Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) helped pass the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (A.7767-B). The legislation authorizes New York State to establish savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families to support financial independence, improve quality of life, and ensure access to the health care they need.

“I am proud to support the New York ABLE Act to help those with developmental disabilities gain better independence,” said Blankenbush. “These savings accounts will help more New Yorkers live their lives to their full potential. I am pleased to see this pass in the Assembly, and encourage the senate and governor to support it as well.”

The New York ABLE Act creates a tax-free savings account to support those with developmental disabilities. These savings accounts would not cause an individual to become disqualified for Medicaid coverage. This bill awaits passage in the state senate. Blankenbush sees this as a great help for families beginning to save for growing special-needs children.