dignity in Pay was moved to Wednesday, November 20th at 1pm! We hoped it would be heard this week, but with the schedule change we have another opportunity to let our State Senators know how much the disability community supports this bill.
**If you already submitted a witness slip last week, you need to submit another one for the upcoming committee.**
To recap: the Dignity in Pay Act would phase out the use of the disability subminimum wage in the state of Illinois. Rather than being paid less for having a disability, or not missing out on the opportunities our non-disabled peers have, Dignity in Pay would move our state’s disability services forward to build a truly inclusive workforce (read more about the bill and see who has signed on as a supporter here).
So, what can we do now?
First, we need your help to call your State Senator to ask that they support the Dignity in Pay Act, HB 793.
- To find your State Senator, visit this link and enter your address
- If your Senator is already a co-sponsor, please make sure to thank them for their support
Second, we need your help to re-submit witness slips in support of Dignity in Pay!
- Witness slips are ways for Illinoisans across our state to show their elected officials where they stand on various bills. When legislators look at these slips, it helps them understand the level of support (or opposition) a bill might have.
- If you already submitted a witness slip last week, you need to submit another one for the upcoming committee.
How to File a Witness Slip
- Fill out the witness slip at this link
- Under “II. Representation,” put Self (this way, when legislators see the support, it looks more organic than from one organization);
- Under “III. Position,” select Original Bill and choose Proponent;
- Under “IV. Testimony,” select Record of Appearance Only
If you have any questions, please contact our Economic Justice Policy Analyst Nick Boyle at nboyle@accessliving.org.
We are not done in advocating that our community receive the pay we DESERVE. Let’s keep the pressure on so that Dignity in Pay will be the LAW in the state of Illinois!