Crenshaw calls for support of ABLE Act

by Ripon Advance Reports:
House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.) called on Congress on Wednesday to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, which would provide people with disabilities access to tax-free savings accounts.
The ABLE Act has 305 cosponsors in the House and 50 cosponsors in the Senate. More than 50 local, state and national groups that advocate for people with disabilities have also supported the measure.
“Support for tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities stands at its highest level ever — testament to the tireless dedication of those who believe that all Americans deserve equality when it comes to financial planning tools,” Crenshaw said. “It’s time to pass this legislation and create a brighter future for those in need.”
The bill is intended to relieve financial stress faced by people with disabilities by allowing tax-free savings accounts to cover certain expenses, including education, housing, medical costs and transportation.
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) called the ABLE Act a “commonsense piece of legislation.”
“…(The ABLE Act) provides individuals with disabilities and their families with the resources to plan for a sound financial future while continuing to improve the quality of their lives today,” Burr said. “I am pleased to see such overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support for this important bill and look forward to its consideration in the Senate.”

The Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus

Launching the CDSC

The mission of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus is to educate members of Congress and their staff about Down syndrome. The Caucus will support legislative activities that would improve Down syndrome research, education and treatment and promote public policies that would enhance the quality of life for those with Down syndrome.

 Caucus Co-Chairs

Del. Elanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)      Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)

Rep.Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)      Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

The Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus will:

• Urge relevant authorizing committees to support Down syndrome programs and patient care through letters and testimony.
• Hold informational events for Members and staff here in DC to increase awareness of the disorder among Members.
• Ensure Down syndrome is adequately addressed in all relevant legislation and regulations.
• Continue to build House Congressional Down syndrome Caucus into a sustainable, dynamic political force and informational clearinghouse by increasing membership and activities.
• Work with National and Local Down syndrome groups to develop leading edge educational, medical and work related initiatives that support individuals with Down syndrome.
• Identify and strike down barriers in the law for person’s with mental disabilities.
• Expand opportunities for the Down syndrome population in education, the workplace and society at large.

The goals of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus are:

• To raise expectations and improve outcomes in education.
• To eliminate barriers to economic opportunity in employment and in programs that promotes savings and investment.
• To promote and fund research that accelerates the development of effective treatments and therapies.
• Promote the translation of Down syndrome research into effective new treatments through interdisciplinary cooperation among the various NIH institutes, the FDA, the CDC and privately funded scientists and clinicians.
• To promote inclusiveness for people with Down syndrome.
• To help provide family support services and a community of care model.
• Advocate for the rights of those with Down syndrome and make sure those rights are being enforced.

Members of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus from the 112th Congress.

 

Like The Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus Facebook Page.

 

John Anton Goes to Washington