[Ohio-talk] Fwd: Reply from Senator Sherrod Brown

[Suzanne Turner]

This is a response from an email I initiated.Suzanne

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Sherrod Brown <Senator_Brown at brown.senate.gov<mailto:Senator_Brown at brown.senate.gov>>
Date: July 1, 2013, 5:03:06 PM EDT
To: <STurner at clevelandsightcenter.org<mailto:STurner at clevelandsightcenter.org>>
Subject: Reply from Senator Sherrod Brown

Dear Ms. Turner:

Thank you for getting in touch with me about the minimum wage for Americans with disabilities.

The Fair Labor Standards Act provides a special minimum wage for persons with disabilities if the disability hinders the individual’s productivity. The special minimum wage, also known as a "commensurate wage rate," is based on the worker’s individual productivity, no matter how limited, in proportion to the wage and productivity of other experienced workers performing essentially the same type, quality, and quantity of work in the geographic area from which the labor force of the community is drawn. Employers must receive certification from the Department of Labor to pay such wages.

Thanks to expanded opportunities in the classroom and the workplace, persons with disabilities are filling a wide range of positions in the job market. Ensuring equal pay for equal work would be a positive step towards ending discrimination against persons with disabilities, as well as empowering these Americans to transition to greater independence and self-reliance.

I am proud to have supported the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, which created a broader definition of what it is to live with a disability so that Americans can more readily receive the benefits they deserve. Should any legislation regarding wages for Americans with disabilities come before the Senate, I will keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you for your advocacy on this issue.

                         Sincerely,

                         Sherrod Brown
                         United States Senator



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Suzanne Turner, BSW, MPA
Employment Coordinator and Benefit Specialist

Cleveland Sight Center
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216-658-7350 (direct)
216-791-1101 (fax)
sturner at ClevelandSightCenter.org <mailto:sturner at ClevelandSightCenter.org>

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