April 30, 2025,
WHEREAS, Manhattan Young Democrats believes that all workers, regardless of ability, should receive fair and equal pay; and
WHEREAS, current labor law exemptions in New York State permit employment of workers with disabilities at wages lower than the minimum wage; and
WHEREAS, such exemption is undignified and confines many workers in exploitative and discriminatory employment programs; and
WHEREAS, as of March 4, 2025, 18 other states have passed legislation eliminating subminimum wages for workers with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, New York State Assembly Bill A1006 / Senate Bill S28A would eliminate the current exemption that permits employment of workers with disabilities at wages lower than the minimum wage.
THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT the Manhattan Young Democrats supports the passage of New York State Assembly Bill A1006 / Senate Bill S28A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Manhattan Young Democrats urges relevant stakeholders including government officials, community organizations, and the public to take any and all steps to eliminate the employment of workers with disabilities at wages lower than the minimum wage and provide all workers, regardless of ability, with fair and equal pay.