Dr. Benishek Helps Pass Legislation to Aid Disabled Americans

Dr. Benishek Helps Pass Legislation to Aid Disabled Americans

-Bipartisan Legislation Will  Empower Disabled Individuals and their Families-

WASHINGTON, DC:  Today, Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) praised the passage of H.R. 647, the “Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.” The ABLE Act will provide tax incentives to families with severely disabled children to encourage them to save for their child’s long-term expenses. Dr. Benishek is an original cosponsor of the bill, which received support from both sides of the aisle.

“As a father and grandfather, I know the importance of saving for long-term expenses, such as education and wellness. Today, we passed the ABLE Act, which will support and empower caregivers and families of individuals with disabilities. Families across Northern Michigan with disabled children will benefit from tax incentives, while saving money for future expenses. The ABLE Act will make it easier for both disabled individuals and their families and provide for financial certainty in the future,” said Benishek, a general surgeon from Iron River.

Benishek stated the ABLE Act would allow families to place money in tax-exempt “ABLE” accounts for use on expenses for education, a primary residence, transportation, obtaining and maintaining employment, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses. 

Approximately 60 millions are disabled, with 32.5 million having a severe disability.[1] According to data from 2000 U.S. Census, 49.7 million Americans, or nearly 1 in 5, and nearly 18.7% of individuals five years of age and older in Michigan live with some form of disability.[2]