Check this page to find opportunities to provide your input! Your comments on how your state’s and country’s service systems work are very important to creating and improving services for all citizens.
What is a public comment? A public comment is a comment to a federal and/or state agency providing relevant feedback to a proposed rule or regulation under consideration by the government.
Who can make a public comment? Everyone! Public comments are open to all people (individuals, organizations, other agencies, business owners, stakeholders, etc.) interested in the proposed regulation.
Follow these links to find resources from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities on public comments:
How to Participate in the Rulemaking Process
Public Comment and Regulations
Why is providing comments so important? Participating in this process ensures that YOU have a say in how you and your loved ones are served through government/public systems.
According to the Harvard Law School’s Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, Public Commenting is an important opportunity to make your voice heard. It is essential to provide input in the development of effective rules and regulations that serve your community. Find out more in this document: Why Public Comments Matter
Share Your Story with GCDD
Have you participated in one of our activities or funded program activities (training, events, etc.)? We would love to hear your story. Please share the impact that participating in our sponsored activity made in your life!
Download and fill it out electronically (or print the form, fill it out, scan it) and email it to our staff at [email protected] to submit your story. You can even mail it to our office at
Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Arkansas
1515 W. 7th Street, Suite 320-330
Little Rock, AR 72201
Thank you!
CURRENT PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES LISTING:
- US Department of Labor, Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 14(c)
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a proposed rule to phase out subminimum wage certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, representing a critical step toward ensuring equity and dignity in the workplace for individuals with developmental disabilities. And now, it’s your turn to provide feedback.
Here’s what you need to know:
The proposed rule, “Employment of Workers with Disabilities under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act,” introduces significant changes:
- Stopping New 14(c) Certificates: Once the rule is finalized, the Department will no longer issue new 14(c) certificates. This means no additional employers can pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage.
- Phasing Out Existing Certificates: Employers holding current 14(c) certificates would be allowed to renew them for up to three years after the rule’s finalization. After this period, no further renewals would be permitted, effectively ending the practice of paying subminimum wages under these certificates.
- Considering Extensions in Specific Cases: The Department is seeking public input on whether extensions should be granted to certain employers beyond the three-year phase-out period, though this aspect is under consideration and not yet finalized.
What You Can Do!
Comment by January 17th to share why we need to stop the practice of issuing new 14(c) certificates to employers, and phase out the use of existing 14(c) certificate holders over three years upon the finalization of the rule.
Submitting a Public Comment
Asking yourself the following four questions might help you be ready to write your comment. When you feel ready, click the orange button below and start your comment!
- Is it fair to pay someone less money because they have a disability?
- Do you have a personal story to share about working in a sheltered workshop?
- If you worked in a sheltered workshop, and now are working in the community, how has it impacted your life?
- Should sheltered workshops exist?
Ready to submit your thoughts?
Submit your public comment here: https://bit.ly/Submit14cPublicComment or
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/04/2024-27880/employment-of-workers-with-disabilities-under-section-14c-of-the-fair-labor-standards-act
DOL public comments deadline: 11:59pm CST January 17, 2025
Please check back often for public comment opportunities, this section will be updated regularly.
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Public Comments to the Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
Division of Medical Services (DMS)
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S295,
Little Rock, AR 72203-1437
P: 501.682.8292
F: 501.682.1197
All DHS proposed rules, public notices, and recently finalized rules may also be viewed at: Proposed Rules & Public Notices
Public comments to Arkansas DHS must be submitted in writing at the above address or at the following email address: [email protected]