Capitol Insider
Tax – Tennessee Opens ABLE Program
On June 13, Tennessee became the second state to open a Qualified ABLE Program. Like Ohio’s STABLEprogram, this program is open to qualified individuals nation-wide. The account has 14 different investment options. Annual fees depend upon the investment option selected and range from 0% to 0.63% of the value in the account. More information about state implementation the ABLE Act can be found here.
Health – House Committee Approves Mental Health Reform Bill
On Wednesday, June 15, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously approved the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 2646). In its original form, the bill contained many provisions that caused concern for The Arc and other organizations. Many of these provisions have been scaled back. The provision that limits the scope of Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness to investigate only incidents of abuse abuse and neglect was removed. Broad exceptions to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act health care privacy protections were replaced with a provision directing the Department of Health and Human Services to issue clarifying regulations. It is estimated that 30-35% of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities also have a psychiatric disorder. The Arc is currently in the process of reviewing the amended bill.
Social Security – Trustees to Release Annual Report
On Tuesday, June 22, the Social Security Trustees will release the 2016 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds. This annual report presents the current and projected financial health of our nation’s Social Security system. That same day, the House Committee on Ways and Means will hold a hearing on the report. Visit the Committee web site to review testimony and live video the day of the hearing.
Income Support – Senate to Hold Hearing on Renewing Communities and Providing Opportunities Through Innovative Solutions to Poverty
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will hold a hearing on Renewing Communities and Providing Opportunities Through Innovative Solutions to Poverty. Visit the Committee web site for more information or to access live video the day of the hearing.
NOTE: With Congress on recess from June 25 until July 5, the next issue of Capitol Insider will be published on July 11. In the meantime, please check the Capitol Insider blog for updates.
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org