The General Assembly finds as follows:
In 1938, § 14(c) of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 214(c)) authorized the United States Secretary of Labor to grant special wage certificates to certain entities, allowing those entities to pay individuals with disabilities subminimum wages. § 905 of this title authorizes the Department of Labor to promulgate regulations permitting the employment of persons with disabilities at wages lower than the minimum wage. While the special wage certificate program was considered progressive when initiated, advances in vocational rehabilitation, technology, and training as well as changes in attitudes and laws regarding the ability of, and opportunities for, both students and adults with disabilities to work and live in the community now provide persons with disabilities greater employment opportunities. Persons with disabilities, regardless of their work environment, should be compensated like their peers without disabilities. Competitive employment opportunities as well as meaningful alternatives should be offered to individuals who are currently participating in programs that pay less than the minimum wage. In order to effectuate the purpose of the Employment First Act contained in this chapter, authorization to pay subminimum wages will be phased out and ultimately eliminated.