SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois will no longer have a subminimum wage for people with disabilities by the end of the decade.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Dignity in Pay Act at a news conference Tuesday, which sets to phase out the 14(c) subminimum wage authorization by Dec. 31, 2029.

Pritzker says the law gives more opportunities for workers.

“Illinois is closing an era of an outdated two-tier wage system that let disabled workers make less money for their hard work,” he said. “The strength of the Dignity in Pay Act is that it not only sunsets an unfair wage policy, it puts an unprecedented emphasis on expanding employment opportunities for people across the spectrum of disability—strengthening rates, programs, and training opportunities for employers who are dedicated to the independence and support of people with disabilities.”

To help facilitate a smooth transition, the law has other provisions including establishing a transition program for employers, filing with the federal government to increase disability employment programs, and increasing the allowance for the more than 11,000 Community Integrated Living Arrangement residents. The decisions were made after discussing it with disability civil rights groups and disability service providers.

“The signing of the Dignity in Pay Act marks an important moment for disability rights and economic justice in Illinois,” Karen Tamley, the CEO of Access Living, said. “By eliminating the subminimum wage, we are affirming the value and dignity of disabled workers and taking a bold step toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”

The proposal received support from both sides of the aisle.

“I commend the sponsors, Governor Pritzker and their staffs for continuing to work with advocates and stakeholders to help gain bipartisan support for this legislation,” Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the sponsors and the EEOPD Task Force to ensure that the intent of the bill – to bring more dignity and opportunity to Illinoisans with disabilities – is fully realized throughout the state.”

18 other states have ended paying people with disabilities a sub-minimum wage under the federal authorization.