DSAJ Celebrates Launch of Florida's ABLE United Program, Honors Congressman Ander Crenshaw

Celebration honoring the implementation of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities that resulted from the Congressman's Achieving a Better Life Experience Act
 
DSAJ Celebration
DSAJ Celebration
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - July 28, 2016 - PRLog -- The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville honored Congressman Ander Crenshaw, author of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act), and celebrated the launch of Florida's ABLE United program at a ceremony on Wednesday evening (7/27). ABLE United allows Florida residents with disabilities to enroll in tax-free savings accounts to use for qualified expenses without jeopardizing existing government benefits.

Together with officials from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), ABLE United, and The Arc Jacksonville Village, Crenshaw recognized the importance of ABLE United. During the ceremony at The Arc, a community that promotes independent living for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the DSAJ recognized Crenshaw for his leadership.

"Great achievements result from teamwork with each player keeping the finish in sight. The ABLE team applied that philosophy for eight years, never taking its eyes off the goal-line. We scored our historic victory on December 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 ground-breaking opportunity at the state level," said the Congressman.

"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. 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."

BACKGROUND: Officially titled The Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, the law marks the first major legislative reform to impact people with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ABLE Act amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to create tax-free savings accounts for qualified expenses. The bill passed the House on December 3, 2014, and was included in Tax Extenders legislation. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law on December 19, 2014. Go to www.crenshaw.house.gov for more information.

The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville is a non-profit organization committed to helping people with Down syndrome achieve their full potential. For information, visit www.dsaj.us.

Contact
Stephanie Mack Kearney
DSAJ Board President
***@dsaj.org

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Tags:Disability, ABLE Act, Down Syndrome
Industry:Non-profit
Location:Jacksonville - Florida - United States
Subject:Events
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