May 14, 2026
The “Dignity in Pay Act” was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in January of 2025 and requires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be paid minimum wage instead of a “piece rate” 14c sub-minimum wage by no later than December 31, 2029. The passage of this law directly impacts 130 people currently enrolled in Community Link’s adult day program who participate in 14c piece rate employment. While the Dignity in Pay Act represents an important shift in recognizing the value and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, a lack of necessary funding, resources and infrastructure will likely result in unemployment for people with developmental disabilities across the state.
On Thursday, May 7th, John Huelskamp and Laurie Henken of Community Link, along with State Rep. Charlie Meier and other state advocates, appeared before the Illinois House – Health and Human Services Appropriations committee in support of HB 4179. This bill, generated by Rep. Meier and Community Link, requests 10 million dollars in grant funding to help community agencies like Community Link transition away from subminimum wages while also keeping individuals with developmental disabilities employed. At the hearing, advocates from Community Link and Washington County Workshop shared firsthand accounts of the challenges they face under the current law and why additional funding is crucial in ensuring the law does not result in unemployment for many of the individuals Dignity in Pay intends to support.
John Huelskamp, Executive Director for Community Link, stated, “Dignity in Pay grant funding is critical in building the necessary infrastructure, developing workforce supports and creating a sustainable community employment pathway for persons with developmental disabilities. Without funding to support the changes behind the Dignity in Pay Act, we risk destabilizing a system that currently provides structure, purpose, and community for thousands of individuals in Illinois.”
Community Link, a nonprofit agency, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link is to provide opportunities for choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information visit commlink.org.