Dear Autism Advocate,

The ABLE Accounts Act of 2009 – or Achieving a Better Life Experience Act – has been introduced in Congress. S.493 and H.R. 1205 will encourage individuals with autism and other disabilities and their families to save, tax-free, for disability-related expenses. Similar in many respects to existing 529 college savings plans, these accounts will be exempt from federal taxation, provided certain rules are met.
Robert Casey (D-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) introduced S. 493, with Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Sam Brownback (R-KS) signing on as the bill’s original co-sponsors. Senator Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) introduced the companion bill in the House, H.R. 1205, with Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Kendrick Meek (D-FL) joining Crenshaw as original cosponsors.




Help Get the ABLE Accounts Act Passed:
1. CALL YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE and urge them to become a cosponsor of the ABLE Accounts Act (S. 493, H.R. 1205). Let them know that you are a constituent and that these bills will help your family.
Find the name and phone number for your federal Senator and House Rep. HERE
2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR FEDERAL SENATOR AND HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE urging them to cosponsor the ABLE Accounts Act.
3. STAY INFORMED: Sign up to stay informed at AutismVotes.org Receive updates and alerts about the ABLE Accounts Act and other autism legislation. Did you receive this email from a friend? Make sure to sign up to receive Autism Votes alerts.
4. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Let everyone you know hear about the introduction of the ABLE Accounts Act.

Make sure to visit www.AutismVotes.org/able for more information and a summary of this bill.
Sincerely,Elizabeth EmkenVice President, Government RelationsAutism Speaks