Some facilities where the developmentally disabled work – for example, making wire coat hangers – pay less than minimum wage, and say they’d have to put people out of work if that changes.

It’s about pride and purpose, says State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville). “We have pride in our jobs,” he said. “We have purpose in our jobs. And that comes in a paycheck. And sometimes it doesn’t matter what the number on that paycheck is.”

Josh Evans supports the bill, He represents the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

“Our goals, with working on the Dignity in Pay bill,” Evans says, “is to try to create a path to where organizations that employ people directly with developmental disabilities have the resources that they need to continue to do so.”

But Evans himself acknowledges the bill still needs work.