Reichert Supports ABLE Act – Helping Give Disabled Children a Better Future

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) and his House colleagues passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act which would require states to allow individuals with disabilities to set up tax free ABLE savings accounts. These accounts would be used for expenses incurred related to addressing the disability of the individual. Not only will they provide financial support, but they provide for the freedom to pursue independence and the best possible quality of life.

“A parent never rests until they know their child is safe and cared for. For many parents of children with disabilities, this just isn’t possible under current law as I have seen in the case of my own godson Kyle. Individuals with disabilities too often lose critical assistance if they begin to work towards a better future for themselves by pursuing the independence of holding a job. The ABLE Act allows parents to save for their child’s future expenses, particularly if their child does not have the ability to support themselves. These are real people who are working hard to overcome real challenges and right now current law hinders rather than helps that. Now, with the ABLE Act, ABLE accounts will allow individuals, or their families, to pay into a tax-free account to help with the costs associated with overcoming a disability. This ranges from uncovered health care, education costs, housing needs, transportation costs, assistive technology, and personal support services. There is nothing more satisfying than ensuring the health and happiness of our children and I am proud today to have passed legislation that will secure a better a future for so many of America’s children.”

As Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources Rep. Reichert was a leader in getting the ABLE Act marked up and passed out of the Ways and Means Committee on July 31, 2014.  This action allowed it to come before the full House for a vote.  The House passed the ABLE Act by a vote of 404 to 17. For more details on the ABLE Act, click here.