PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Fitzpatrick Partners with Missouri Chamber and Columbia Chamber of Commerce to Promote Inclusion and Equity for Employees with Disabilities
Columbia, MO – At a press conference outside the Columbia Chamber of Commerce this morning, Missouri
State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick announced partnerships with the Missouri
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce to
promote an initiative encouraging inclusion and equity for employees with
disabilities. The Treasurer is encouraging Missouri businesses to make it
easier for employees with disabilities to save by adding direct deposit
opportunities for MO ABLE accounts. “I
am calling on Missouri’s business owners to be leaders in increasing inclusion
and opportunity for Missourians with disabilities,” Treasurer Fitzpatrick said.
“Adding direct deposit for MO ABLE accounts is a small thing business owners
across the state can do that can have a big impact. MO ABLE enables Missourians
with disabilities to save money tax-free without losing access to critical federal
benefits like Medicaid and SSI, finally making it possible to have a job and
work towards financial independence. This is a huge step forward—but there is
still work to be done.” Later
this month, Treasurer Fitzpatrick and the Missouri Chamber will co-host a
webinar for members about MO ABLE and the advantages of direct deposit. “Missouri
businesses are leaders in their communities and their efforts on this can have
a ripple effect,” Daniel P. Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, said. “The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is
proud to partner with Treasurer Fitzpatrick on this initiative to foster access
and opportunity for Missourians with disabilities.” “The Columbia Chamber of
Commerce recognizes the important contributions of Missourians with
disabilities to our workforce,” Matt McCormick, Columbia Chamber of Commerce
President, said. “We encourage our local business leader to help make it easier
for those with disabilities, and their families, to save for the future.” October
is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Throughout the month of
October, Treasurer Fitzpatrick will participate in a number of events across
the state to raise awareness and increase access and opportunity for
individuals with disabilities. Following this morning’s event, the Treasurer toured
CMSE, a sheltered workshop, in Columbia. CMSE partnered with the University of
Missouri to design, produce, and distribute high-quality reusable face shields
in response to COVID-19. On
Thursday, the Treasurer launched a
new informational video to provide a simple overview of the MO ABLE program
for Missourians with disabilities and their families. The video was produced in
partnership with the UMKC Institute for Human Development and the Missouri
Developmental Disabilities Council.
MO ABLE currently has 1,687 accounts and over $11.6 million in assets under
management, making it one of the largest ABLE programs in the country. Launched
in 2017, MO ABLE allows individuals with disabilities and their families to
save up to $15,000 per year, tax-free, without losing federal benefits like
Medicaid and SSI. For more information about the MO ABLE program and to take an
eligibility quiz, visit moable.com. ### Follow the Treasurer’s Office on Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram @motreasurer.
