Gov. signs minimum wage protection

This week Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) signed a bill that prohibits sub-minimum wage for workers with disabilities.

Under previous law, employers could pay workers with disabilities sub-minimum wage.  In theory, this created job opportunities for people with disabilities who might not otherwise find work.

Supporters of the new law argue that used sub-minimum wages exploit workers with disabilities. 

Right now there are no employers in New Hampshire paying workers with disabilities sub-minimum wages. 

However, NHPR estimates that nationwide 400,000 employees with disabilities are paid sub-minimum wages.  Gov. Hassan says other states have called her office inquiring about the new law.