Better Life Experience Act

Please forward this important Federal Legislation to your community members and ask them to respond. This is important to insuring and protecting the future of our loved ones with Down syndrome. We have new Congressman; let’s get to know them and how they will vote for issues that affect people with disabilities in our state.

Issue: Ask Them to Cosponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205) The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205) was introduced last week in both the Senate and House. The ABLE Act will give individuals with Down syndrome and their families the ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities.

Summary: The ABLE Act will allow individuals with Down syndrome to create a disability savings account that would accrue interest tax-free. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for the individual, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation. The legislation prohibits amounts held by, or paid or distributed from any ABLE accounts from being treated as income or assets when determining eligibility for benefits provide by any Federal benefits program.

Explanation: Asset development is one step towards improved economic self-sufficiency, and the legislation's focus on encouraging asset development will greatly incentivizes people with disabilities to live more productive lives through earning and saving assets.

Target: New Mexico Federal Delegation, (see attached for contact information to your Congressman in your district)

Action Requested: Call your Congressman from your district

Deadline: 3/4/09

For Further Info: contact me, Meriam Jawhar at 505-476-7634 talking points can be found in this email below.

Thank you,

Meriam

Meriam Jawhar

Outreach Education & Training Coordinator

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

810 W. San Mateo Rd. Suite C

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505-4144

505-476-7634 Fax: 505-476-7320

cell phone: 505-795-5691

meriam.jawhar at state.nm.us