Manitowoc County’s congressional representative in Washington is trying to remove barriers for workers with disabilities.
Congressman Glenn Grothman got to ask some questions during a hearing of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee called “Less Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators.”
Rep. Grothman has previously shared his belief in Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act that allows employers to provide people with disabilities with the chance to work.
Critics of the law say people with disabilities should not be paid wages lower than the federal minimum wage.
Rep. Grothman says the work is about “learning skills, building confidence, developing routines, and making a contribution.”
During the hearing, the Glenbeulah Republican asked Austen Bannan of Americans for Prosperity about what happens when the “federal government places unnecessary limitations on where people can work?”
Bannan says people with disabilities need a chance.
“The type of limitations that have been put here based on age take away the fact that individuals here are looking for a head start and they have to grab onto the economic ladder in order to climb it,” he told the congressman. “And these policies now have people delayed for years and possibly not even able to enter the workforce when they are ready and willing.”
Rep. Grothman then talked about a bill he introduced called the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, which he said will “make it easier for people to work right away when they are 18 years old. Probably have a superior life all the way through because of it. And I hope we have a chance to get it to the floor.”
Rep. Grothman finished the hearing by asking questions of American Action Forum President Douglas Holtz-Eakin.
The full video is available on Congressman Grothman’s YouTube Channel.
His bill has only been introduced in committee and has not reached the U.S. House floor.
