Fitzpatrick, House Pass Bill to Empower Families of Disabled Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined the House Wednesday in passing the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) [H.R. 647]- bipartisan legislation aimed at empowering families of children with disabilities.

“The ABLE Act would help ease the strain on those with physical and mental disabilities by allowing the creation of tax-free savings accounts,” explained Fitzpatrick, speaking on the House floor prior to the vote. “These savings accounts would work a lot like the popular 529 college savings plans. The accounts could be used to pay for life expenses such as education, housing, and transportation.

“In other words, this bill levels the playing field for those with disabilities who cannot make use of tax-free college savings plans by giving families an alternative tax-free account that they can use.”

The ABLE Act, of which Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor, would allow families of children with disabilities, including autism, to set aside tax-exempt savings for unique expenses such as education, housing, transportation, or unforeseen expenses. Studies show, that families caring for a loved one with Autism pay up to six times more for medical costs than those families who don’t, as well as increased cost of care.

The ABLE Act would not remove other benefits that those with disabilities might be entitled to through Medicaid or insurance; rather, it would serve as a supplement, giving these families the flexibility to better plan and save.

“The ABLE Act does exactly what the acronym states: ‘Achieving a Better Life Experience’,” said Joe Landis, CEO of Peaceful Living in Harleysville, a non-profit organization that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Being in the field for 40 years, the $2,000 limit on individuals’ savings accounts, under the current law, came from a ‘scarcity’ mindset and has been a headache since day one. It would cancel an individual’s Supplemental Security Income whenever they went over $2,000. In many cases, it was often used as a burial account and left touched until they passed away.  This current bi-partisan approach comes from an ‘abundance’ mindset, allowing people to save and prepare for a better future.  I’d like to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and the rest of congress for supporting this bill.”

“Speaking with families and local organizations – including autism-advocacy groups– who live with the challenges of a disability each day, it’s easy to understand how this bill would be beneficial to their quality of life,” said Fitzpatrick. “This bill is really a slam dunk when it comes to enhancing families’ abilities to raise children with autism or other physical or mental disabilities.”

As a member of the Congressional Autism Caucus, Fitzpatrick has been a constant voice in support of efforts to empower families of those with disabilities, as well critical research efforts in the field.

“I’m excited the House took action to help empower those with disabilities, and capitalize on an opportunity for this Congress to show that we can work together to make a real difference in the lives of American families,” added Fitzpatrick. “I urge the Senate pass the ABLE Act so that the president can sign it into law before the end of the year.”

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Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.