(photo) At State Capitol: Advocating for People With Disabilities

From left to right: Enfield residents Charlyne Olko, Zeb Olko, and Sen. John A. Kissel at the Connecticut General Assembly’s Program Review and Investigations Committee Feb. 27 public hearing. The Olkos were testifying before state legislators on behalf of a bill which aims to allow eligible individuals with disabilities the ability to establish “ABLE accounts”’ at the state level that resemble the qualified tuition programs, often called “529 accounts”. At the same time, the legislation would protect individuals’ eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other important federal benefits. The proposal’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families, providing them with a new avenue to save, and allow for greater independence. Sen. Kissel represents East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.