Pritzker takes aim at Trump during bill signing: 'Our Midwestern values are under siege'

Gov. JB Pritzker signed an act into law today helping people with disabilities and took aim at President Donald Trump the day after his inauguration.

Dignity in Pay Act

The backstory:

The Dignity in Pay Act eliminates permission for employers to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage. Pritzker said this is a big step towards creating a more equal society for all people.

The act will phase out the 14(c) subminimum wage for people with disabilities by Dec. 31, 2029. 

Illinois joined 18 other states that have similar legislation. On Tuesday, Pritzker called for the law to be implemented nationwide.

"At such a critical time for so many labor rights in this country, Illinois is doubling down on our commitment to protecting all of our citizens," Pritzker said. "In doing so, we are solidifying our status as a place of welcome and opportunity for all."

According to the governor's office, the Dignity in Pay Act will also:

  • Establish a Transition Program for 14(c) providers, to receive funding, training, and support to increase work options and discontinue subminimum wage labor,
  • Require HFS/DHS to file a Medicaid waiver amendment with federal CMS to increase small group supported employment rates to enhance disability employment programs,
  • Increase the Personal Needs Allowance for 11,000+ Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) residents to $100 per month (currently at $60), beginning immediately, and
  • Appoint at least two additional 14(c) subminimum wage certificate holders to the Task Force responsible for disability employment tracking.

Pritzker takes shots at Trump

What they're saying:

A day after Trump's inauguration, Pritzker said the president's executive orders were already putting people's lives at risk.

"President Trump has returned to office and the new Republican administration, unfortunately, is already enacting an agenda that will increase consumer costs, hurt working families, cause layoffs and hold America's economy back," Pritzker said.

Pritzker said he would cooperate with the incoming administration to help the working families of Illinois.

His comments came after reported plans of raids and deportations by the U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement in Chicago.

"Individual rights are under attack, causing fear for people with disabilities, for pregnant women, for legal immigrants and temporary migrants, for LGBTQ Americans, small business owners and so many others," Pritzker said. "Our Midwestern values are under siege."

The Source: The information in this story came from the Illinois governor's office and comments made by Pritzker during a Tuesday news conference.

J.B. PritzkerDonald J. TrumpNewsIllinoisMigrants in Chicago