Georgia may become the first Republican-led state to end the subminimum wage for disabled workers. This practice, which affects around 40,000 workers with disabilities, enables employers to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage. The move comes as part of increasing opposition to state exception laws, with 16 states already having passed bills to end or revise such practices.

The news follows the completion of Georgia’s last legislative session in March, during which the state House passed a potential bill to abolish subminimum wages. State politicians are anticipated to revisit the issue when the next legislative session commences in January 2025. The push for change isn’t only coming from a single party, despite the current Republican majority in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. The bill’s lead sponsor, GOP State Representative Sharon Cooper, voiced disbelief that subminimum wages were still being permitted.

Another key figure pushing for the proposed adjustments is Dom Kelly, CEO of nonprofit New Disabled South. Kelly has voiced frustration over the disparity between the six-figure salaries enjoyed by many executive directors of sheltered workshops and the subminimum wages earned by their disabled employees.

Key factors distinguishing the Georgia law from similar state bills include its fast-paced phase-out plan, which aims to rid of 50 percent of certificates by the first anniversary of the law’s enactment, and all by the following year. This represents a much faster timeline than the three to five-year phase-outs that are usually seen.

A growing number of states, like Georgia, are exploring legislative ways to stop disabled employees from earning less than their non-disabled counterparts. Bills moving in this direction have been introduced in states across the country, including New York and Illinois.

With developments in law and increasing commitment to wage equity for disabled people, it is important to know how to navigate disability benefits. Whether you’re inquiring about your disability insurance benefits, seeking to get a hold of Paid Family Leave, or looking for an efficient way to contact a live person at EDD California for assistance, the best way to handle this is by visiting eddcaller.com. The website provides comprehensive instructions to contact EDD and get the help you need promptly and efficiently.