On October 2, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey was honored by KenCrest with a Community Champions award for his advocacy in disability rights.
KenCrest is honored to present Senator Bob Casey with a Community Champion Award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to disability rights and exceptional legislative achievements in supporting individuals with disabilities. Through his impactful leadership and advocacy, Senator Casey has become one of the foremost voices in the U.S. Senate, fighting for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
A Champion for Disability Rights
As a key member of various Senate committees, Senator Casey has consistently demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. In 2019 alone, he led a remarkable 19 disability policy bills addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, employment, financial security, civil rights, disaster relief, veterans' services, and Social Security.
Among his many legislative accomplishments, Senator Casey is perhaps best known for his role as the prime Senate sponsor of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act). The Associated Press hailed the ABLE Act as "the most important new law for [those with disabilities] in 25 years," allowing families across the United States to create tax-advantaged savings accounts to support the long-term care of their loved ones with disabilities. This groundbreaking law provides millions of families with the tools they need to ensure financial security for their disabled family members, giving them the ability to save for future expenses without jeopardizing access to critical government benefits.
Legislative Success for the Disability Community
Senator Casey's legislative efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The passage of the ABLE Act in 2014 was a monumental step forward, but Senator Casey's work did not stop there. In December 2022, he successfully championed the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, further expanding the eligibility for ABLE accounts to include more individuals with disabilities.
As of June 30, 2023, more than 180,000 ABLE accounts have been established nationwide, with over $2 billion in investments. On average, each account holds more than $10,000—resources that allow people with disabilities to address emergencies or make major purchases when needed. This kind of financial security empowers individuals with disabilities to live more independently and with greater confidence in their future.
Ongoing Advocacy for Home and Community-Based Services
Senator Casey’s dedication to the disability community extends far beyond financial security. In March 2022, he played a pivotal role in securing over $12.6 billion for states to increase wages for direct care workers providing home and community-based services, as well as to expand the availability of these critical services. This funding has been instrumental in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can continue to live in their communities with the support they need, while also improving the lives of the workers who provide them with essential care.
A Vision for a More Inclusive Future
Senator Bob Casey’s commitment to disability rights is rooted in his belief that people with disabilities are individuals with immense abilities. He has long advocated for policies that ensure everyone has the tools and support necessary to succeed in the workforce and live a full, meaningful life. His legislative achievements have transformed the lives of thousands of people with disabilities across the country, ensuring that they have greater opportunities for financial independence and access to vital services.
By honoring Senator Casey with the Community Champion Award, KenCrest celebrates not only his past achievements but also his continued advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable society for people of all abilities. We are proud to recognize Senator Casey’s tireless efforts and look forward to the positive changes he will continue to champion for the disability community.
