It's ridiculous that we punish disabled persons who dare to take a job by penalizing them financially, by taking away their health insurance lifeline, and by placing other unfair obstacles in their path. Currently, there are approximately 9 million working-age adults who receive disability benefits, many of whom could take jobs if they could keep their governmentally financed health benefits. A national survey earlier this year showed that, while 76 percent of people with disabilities wanted to work, nearly 75 percent are unemployed. Disability groups have estimated that about 2 million of the 8 million would consider forgoing disability payments and take jobs as a result of this legislation. The estimated cost of this new program would be recouped if only 70,000 people leave the disability benefit roles.
Today is a new beginning for persons with disabilities in their pursuit of the American dream.
This bill corrects the injustice they have unfairly suffered. It gives people with disabilities greater access to the services they need to become successfully employed. It phases out the loss of cash benefits as income rises, instead of the unfair sudden cut-off that workers with disabilities face today. It places work incentive planners in communities, rather than in bureaucracies, to help workers with disabilities learn how to obtain the employment services and support they need. Many leaders in communities throughout the country have worked long and hard and well to help us reach this milestone.