Albany, NY – Assemblymember Phil Steck joined Living Resources and disability rights advocates today to highlight his legislation A1006B/S28A, which would eliminate the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities in New York State.

The press conference, held at Living Resources in Albany, underscored a shared commitment to ensuring equal pay for equal work and advancing dignity, fairness, and inclusion in the workplace. Currently, approximately 1,400 New Yorkers with disabilities are paid below the minimum wage under an outdated federal provision. If enacted, this legislation would end that practice and align New York with a growing number of states that have eliminated subminimum wage.

Assemblymember Steck partnered with Living Resources to bring attention to the legislation and to amplify the voices of individuals directly impacted by the policy. He was joined by Elizabeth Martin, CEO of Living Resources; Abby Censabella and Brendan Salmon, individuals receiving employment supports from Living Resources; and Lindsay Miller, Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living. Advocates and supporters from across the disability rights community were also in attendance.

“Every New Yorker who works deserves dignity, respect, and fair compensation,” said Assemblymember Steck. “Paying workers with disabilities less than minimum wage is an outdated and unjust practice. I am proud to stand alongside Living Resources and advocates across the state to push this legislation forward. I will continue working until we ensure equal pay for equal work and bring dignity and respect to every New Yorker.”

“Elimination of the exploitative subminimum wage isn't just policy reform; it's an overdue reclamation of dignity for disabled workers, granting them the right to fair wages and societal respect. The legislature has a moral obligation to push for economic justice and equality for the more than 2 million disabled New Yorkers, and I am proud to continue that fight alongside Assemblyman Steck,” said Senator James Skoufis.

“To fully realize Governor Hochul’s vision of New York as an Employment First state, we must eliminate the discriminatory practice of paying people with disabilities subminimum wage. Living Resources supports this legislation and looks forward to working with Assemblymember Steck to ensure its successful implementation through meaningful investment in job training, skill development, and employer partnerships that prepare individuals for competitive, integrated employment,” said Elizabeth Martin, CEO for Living Resources.

“Ending subminimum wages is long overdue. A1006B/S28A brings New York in line with modern employment practices and affirms that every worker deserves dignity, fair pay, and a meaningful place in our inclusive economy and society. The New York Association on Independent Living thanks Assemblymember Steck and Senator Skoufis for championing this issue and standing up for the rights of people with disabilities,” said Lindsay Miller, Executive Director, NYAIL.

The Center for Disability Rights also voiced strong support for the measure. “The Center for Disability Rights applauds Assemblymember Steck for his steadfast commitment and leadership to the idea that work is work, and that paying those with disabilities pennies on the dollar for their work is not charity, it is exploitation. Ending this outdated and ableist practice is long overdue. CDR is honored to join with Assemblymember Steck, Living Resources and others here today to call for an end to this exploitation, choosing instead meaningful investments that expand access to integrated, competitive employment and provide the supports Disabled workers need to succeed,” said Maximino Rodriguez, Manager of Government Affairs for the Center for Disability Rights.

"The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) strongly supports the phasing out of the subminimum wage. What began as an incentive for employers to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has mutated into an impediment to financial, employment, and societal equity for the disabled community. Investing in programs like Living Resources, which provides support for people with disabilities looking to find employment that pays a fair wage, is critical when it comes to ensuring equity and advancement for people with disabilities,” said Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, Executive Director for CIDNY and Molly Senack, Education and Employment Community Organizer for CIDNY.

“New York State has made progress expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities through initiatives like Employment First, as well as customized and supported employment. However, the future must include competitive, integrated employment opportunities for all. Subminimum wages perpetuate harmful and discriminatory stereotypes that people with disabilities are less capable or less valuable in the workforce, often trapping them in poverty. The use of 14(c) certificates is an outdated relic of a paternalistic system that we must move beyond. For decades, Southern Tier Independence Center has helped people in our region find and maintain competitive, integrated employment and has consistently advocated for the end of subminimum wages. We strongly support Assemblymember Steck’s bill A1006B/S28A to phase out this practice and ensure people with disabilities are paid real wages for real work,” said Jen Watson, Executive Director of Southern Tier Independence Center.

"It is long past due that sub-minimum wages for our community are finally considered unacceptable. Ensuring fair wages for individuals with disabilities is more than a policy goal, it is a commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity. When we support economic independence, we strengthen our communities and move closer to a society where everyone can thrive. Recognizing and valuing the contributions of all workers is a responsibility we share," said Timothy A. Clune, Esq., Executive Director of DRNY.

If passed, A1006B/S28A would make New York the 17th state in the nation to eliminate subminimum wages for workers with disabilities.

Assemblymember Steck reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with Living Resources, advocates, and legislative partners to advance the bill this session and ensure that all New Yorkers are treated with fairness and respect in the workplace.