Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act

Key Points

• The bill phases out special wage certificates that let employers pay disabled workers below minimum wage, ending the practice completely once the phase-in period runs out.
• Workers currently paid under these certificates get raises on a fixed schedule, moving from 60% of minimum wage up to 100% over four years.
• Congress would authorize $50 million per year from 2026 through 2031 to help states and employers redesign their programs around integrated, fairly paid jobs.
• No employer that doesn't already hold a special certificate can get one after the bill becomes law, closing off the practice to new businesses immediately.
• Grant funding also supports community-based job coaching and wraparound services so workers leaving subminimum-wage jobs can find and keep regular employment.