Janesville, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil announced a letter requesting that the Trump Administration take action to block a proposed Biden-era rule that would eliminate jobs and service opportunities available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Steil made the announcement during a visit to KANDU Industries in Milton.
“We’ve seen today the opportunities that KANDU Industries and Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) offer to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are critical and must be protected,” said Steil. “I remain focused on saving these jobs which provide a supportive community and important social networks. I am confident that President Trump will stand with us to protect Wisconsin workers and their families.”
Read the letter to the Trump Administration below:
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed rulemaking titled ”Employment of Workers with Disabilities Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act” (RIN 1235-AA14) issued during the Biden administration. We are concerned that this misguided proposal would have harmful consequences on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We request that your Department of Labor take no further action to finalize this rule. These jobs provide many people with disabilities meaningful work and opportunity. The dignity of work should not be taken from them by one-size-fits-all bureaucratic regulations from Washington.
As you may know, section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act enables employers to offer commensurate wage positions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have heard directly from families and workers in Wisconsin who benefit directly from commensurate wage employment and understand that 14(c) waivers increase workforce opportunities for Americans with disabilities. In addition, 14(c) programs offer individualized service plans, support teams, and other assistance to ensure workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to meaningful employment in an environment tailored to their needs and interests.
We believe the Department of Labor’s focus should be on providing more opportunities for workforce participation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If this rule were to be finalized, it would limit access to employment opportunities through many popular community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) in Wisconsin and nationwide.
We urge you and your administration to consider the potential harms of this proposal carefully and to take no action to finalize this rule. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Further Background:
KANDU Industries has operated for more than 60 years in Rock County, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through job training, employment placement, and wraparound supports.
KANDU Industries employs more than 250 individuals, making it one of the largest employers in the Janesville area.
KANDU Industries and other CRPs operate under a waiver through Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Under the Biden Administration, the Department of Labor took steps to eliminate the 14(c) certificate, risking the viability of CRPs and threatening the employment and services they provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Today, Representatives Steil (WI-01) and Grothman (WI-06) sent a letter to the Trump Administration urging them to protect 14(c) certificates and the employment opportunities and services they provide for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Throughout his time in Congress, Steil has led efforts to protect the 14(c) certificate and protect opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
