PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Malek Visits Missouri Sheltered Workshop, Highlights MO ABLE Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIBERTY, MO –Missouri State Treasurer Vivek
Malek visited Vocational Services, Inc. this morning to highlight the resources
and opportunities available for individuals with disabilities. Vocational
Services, Inc. is one of 89 workshop corporations located around the state of
Missouri, which collectively provide employment for approximately 6,100 people
with disabilities. During
the visit, Treasurer Malek shared information about the MO ABLE program: “Achieving
financial independence is a goal that all
Missourians deserve to strive for. MO ABLE can help people with disabilities achieve
this goal by saving money on qualified expenses, growing their savings through
investments while preserving eligibility for the benefits they rely on every
day.” Through
MO ABLE, eligible Missourians with disabilities have the opportunity to open an
investment account and save money without losing eligibility for other
benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Money from MO
ABLE accounts may be spent for qualified expenses, including basic living
costs, housing, transportation, employment training, education, health and
wellness, and financial management. Earnings from these accounts are not
subject to federal and state income tax when spent on qualified expenses. In
recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Treasurer
Malek continues a month-long effort to promote the MO ABLE program on Saturday, March 16, where he will be
attending the Special Olympics Missouri “State Indoor games” in Saint Louis. For
more information about the MO ABLE program, please visit moable.com or contact (800) 439-1653. To learn
more about Missouri’s sheltered workshops, visit moworkshops.org or contact the Missouri
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) at dese.mo.gov. ###
Contact: Kern Chhikara, 573-751-5390