PERRY, Ga. — Georgia is phasing out a nearly century-old practice that allows employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage.

A new state law that took effect in July means about 250 workers will soon earn the same wage as employees without disabilities.

Zach Mullis, a team leader at The HALO Group in Perry , said the change will make a difference for workers like him.

“I love my job,” Mullis said.

The HALO Group is a nonprofit that offers job readiness and social skills classes for people with disabilities. Mullis said working there gives him purpose.

“Just the people. Just getting up, that gives me a reason to come to work, the people here,” he said.

Mullis works three days a week and currently earns $8 an hour. At his previous job, he made just 3

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