[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation 
to provide Social Security disability beneficiaries with severe spinal 
cord injuries the same protections as are afforded the blind.
  Spinal cord injury can result in paralyzing injuries that severely 
affect their lives, and their ability to provide for themselves and to 
work.
  My legislation seeks to help those who have somehow overcome their 
debilitating injury and are able to earn some money, but who still need 
to retain basic support as is provided under Social Security Law.
  Under the current law governing the Social Security Disability 
Program, applicants are eligible for benefits if they are determined to 
have the ability to earn no more than the substantial gainful activity 
[SGA] amount, which is $500 a month.
  The SGA is used in determining whether beneficiaries can continue to 
receive assistance. If they earn income over $500 a month, they will 
lose these benefits.
  The Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 increased the SGA 
amount for blind individuals to countable earnings of $1,000 per month, 
which took effect on January 1, 1997. This provision allows disabled 
individuals who are blind to qualify for Social Security disability, 
even if they can earn up to $1,000 per month. It would also allow blind 
individuals to continue receiving benefits if they return to work and 
earn a monthly amount not in excess of $1,000.
  My legislation seeks to allow persons with severe spinal cord injury 
to have the same SGA as beneficiaries who are blind. These severely 
disabled beneficiaries should not be discouraged from working to help 
offset their needs which are at least equivalent to the blind, or even 
greater.
  Social Security disability benefits should not be withdrawn from 
severely disabled spinal cord injured persons because they have the 
initiative and courage to earn up to $12,000 a year. If they can help 
themselves notwithstanding their disabilities, they should be 
encouraged to do so. I urge my colleagues' support for this 
legislation.

                          ____________________