McMorris Rodgers Introduces the ABLE Age Adjustment Act

Washington, D.C. (February 23, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) today reintroduced the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. This legislation builds on the legacy of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act that was signed into law in 2014. ABLE created tax-free savings accounts for job training, education, and disability-related expenses. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act raises the age limit for eligibility to open an ABLE account from age 26 to 46.

“The primary goal of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act is to build on the incredible progress we’ve made to empower people with disabilities to live fuller and more independent lives,” said Rodgers. “This legislation will expand access to tax-free ABLE accounts for people who develop a disability later in life.

“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.

“There is more work to be done to build on the legacy of the ABLE Act, but I’m confident this is a great step that will empower more people to live with dignity and reach their potential.”

The ABLE Age Adjustment Act is supported by numerous disability advocacy groups, including the National Down Syndrome Society, and the National Down Syndrome Congress.

“The National Down Syndrome Society strongly supports the ABLE Age Adjustment Act,” said Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society President and CEO. “There are many people who become disabled after age 26 who deserve the opportunity to achieve greater financial independence and self-reliance. In addition, the legislation will reduce costs and fees associated with administering state ABLE programs and make them more affordable for all beneficiaries.”

“The ABLE Age Adjustment Act will increase financial security and economic self-sufficiency for an additional 8 million people with disabilities by expanding the eligibility for ABLE accounts,” said Heather Sachs, Policy & Advocacy Director for National Down Syndrome Congress. “We are grateful to Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Cardenas for reintroducing this bill, and we look forward to advocating for its passage this session.”

NOTE: In the 115th Congress, Cathy 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. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act is her third solution in ABLE. 2.0. Visit mcmorris.house.gov/ABLE to learn more.

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