Scott Receives Disability Advocacy Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, was named this year's recipient of the Advocacy Award at the 2022 Melwood Ability Awards event. Melwood is a non-profit organization – based in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia area – that advocates for people with disabilities. Melwood is also one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country.

"I have spent my career in public service advocating for civil rights, and that includes advocating for people with disabilities," said Congressman Scott. "Nearly a quarter of the disabled population lives in poverty, which is more than twice its portion of the general population. Access to competitive integrated employment is the key to remedying that. I have been working to update the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure people with disabilities earn competitive and fair wages and I am committed to advancing my Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which would ensure workers with disabilities are paid at least the full federal minimum wage. The bill would also help businesses shift their business models to hiring workers with disabilities and paying them competitive wages. I am honored to receive this award, and I look forward to our continued work to ensure that people with disabilities have access to full participation in American life, including access to employment and financial independence."

The Melwood Ability Awards recognize those who have championed and advanced the field of employment for individuals with disabilities. Congressman Scott received the Advocacy Award along with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05).

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