A bill looking to empower disabled individuals recently cleared the Senate.
The bill was by State Sen. Andre Jacque of De Pere and State Rep. Jeff Mursau to establish Wisconsin’s own Achieving Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program.
ABLE programs create tax-exempt savings accounts to help cover the cost of services that help those with physical and cognitive challenges live fulfilling lives.
It allows eligible people to create an account in their name to cover expenses including education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, and other services.
Sen. Jacque explained that Wisconsin is one of four states that do not currently have an ABLE program, though people are able to open them in different states.
Sen. Jacque clarified that the new legislation still allows residents to utilize programs in other states, but the goal is to expand participation by having a Wisconsin program.
Sen. Jacque also noted that the proposal was created with the input of disability advocates and organizations and enrollment in this program does not affect eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
