An ACT Relating to Wages

This bill wants to pay disabled people in Kentucky fairly for the work they do.

If this bill passes, it will stop disabled workers, people who work at sheltered workshops, and students from being paid less than the lowest amount allowed in Kentucky.

• The lowest amount people can get paid for working is called “minimum wage”

• Sheltered workshops: places where disabled people sometimes work, doing simple tasks and not getting paid very much.

  •  They’re called “sheltered” because it’s meant to be a safe space, but it doesn’t give disabled people the same chances to learn, grow, and earn money.

This bill:

• Defines  “worker with a disability”.

  • Worker with a disability: someone who can’t work as fast because of their age, physical or psychological disability, or an injury.

• Lays out a plan over time to make sure all disabled workers in Kentucky are paid at least minimum wage by July of 2028.

• Stops the state government from paying for programs that send disabled workers to work at places that pay less than minimum wage, in July 2028.

• Gets rid of exceptions that allow people in Kentucky to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage.