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Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Governor signs Kilduff law to give every disabled person a chance

OLYMPIA—Parents and children who’ll be helped by the ABLE Act came to the state capitol to join Gov. Jay Inslee he signed the bill into law.

“If you believe in pathways to independence, if you believe in incentivizing saving and planning, this is the bill in which we can get that done,” said Rep. Christine Kilduff (D—University Place), author of House Bill 2063.

Legislative Support Services Photo Department: House Bill No. 2063 &emdash; 20150501_103142ab

The new law provide a state framework to implement the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) that President Barack Obama signed into law this December.

The ABLE Act will allow individuals with disabilities to invest funds in a tax-free account, known as a 529a, to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, and transportation without counting against an individual’s eligibility for benefit programs. It’s similar to the 529a accounts used to save for college tuition.

“First and foremost, it is critical that we empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential—because every person has the ability to contribute,” testified U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R—Spokane), long-time champion of the federal act. “I was proud a being a part of getting the ABLE Act through Congress. It took many years and was a broad, bipartisan effort, Republicans and Democrats.”

For parents like Amy Patterson, the bill hits close to home and will help provide a brighter future for her daughter, Emma.

“She has goals and dreams for her future,” Patterson said, “and we want to help her achieve them. Thanks to the ABLE Act, she doesn’t have to give up those dreams.”

Legislative Support Services Photo Department: House Bill No. 2063 &emdash; 20150501_103137ab

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For interviews or more information:

Rep. Christine Kilduff, 360-786-7958 or christine.kilduff@leg.wa.gov
Staff: Guy Bergstrom, 360-786-7811 or guy.bergstrom@leg.wa.gov

Print-quality photos: https://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/publishingimages/kilduff.jpg
Photo credit: Washington State Legislative Support Services

For broadcast-quality audio or to arrange TV or radio interviews:
Dan Frizzell, 360-786-7208

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