High Country Times

Representatives from the Education and Workforce Committee, including Chairman Tim Walberg, along with several colleagues, have addressed a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. They urge the Department of Labor (DOL) to reconsider a proposed rule by the Biden-Harris administration intended to terminate 14(c) certificates. These certificates facilitate employment opportunities for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

The letter states: “Published in the final weeks of the Biden-Harris administration, the proposed rule would have far-reaching consequences, disrupting vital employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and harming their families who depend on these programs.”

The representatives argue that the rule would significantly impact employment by ending opportunities for those with considerable intellectual and developmental disabilities due to the removal of 14(c) certificates. They emphasize: “Rather than eliminating critical opportunities, federal policy should focus on expanding workforce participation for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a range of employment options that accommodate their diverse needs.”

The lawmakers reiterated their point: “On January 17, 2025, the Committee wrote to then-Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su expressing our serious concerns about the proposed rule, but the Biden-Harris DOL continued with its rulemaking. With DOL under new leadership, we encourage you to fully abandon these misguided efforts and prioritize policies that truly expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”

In past efforts, committee members have addressed similar appeals to Acting Secretary Julie Su, highlighting concerns regarding the timeline and content of the proposed change. Letters sent on January 17, 2025, and December 31, 2024, reflect ongoing resistance to the perceived urgency and impact of the rule.