Should we certify that an individual is eligible for 14(c)? We don't have that requirement.

Back wages.

So we have to do all we can to promote employment for persons with disabilities. People with disabilities working have dignity and purpose.

I think what you are saying is a lot of these are, what, just bargained away, and they accept some kind of a settlement?

Not only do you have to look at a person for their ability to do the job, but what other factors are there involved that might preclude that person from actually doing that job?

Exactly. We need everybody involved. Then we need to have it transparent, put out there so people know.

We have a new administration that might be more adaptable to that, too.

I don't know. Do we need to put a floor under this, or do we just need to say they have to be paid the minimum wage? You know? Period. That is it.

Maybe Atalissa was kind of a wake-up call to us that we have really got to look at not just that aspect, but a broader aspect of what is happening with worker exploitation.

Now the stated intention behind the 14(c) program is "to prevent the curtailment--to prevent the curtailment of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities."

However, in our efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities find employment and economic self-sufficiency, we obviously must draw a bright line in prohibiting and preventing employers from taking advantage of these vulnerable…

do we need to more narrowly define who might be eligible for a 14(c) subminimum wage?

Now again, as Mr. McKeon said, the vast majority of 14(c) applications are from nonprofits.

I don't mean to suggest that they are nefarious employers, but merely because they are not for profit and really because they are running a sheltered workshop does not mean that they wouldn't try to cut corners in a way that would harm…

I think beyond that would be to actively engage these entities into looking into these instances to see if people are not being paid.

Yes, well, that also gets into this whole area of penalties that you were talking about.

But if it goes to the private bar, a private attorney wants the highest settlement possible. That is how they make their money.

That is right.