Georgia's Employment First Council; develop recommendations on how best to transition current use of sub-minimum wage practices to competitive integrated employment options for people with developmental disabilities; urge
The resolution seeks to address the historical issues faced by individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia, particularly regarding their employment rights and opportunities. Historically, a substantial proportion of this community has been employed in settings that pay below minimum wage, which presents significant challenges to their economic independence and quality of life. By urging the Employment First Council to formulate a strategic plan to eliminate sub-minimum wages, HR168 aims to align Georgia’s employment policies with a nationwide trend that advocates for fair market value employment as the norm for individuals with disabilities.
House Resolution 168 (HR168) urges the members of Georgia's Employment First Council to develop recommendations aimed at transitioning the existing use of sub-minimum wage practices to competitive integrated employment options for individuals with developmental disabilities. The resolution highlights the current gap in services, where a significant number of Georgians with developmental disabilities remain in day services or sheltered workshops earning less than minimum wage, with only a small fraction in competitive employment. With an eye towards improving these circumstances, the resolution calls for a comprehensive strategy to address this issue and recommends a study to be presented to the General Assembly by the end of 2023.
There could be multiple points of contention surrounding HR168 as it proposes significant changes to the existing employment framework for individuals with developmental disabilities. Proponents of the resolution may argue that this shift is essential for enhancing opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and dignity among the disabled population. Opponents might raise concerns about the logistics of implementing these changes, including potential impacts on funding for existing services and the transition process for both employees and employers. Engaging in public hearings and studies, as proposed in the resolution, could lead to debates about the feasibility and practicality of transitioning away from sub-minimum wage employment.