James M. Jeffords: “we must pass the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 in this Congress. It seems like so long ago that when we…”

“we must pass the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 in this Congress. It seems like so long ago that when we introduced bill, I remember Bob Dole, who has been a hero with disabilities over the years being a disabled man himself, coming forward to us with this legislation, or to help on this legislation, and told his life story, and how incredibly important it was for him as an individual to be able to get back into the workforce. As we all know, he did that so successfully. I am now watching carefully as we struggle to come to the end of this session, and know that one of the bills that is lying there waiting to be passed is the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 on which the former Senator, Leader Dole, worked so hard. This legislation addresses the last remaining barrier to true independence for individuals with disabilities. We must act now. For years, both here and in Vermont, individuals with disabilities have said to me, ``Senator Jeffords, I want to work. But I cannot afford to.'' It took me a while to fully understand and appreciate what they were saying. Simply put, the current system of cash payments and health care coverage in the Social Security Act do not encourage individuals with disabilities to work, or to work to their full potential. Common sense is on our side with regard to Social Security reform.”