[NFB_of_Georgia] Fwd: Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act Introduced in the House

Wed Apr 7 01:51:38 UTC 2021

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: National Federation of the Blind <webmaster at nfb.org>
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 5:45 PM
Subject: Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act Introduced
in the House

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want] <http://nfb.org>

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the
Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act in the House

*Baltimore, Maryland (April 6, 2021):* The National Federation of the
Blind, the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans,
applauds the introduction of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated
Employment Act (H.R. 2373) in the United States House of Representatives by
Education and Labor Committee Chair Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) and Representative
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5). This legislation gradually eliminates the
payment of subminimum wages to people with disabilities over a four-year
period and prohibits the issuance of new special wage certificates under
Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The legislation also
incentivizes employers to transition away from a segregated workplace model
for people with disabilities and toward competitive integrated employment.

“It is long past time for Congress to phase out the subminimum wage for
workers with disabilities and expand access to fulfilling employment and
economic self-sufficiency,” said Chairman Scott. “By fostering
collaboration between employers and services providers, this bipartisan
legislation makes clear that it is not only possible, but beneficial to
invest in fully integrated and competitive jobs for people with
disabilities. We must take this next step to ensure that every worker can
succeed in the workplace and earn a fair wage.”

“Disability employment is the next policy frontier to empower people with
disabilities to live full and independent lives,” said Ranking Member
Rodgers. “A job is so much more than just a paycheck, it’s what gives us
dignity, purpose, and the opportunity for a better life. I look forward to
continuing to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure more people – who are
ready, willing, and able to work – find employment.”

Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
“The National Federation of the Blind and our partners representing the 55
million Americans with disabilities seek only the kind of meaningful,
remunerative work that other Americans take for granted. We applaud
Chairman Scott for rejecting over eighty years of entrenched but false
thinking about the capacity of people with disabilities. We strongly urge
his colleagues in both chambers of the United States Congress to transition
from an ineffective employment model to a policy that recognizes the
individuality, interests, and skills of workers with disabilities and
allows them to live the lives they want.”

###
About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore,
defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and
support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing
vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the premier membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and
divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe
in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them
into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20588&qid=5091249>.
CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20589&qid=5091249>

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-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.