Commending State Officials on Signing the ABLE Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend lawmakers in Pennsylvania's House and Senate for their work on passing the Commonwealth's new ABLE, or Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, which was signed into law by the Pennsylvania Governor on Monday.
The measure's passage at the State level follows the signing of a 2014 Federal law, also known as the ABLE Act. I was happy to cosponsor that legislation along with a majority of my colleagues here in the House of Representatives. The law empowers people with disabilities and their families to create flexible accounts to help save for medical and dental care, education, community-based support, employment training, housing, and transportation.
The State law passed easily in the Pennsylvania House and Senate last week, clearing the way for the State to administer the new accounts created by the Federal law.
The State eliminates a $2,000 cap on cash assets for medical assistance for those with certain intellectual and developmental disabilities, which acted as a financial roadblock preventing individuals from reaching their full potential.
Mr. Speaker, thanks to this new law, parents of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities will be able to save up to $100,000, with no impact on eligibility for medical assistance.
Last week here in Washington, I joined the National Down Syndrome Society, where I was proud to be presented with their Champion of Change Award. I also had the chance to connect with people from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, including Alek Masters. Alek is a wonderful young man who, despite living with Down syndrome, is an Eagle Scout, the highest honor earned by the members of the Boy Scouts of America.
I also was with Isabel Ross, a toddler from Centre County who attended the event with her parents, Steve and Raquel.
There are so many people such as Alek and Isabel across the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our great Nation. Alek is already making a difference in his community, and this new law ensures that he and Isabel, along with the help of their parents, can work towards achieving their goals.
I know that the ABLE Act, on both the State and the Federal level, will play a role in improving the lives of those who are living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I firmly believe that our communities will be much better because of it.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source