February 27, 2023 | Press Release.pdf

Princeton, NJ – Community Options, Inc., a leading national nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities, released a statement following the re-introduction of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act in the 118th Congress:

“Every American deserves the opportunity to live productive and fulfilling lives. For far too long, people with disabilities have been treated as second-class workers while employers have profited off their labor,” said Robert Stack, Community Options President and CEO. “I applaud Senators Casey and Daines, and Representatives Scott and McMorris Rodgers, for their bipartisan efforts to eliminate subminimum wages. This legislation will be life-changing for the 120,000 Americans currently exploited by this archaic practice. I urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill so that every person can realize the promises of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) would phase out subminimum wages for people with disabilities. The Act will also provide resources to states and employers to transition workers with disabilities in to fully integrated and competitive jobs. According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, there are still 120,000 Americans earning subminimum wages, with more than half earning less than $3.50 per hour.

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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.