Sen. Tony Hwang Stands Up for Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) Community

Yesterday, the Connecticut State Senate unanimously passed SB 369, an Act Concerning the Department of Developmental Services’ recommendations regarding various revisions to developmental services statutes affecting the IDD community.

Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) who is the ranking member on the legislative Public Health and the Insurance and Real Estate committees endorsed the bill and lauded the efforts SB 369 makes in support of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers.

“For adults living with disabilities and their supporting caregivers, there are many challenges in their lives they are forced to overcome. This bill finally removes the barriers that many of these individuals face when they are inadvertently deemed ineligible for specific types of state and federal support,” said State Senator Tony Hwang. “I am proud to collaboratively join the effort to assist the IDD community in utilizing any and all financial aid possible.”

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 allowed states to create tax-advantaged savings programs for eligible people with disabilities (designated beneficiaries). Funds from these IRS Section 529A ABLE accounts can help designated beneficiaries pay for qualified disability expenses. Distributions are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Sen. Tony Hwang had co-sponsored Public Act 15-80 which codified Connecticut’s ABLE program for CT residents.

SB 369 now heads to the Connecticut State House of Representatives for their consideration. The House will need to take up the bill ahead of the session’s adjournment on May 4, 2022.