Cathy McMorris Rodgers Statement on Five-Year ABLE Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, issued the following statement recognizing the five-year anniversary of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which created Section 529A tax-exempt savings accounts for disability-related expenses. The ABLE Act was signed into law on December 19, 2014.
“Today we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the ABLE Act. It’s comes at a historic time in America when a record number of people with disabilities are coming off the sidelines and finding a job—a job that means so much more than a paycheck. It’s foundational to building a better life.
“A life full of opportunity and independence is what I dream for my son Cole, who was born with Down syndrome. He’s 12 years old, and I’ve learned not to put any limitations on him. He’s inspired me to be an ability advocate because he’s opened my eyes to the value and potential of every life. That’s what ABLE accounts are all about. They are helping people with disabilities at every stage of their lives. With an ABLE account, people can invest in their education, pay for medical expenses, and look for a job. When they find a job, it can even help them cover the cost of getting to work. In short, ABLE puts our focus on every person’s abilities and God-given talents, not their limitations.
“Just like we did in tax reform to expand ABLE accounts, we need more solutions that build on the legacy of the ABLE Act and empower more people to live with dignity and reach their potential, especially in America’s booming economy. That means further closing the gap between the many Americans with disabilities looking for work and the fraction of those who find it.”
Note: Cathy McMorris Rodgers is serving her eighth term representing and advocating for people in the 5th District of Washington. She is a leader on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. McMorris Rodgers is a mom of three and an ability advocate for her son, Cole, who has Down syndrome. She led to ensure the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was written with families who have children with disabilities in mind. Key provisions of her “ABLE 2.0” legislative package became law in tax reform to empower people with disabilities to save more of what they earn and to explore the workforce so they can find a job that affirms their dignity and purpose.
Just like she did in tax reform, Cathy is leading on Autonomous Vehicle solutions that will transform the lives of people with disabilities. In October, Cathy spoke about her leadership on ABLE and autonomous vehicles at the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters for the Access and Mobility for All Summit. CLICK HERE to read and watch her remarks.