A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam Lauds Passage of the ABLE Act to Help Americans with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement lauding House passage of H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which allows disabled Americans to create tax-free savings accounts:

Peter Roskam

“Today, the House took a major step forward in helping Americans with disabilities and their loved ones shoulder the tremendous cost of disability care,” said Congressman Roskam.

“This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will help these individuals and their families save for the future by enabling them to access critical financial planning tools, including tax-free savings accounts.

“We must continue to empower all Americans with the opportunities and resources to achieve their dreams and aspiration s. I encourage the Senate to follow the House’s lead and send this important bill to the President’s desk without delay.”

“We would never have reached this day without the help and support of Congressman Roskam,” said Greater Chicago Fragile X Group Leader Melissa Zolecki.

“For my family, for all of the families served by the Greater Chicago Fragile X Community Support Network and on behalf of the National Fragile X Foundation, we would like to express our gratitude to Congressman Roskam.

“The ABLE Act will help those in our greater Chicago Fragile X community achieve a far higher level of independence, rather than continued dependence on government programs. ABLE Accounts will allow us, as parents, and our family members living with Fragile X, to save for a better and more self-sufficient future.

“Thank you Congressman Roskam.”

“This is a monumental, landmark bill for people with Down syndrome and our families,” said National Down Syndrome Society Interim President Sara Hart Weir.

“This bill will change the way that families can save for all their children and adults with Down syndrome and will ease the unnecessary burdens that are placed on families – all while allowing people with Down syndrome to work and save for the future.

“We look forward to it going to the Senate floor for a vote and its eventual signage into law.”

“This extraordinary piece of legislation will impact individuals with disabilities to look forward in obtaining future financial security,” said Autism Society Illinois Executive Director Mary Kay Betz.

“The positive outcome on the economy in the state of Illinois from Autism numbers alone at a staggering rate of 1 in 50 on the Autism Spectrum will allow family, community and those who love and care for them to finally have some solace.”

“Families are looking for ways to finance things like an apartment, or a ride to work, or additional educational opportunities after high school that don’t jeopardize other necessary services provided by federal programs,” said Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright.

“This bill creates a tool for families that could lead to a more independent and fulfilling life.”