Memorializes congress to support the ABLE Age Adjustment Act
Impact
The passing of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, if supported by Congress, would significantly expand access to ABLE accounts, allowing more individuals with disabilities to benefit from the financial support these accounts provide. The change would directly impact state laws regarding the administration of ABLE programs, as it aims to alleviate the financial pressures on individuals who currently face strict asset limits that prevent them from obtaining necessary assistance. The amendment is likely to stimulate economic activity among individuals with disabilities, fostering greater independence and potentially reducing their reliance on governmental assistance.
Summary
House Resolution 99 memorializes the United States Congress to support the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which aims to amend the existing ABLE Act. The ABLE Act was designed to create tax-advantaged savings accounts for persons with disabilities, allowing them to set aside money for essential expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for means-tested federal programs. This resolution highlights the importance of the ABLE Act in enhancing quality of life and independence for individuals with disabilities and advocates for expanding the age limit for eligibility from 26 to 46 years old, thereby including an estimated six million more individuals in the program.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR 99 appears to be positive, with a strong expression of bipartisan support for the underlying principles of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save funds for their future needs. This collective acknowledgment suggests a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by this community, despite any political divides that may exist on other issues.
Contention
While the resolution itself received unanimous support in the House voting, concerns may arise from those who worry about the implications of expanding the eligibility criteria for ABLE accounts. Such concerns could include the potential cost implications for state Medicaid plans when additional beneficiaries enter the program. However, the resolution based its justification on the understanding that enabling savings would ultimately benefit individuals with disabilities and could support broader economic goals by fostering independence and reducing long-term reliance on state assistance programs.
Memorializes the U.S. Congress to support the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, including the amendment to review recreational hazards at the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana