Pass the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act
Recommendation
Congress should pass the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA), which would improve employment standards for individuals with intellectual, developmental, mental health, or other disabilities.[1]
Background/summary
Existing law allows employers to pay individuals with disabilities, including mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUDs), below minimum wage.[3] This practice is commonly referred to as “subminimum wage”. The majority of subminimum wage workers have intellectual, developmental, mental health, or other disabilities and are paid less than $3.50 an hour.[3] Supported employment programs, which address MH/SUD and employment needs concurrently, help individuals with MH/SUDs find competitive employment, work more hours, and earn higher wages.[4] Research shows that 70 percent of adults with MH/SUDs would like to work and the majority would be successful with supported employment programs. However, only 2 percent receive any form of supported employment.[4]
The TCIEA would limit the ability to offer subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities.[1] The legislation would also direct the Department of Labor to award grants to assist states in transforming business and program models that support individuals with disabilities and provide technical assistance to employers in offering competitive employment and wages for disabled individuals.[1]
Individuals with MH/SUDs deserve opportunities for competitive wages and sustained employment through supported employment programs. Congress should help meet these needs by prohibiting subminimum wage for individuals with MH/SUDs and funding evidence-based supported employment programs.[2]
citations
1. Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. H.R. 1263 (Scott) and S. 533 (Casey), 118th Congress (2023-2024). Last Accessed February 2023.
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Social Determinants of Health: Employment. Last Accessed July 31, 2023.
3. “Sen. Casey and Sen. Daines Announce Bipartisan Bill to Phase Out Subminimum Wage for People with Disabilities. Last Updated February 27, 2023.
4. Marshall, Tina et al. Supported Employment: Assessing the Evidence. Psychiatric Online. Psychiatric Services 65 (1): 16-23. Last Updated January 1, 2014.