I’m writing about L.D. 1240 regarding minimum wage for workers with disabilities. I’m in favor of fair wages, but what about sheltered workshops that have workers with disabilities who cannot be mainstreamed?

I have a son with Down syndrome who works in a sheltered workshop and gets paid by piece work. He looks forward to going to work like we look forward to weekends. It gives him pride, self-esteem and spending money.

If L.D. 1240 passes, I believe all sheltered workshops will close and all the workers will be unemployed. Their former workplaces will provide babysitting services.

Nancy Thurston

Augusta