by SARAH THOMACK
St. Joseph Post
Promoting an initiative encouraging inclusion and equity for employees with disabilities is one of the goals of the Missouri state treasurer as he travels throughout the state this month.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is participating in events across the state to raise awareness and increase access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
Fitzpatrick says the MO ABLE program, launched in 2017, makes it possible for Missourians with disabilities to save and invest tax-free without losing benefits such as Medicaid. Fitzpatrick says as a parent of twin boys that have developmental disabilities, he knows the challenges that can present to a family and the MO ABLE program can have a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
“It also is an opportunity for families like mine and others who have family members with disabilities to save for their children’s futures, the same way other families would save for their children in a 529 account or another tax advantage vehicle,” Fitzpatrick says. “What makes MO ABLE really important and life-changing for individuals with disabilities is that the money in the account is not counted when performing means testing for critical benefits like Medicaid or SSI.”
Fitzpatrick was in town this week to announce a partnership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce as he promotes an initiative encouraging businesses to offer a direct deposit option for MO ABLE accounts.
“Adding direct deposit options for MO ABLE is a very small change for the employer, but it’s a change that can have a huge impact on the lives of the people who rely on the program,” Fitzpatrick says. “Not only will it simplify saving for putting money in a MO ABLE account, it’s going to foster inclusion and equity for employees with disabilities and families who have members in the family with a disability and I think that’s something we should all be striving for.”
St. Joseph Chamber President and CEO Patt Lilly says, MO ABLE not only benefits those with disabilities and their families but also could be an important tool for employers who want to hire people with disabilities.
“One of the things that I think is vitally important from a business and employer point of view is to find quality labor and I think at the end of the day, many people have begun to recognize the benefits to hiring those with disabilities, not only in terms of being quality employees, but it’s the right thing to do as well,” Lilly says.
For more information about MO ABLE, contact the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce at (816) 232-4461 or visit MOABLE.com.