[NFBOK-Talk] Party Platforms Call for End to Subminimum Wage

[Jeannie Massay]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


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 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> 

Party Platforms Call for End to Subminimum Wage

National Federation of the Blind Urges Passage of TIME Act

Baltimore, Maryland (July 26, 2016): The National Federation of the Blind
today applauded language in the platforms of both major political parties
that calls for the end of the payment of subminimum wages to workers with
disabilities.

Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"The National Federation of the Blind has advocated for the elimination of
the subminimum wage since our founding, and the recognition of this issue by
leaders of both political parties further confirms that the time has long
passed to eliminate the unfair and separate wage system for people with
disabilities. We applaud the statements of both Democratic and Republican
delegates, and urge members of Congress to follow those statements with the
actions required to pass the Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful
Employment Act as soon as possible when Congress resumes its session."

The Democratic Party platform states in pertinent part: "We . support .
ending the sub-minimum wage for . people with disabilities." The Republican
Party platform states in pertinent part: "Our TIME Act (Transition[ing] to
Integrated and Meaningful Employment) will modernize the Fair Labor
Standards Act to encourage competitive employment for persons with
disabilities. . We endorse efforts like Employment First that replace
dependency with jobs in the mainstream of the American workforce."

###

About the National Federation of the Blind

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.

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind, please
visit: www.nfb.org
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=5587&qid=1336671>
. 
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
United States
(410) 659-9314 

 

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