Morrison: There are thousands of people in Illinois who are anxious to work

SPRINGFIELD —  In response to a Springfield-based nonprofit’s previous decision to withhold paychecks from employees with developmental disabilities, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) held a hearing in hopes to further examine sub-minimum wage.

“There are thousands of people in the state of Illinois who are anxious to work,” Morrison said. “We need to lead by example and provide good options for those who not only need to work, but want to work.”

The joint Senate and House Human Services Committee was joined by members of the Department of Human Services and Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities to discuss sub-minimum wage employment for people with developmental disabilities.

The committee follows Land of Lincoln Goodwill’s decision to withhold paychecks from employees with disabilities due to the minimum wage increase. The now-former CEO of the organization also said in July that she would potentially lay off employees with disabilities to cut costs.

Sub-minimum wage is legally paying certain individuals less than minimum wage. Land of Lincoln Goodwill has received approval from the U.S. Department of Labor to pay sub-minimum wage rates to workers with disabilities under a 1938 provision in the Fair Labor Standards Act. However, six states no longer permit sub-minimum wage rates.

“It’s important to guarantee equal protection under the law,” said Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, executive director of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Study after study shows that workers with disabilities are dependable and productive and valuable to the work environment. They are loyal employees.”

Morrison: Lawmakers should strive for transparency, disclosure and higher standards of conduct

• Ethics
• conflict of interest

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide more transparency among elected officials, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) filed a measure that would require lawmakers to state if they have a conflict of interest on a bill.

“This is simply about honesty and transparency,” Senator Morrison said. “The people of Illinois deserve to know lawmakers are best serving voters and the community — not themselves.”

Senate Bill 2299, which was read into the record Tuesday, would require a member of the General Assembly to disclose if they have a conflict of interest on a measure they are taking official action on – which includes voting for a bill. If the legislator does have a conflict of interest, they would be responsible for filing a written statement declaring the conflict or stating their conflict during floor debate.

“It is more important than ever for us to strive for more transparency, greater disclosure and a higher standard of conduct,” Senator Morrison said. “This common sense legislation will call for lawmakers to work in the best interest of the people of Illinois by reporting if they have a conflict of interest on a legislative matter they are voting on.”

Morrison: DCFS has failed to protect the rights of youths

SPRINGFIELD – Two youths, ages 15 and 17, were handcuffed and shackled at their feet while being driven from a youth shelter to another living arrangement, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

The teens were both restrained for nearly 30 miles in early October while being moved by a company hired by DCFS from Chicago to Palatine. The incident is now being investigated.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement:

“When we dishonor one person’s rights, we dishonor everyone’s rights,” Senator Morrison said. “DCFS’s failure to provide oversight and accountability on their contractors has caused another violation. This situation underscores my commitment to reform this troubled agency.”

Morrison to lead hearing on sub-minimum wage employment

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) will lead a joint hearing with the House and Senate Human Services Committees Tuesday to discuss sub-minimum wage employment for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois.

The hearing comes in response to Springfield-based Land of Lincoln Goodwill’s plans to cancel paychecks of employees with disabilities due to the minimum wage increase.

Sub-minimum wage is legally paying certain individuals less than minimum wage. Land of Lincoln Goodwill has approval from the U.S. Department of Labor to pay sub-minimum wage rates to workers with disabilities.

State agencies — including the Department of Human Services, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Central Management Service and the Department of Labor — will testify before the committee.

WHO: Senate and House Human Services Committees

WHAT: Joint subject matter hearing on sub-minimum wage employment

DATE: Tuesday, November 12

TIME: 4 p.m.