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McConnell Urges Senate to Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Assist Kentuckians with Disabilities

March 24, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell co-sponsored bipartisan legislation today to assist Kentuckians with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities by creating a tax-deferred savings account to be used for education, housing, transportation, employment support, and other qualified disability-related expenses.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013, creates a tax-deferred savings account (529 plan) for individuals and families to help pay disability-related expenses without jeopardizing access to their federal and state disability benefits. Previously, Senator McConnell led a bipartisan effort to enact legislation to offer federal tax relief for college savings plans through creation of the 529 plan.

“I have heard from many parents across Kentucky who have children with disabilities who find it difficult to encourage their independence and save money for the future,” Senator McConnell said. “I proudly support the ABLE Act on behalf of the Kentucky families, children, and individuals living with disabilities, and I look forward to working with Kentucky families and organizations to help get this legislation through the Senate.”

National Down Syndrome Society DS-Ambassador Lynn Braker of Lexington, Kentucky said, “It really means so much to my family and the Down syndrome community as a whole that Senator McConnell has cosponsored the ABLE Act. His leadership and willingness to sign on to this monumental bill means a much better life for my son, Anderson, and the millions of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities in the US. The ABLE Act will help individuals with disabilities realize and achieve their own hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and we are thrilled that Senator McConnell is committed to helping us make that happen.”

Anne Gregory, from Louisville and the Kentucky Autism Speaks state coordinator, who advocated on behalf of the ABLE bill during a visit to Senator McConnell’s office said, “I am so pleased to learn that Senator McConnell is co-sponsoring this critical legislation benefiting families affected by autism and other disabilities. A family can save tax-free college funds for their children under a 529 PLAN; it is only equitable they should be able to do the same for the life-long expenses of their loved ones with disabilities, which typically far exceed the average college tuition."

Senator McConnell has heard from and met with a number of individuals regarding the issue, including Rachel Putnam of Frankfort, Kentucky, who visited Senator McConnell on February 27, 2014 to present the senator with the National Down Syndrome Society’s Champion of Change Award.

 

McConnell Statement on the Trial Anniversary of Abortionist Kermit Gosnell

March 18, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the one year anniversary of the trial of notorious abortionist Kermit Gosnell began in Philadelphia:

"It was one year ago this week that Americans across the country first learned the name of a Philadelphia abortionist named Kermit Gosnell. The Gosnell trial shocked the conscience of the nation and awakened many to the dangerous conditions that can exist at abortion clinics nationwide. It prompted a renewed commitment to ensuring that health and safety standards at these clinics are actually enforced, and it led to the humane effort to ensure that late-term babies who have developed to the point that they are capable of feeling pain are protected from rogue doctors and lax regulators alike. At the federal level, this effort resulted in the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which passed the House last summer in a historic pro-life vote. Senator Lindsey Graham has sponsored a companion bill in the Senate, and I am proud to stand with the Pro-Life Women’s Caucus in Congress and a clear majority of women nationwide in support of this common-sense legislation. It is time for America to join the ranks of most other developed nations around the world and restrict abortion at least at the point at which science tells us that unborn babies are capable of feeling pain. On this anniversary of the Gosnell trial, let’s show the world that we remember those who have been victimized by people like Kermit Gosnell and unite in this positive and life-affirming effort to safeguard the most vulnerable among us. Let’s take up this important pro-life legislation and send it to the President.”

Senator McConnell Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Assist Kentucky Families with Child Care

Nearly 30,000 Kentucky children benefit from the program

March 13, 2014

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell joined Senate colleagues in passing “The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act,” (CCDBG) which distributes money to Kentucky and other states to provide assistance for child care and early education programs for low-income children whose parents are working and/or in school. CCDBG provides subsidies to eligible families for parents to use for a child care/early development provider of their choice.

Each year, more than 1.5 million American children are helped by this program, including nearly 30,000 in Kentucky. This program provides assistance to states, which have the flexibility to determine how to best use the funds and implement its programs.

“As the father of three daughters, I understand the importance of child care and educational programs designed to help Kentucky children and their families,” Senator McConnell said. “With many Kentuckians struggling, this much-needed assistance will provide low-income families with some stability, especially single mothers and fathers in Kentucky who are trying hard to balance work and family life. I am pleased to help move this bipartisan legislation whose primary goal is to promote parental choice and to empower Kentucky parents to choose the child care provider that best meets the needs of their family.”

The legislation is strongly supported by Senator McConnell, and was introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Richard Burr (R-NC).

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