April 2025: #AbleToSave Month in Michigan

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census, approximately 56.7 million people – 19 percent of the population in the United States – have a disability; and,

WHEREAS, many of these individuals with disabilities rely upon federal or state benefits to foster their independence, maintain their health, support their employment, participate in their communities and enhance their quality of life; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience – MiABLE – program is a 529(A) savings account administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, offering investment and tax incentives for families and others who wish to save for individuals with disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, funds from a MiABLE account are not taxed if used for qualified disability expenses, which include education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology and personal support services, legal fee expenses for oversight and monitoring, and funeral and burial expenses; and,

WHEREAS, MiABLE savings are not considered when applying for other federal or state benefits, such as Social Security Disability Income, Medicaid, or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program; and,

WHEREAS, MiABLE accounts allow for saving up to $100,000 without losing other financial disability benefits; and,

WHEREAS, MiABLE account holders have invested more than $68.6 million, with nearly 6,000 accounts having an average balance of $11,95; and,

WHEREAS, the goal of the #AbleToSave Month is to enhance awareness of MiABLE accounts as a financial savings tool and to increase the amount of MiABLE accounts opened throughout the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as #AbleToSave Month in Michigan and encourage our citizens to work together to enhance awareness of and education about MiABLE accounts.