Easterseals’ Post

The sudden federal funding freeze disrupted critical services across the country, including Easterseals programs that support children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and seniors. As Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport told The Hill, “There was no preamble to the chaos.” Overnight, funding streams for essential programs, Head Start, job training for seniors, and housing assistance, were shut off without warning, leaving providers scrambling to make payroll and keep services running. Organizations like Easterseals work tirelessly to serve communities, and we are looking forward to a solution that ensures federal funding is spent responsibly while still supporting those who rely on it. This is an opportunity to ensure chaos like this does not happen again. Easterseals will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the people we serve. https://lnkd.in/gpF8tvQK

Over the past week, I’ve had tough conversations with providers who were completely shocked by the federal funding freeze. The sudden loss of funding forced them to ask terrifying questions, how long can we operate? How many people will lose support? As I shared with The New York Times, this was a sobering reminder that critical funding for people with disabilities, veterans, and families is never guaranteed. Even though the freeze has been lifted, the uncertainty remains, and deeper cuts could be coming. We all want to make sure federal funding is spent responsibly, but it is so important to find a solution that protects the hard-working Americans who rely on federal funding. Easterseals will continue to advocate for responsible spending that protects the people we serve. It’s time to figure out a solution that does both. https://lnkd.in/gN2yc7_U

🎉 GREAT NEWS FOR ABLE ACCOUNTS IN 2025 🎉 The IRS has increased the deposit limit for ABLE accounts this year, offering more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to save for the future and cover essential expenses. 🔹 HIGHER SAVINGS LIMIT The increased cap allows for better financial planning for disability-related needs. 🔹 BENEFITS PROTECTION Deposited funds won’t affect Medicaid or SSI eligibility. 🔹 VERSATILE USAGE Use the savings for education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more. ABLE accounts are an important step toward financial security and inclusion. To learn more, visit: 🌐 WWW.AMSI-INC.ORG Let’s continue to support financial independence and dignity for all. 💙 #DisabilitySupport #ABLEAccounts #FinancialInclusion #Independence #Inclusion #AMSI

𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 Are you aware of the tax credits available to support working families in Maine? Introducing the Child Care Expenses Credit, designed to ease the financial burden of child care for eligible families. Here's how it works: 1. This credit equals 25% of the federal credit for child and dependent care expenses, providing significant relief for qualifying families. 2. The credit doubles if expenses are incurred with a quality child care provider, recognizing the importance of high-standard care. 3. Families may benefit from a refundable credit of up to $500. #TaxCredits #ChildCareSupport #MaineFamilies #FinancialWellness

Here is yet another article demonstrating why the ACP is so impactful for low-income families, including veterans. Also, as Rev. Prescher notes, in a family budget when money is tight, sacrifices must be made. Too often we hear some say, well if the government did not give these families a subsidy, they would find a way. As Rev. Prescher notes, ACP has allowed his kids to participate in sports and band class, things they would not otherwise be able to afford. These trade-offs are not easy and families like the Preschers should not be forced into making them when we can all collectively provide them relief. As Rev. Prescher says "It made all the difference in the world." There is an overwhelming majority of Americans and lawmakers that agree with that! It is time to provide additional funding for ACP and let's get to work on finding a permanent program for low-income families so they can afford this essential service. https://lnkd.in/dbbXdfhZ

America’s Safety Net at Risk 🌎 A potential Trump presidency could bring deep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, jeopardizing lifelines for millions of low-income Americans. 🚨 SNAP Threatened: Proposed $30B cuts could slash benefits, with Trump’s past “Harvest Box” plan replacing cash assistance with government-chosen food boxes. 🏥 Medicaid Changes: Block grants and work requirements may limit access, forcing states to cut eligibility and reducing care for vulnerable populations. 🎓 Child Tax Credit Uncertainty: Expanded credits for working families may not return, leaving many without essential financial support. Advocates are rallying to defend these critical programs. Join the fight to protect America’s safety net! 💪✨ Read more on: https://ow.ly/7LPG50Uju0J #SNAP #Medicaid #ChildTaxCredit #FoodSecurity #AntiPoverty # FoodStamps

We applaud Governor Murphy and NJ AG Platkin for their continued investment of $14.5M in funding for community violence intervention efforts across the state. This is a necessary investment in the people and organizations doing the real work of keeping communities safe. But the announcement is just the first step; this funding must be distributed quickly and effectively to make an impact where it's needed most. At the same time, we can't ignore what’s happening at the federal level. With threats of funding freezes, we're going to see major disruptions in financial support for these programs nationwide. That means New Jersey must not only sustain its investment in CVI but increase it to ensure that community-led safety strategies aren't just surviving, they’re thriving. We know what works. We know CVI saves lives. Now it’s time to make sure the resources match the need. https://lnkd.in/ghM4evg3

🎉 IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ABLE ACCOUNTS 🎉 Good news for individuals with disabilities and their families! The IRS has raised the ABLE account deposit limit for 2025, enabling greater savings and financial security. 🔹 INCREASED SAVINGS LIMIT The higher deposit cap helps individuals and families better plan for disability-related expenses. 🔹 PROTECTS BENEFITS Funds in ABLE accounts are not considered when determining eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. 🔹 BROAD USES Savings can cover education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and other essential needs. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how they support financial independence by visiting the AMSI website: 🌐 WWW.AMSI-INC.ORG #DisabilitySupport #ABLEAccounts #FinancialIndependence #Inclusion #AMSI

🌟 Empowering Independence with Special Needs Pooled Trusts 🌟 Planning for the future? A special needs pooled trust can make a world of difference for individuals with disabilities. Here’s how: ✅ Preserve Eligibility for Benefits: Allows people to keep vital government benefits like Medicaid and SSI without affecting their eligibility. ✅ Manage Resources Wisely: Pooled trusts are professionally managed, making it easier for beneficiaries to have their funds responsibly allocated and preserved for the future. ✅ Ease of Access: Accessible for people with limited funds who may not qualify for standalone special needs trusts. ✅ Peace of Mind for Families: Provides a safe, long-term financial solution to ensure loved ones have the resources they need for a secure, fulfilling life. Discover how a special needs pooled trust can help achieve financial stability and peace of mind. #SpecialNeedsTrust #FinancialSecurity #Independence #DisabilityAdvocacy #PooledTrust

In today's political climate, there's very few federal programs that are universally popular. Medicare is one of them. Consistently rated "favorable" by 80%+ of Americans since 2017. In the past I've heard policy wonks discuss the need to raise Medicare's minimum eligibility age to 67 or 70 years old. However, making it harder for aging Americans to receive Medicare coverage is akin to touching the "third rail" in politics and will automatically result in losing the next election. The U.S. does have an aging demographic that our society has to deal with. Social security's age to receive the maximum payout is set to increase to 68 by 2030 and 69 by 2032. The money going out has to roughly equate to the money coming in. But not sure the politician who is willing to handle this issue. Thoughts? - - - - Credit: KFF