Georgia levels the playing field for workers with disabilities with the recent signing of Senate Bill 55, the "Dignity and Pay Act." Governor Brian P. Kemp stamped his approval last week, ensuring no worker in Georgia with disabilities will earn less than the minimum wage. This new legislation, championed by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), lays down the law: by July 1, 2027, it's goodbye to subminimum wages in the Community Rehabilitation Program.
"With the signing of the Dignity and Pay Act, Georgia takes a meaningful step forward in recognizing the value and contributions of all workers," Sen. Hickman expressed, noting the collaborative effort that moved this bill forward. According to a statement by Sen. Hickman, "Paying employees with disabilities less than minimum wage is an outdated and unfair practice that has no place in our state." He also cited the anticipated positive ripple effect on individuals, families, and the larger workforce.
Spurring a prevailing sentiment that equity at work is non-negotiable, the "Dignity and Pay Act" echoes broader calls for inclusivity. Inclusion advocates and workers with disabilities hail the law as a significant win, signaling that equity isn't just about access but about how we value each hour of labor contributed to our economy. As stipulated by the law, the countdown for employers begins now, leading up to the 2027 deadline.
