U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) celebrated the launch of Florida’s ABLE United program on Wednesday, which will provide access to tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities thanks to Crenshaw’s efforts.
Crenshaw’s legislation, the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, amended tax laws to enable disabled individuals to use tax-free savings accounts to cover qualified living expenses. It was signed into law in December 2014. ABLE United, pursuant to the federal ABLE Act, allows residents of Florida with disabilities to enroll in such savings accounts without jeopardizing existing government benefits.
“Great achievements result from teamwork with each player keeping the finish in sight,” Crenshaw said. “The ABLE team applied that philosophy for eight years, never taking its eyes off the goal line. We scored our historic victory on Dec. 19, 2014, the date ABLE became law of the land, and we opened the door to a brighter future for millions living with disabilities. Now, we bring that triumph home to Florida as we celebrate ABLE United, the program that authorizes the establishment of our groundbreaking opportunity at the state level.”
The ABLE Act enables disabled individuals to supplement benefits received through private insurance, Medicaid or a beneficiary’s employer to meet living expenses.
“ABLE United means folks right here at the Arc Jacksonville Village, a first-class community that promotes inclusion, engagement and independent living, are able to enroll in tax-free savings accounts,” Crenshaw said. “They and those who live with Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities now have access to a common-sense financial planning tool – a tax-free savings account — not previously available to them. Like other Americans who use such a tool to save for college, individuals with disabilities can map out their future. I have no doubt that state-by-state, ABLE accounts will be available to everyone who needs them. That’s what I call a solid win, made possible through partnership. ”