Southern Wisconsin Times

Congressman Bryan Steil has addressed a letter to the Trump Administration, urging intervention against a proposed rule from the Biden era that could impact employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The announcement was made during Steil's visit to KANDU Industries in Milton, Wisconsin.

Steil emphasized the importance of preserving jobs offered by Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) like KANDU Industries. "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," he stated. He expressed confidence in President Trump's support for protecting these jobs in Wisconsin.

The letter, co-authored by Representatives Steil and Grothman, addresses concerns about a Department of Labor proposal under the Biden administration. The rulemaking titled "Employment of Workers with Disabilities Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act" is seen as potentially harmful to those it aims to serve. The letter requests that no further action be taken on this rule.

The 14(c) section allows employers to provide commensurate wage positions for people with disabilities, facilitating meaningful work opportunities tailored to their needs. Steil argues that eliminating this would limit access to such opportunities through CRPs across Wisconsin and beyond.

KANDU Industries, operating for over 60 years in Rock County, plays a significant role in providing job training and employment placement for individuals with disabilities. It employs more than 250 people, making it one of Janesville's largest employers.

Representatives Steil and Grothman advocate maintaining 14(c) certificates, which they believe are vital for sustaining employment services provided by organizations like KANDU Industries.