On behalf of the MDSC I am so pleased to share that the Massachusetts Legislature passed the MDSC's two priority bills this week, the National Background Check Bill and the Real Lives bill! (Another major piece of legislation, the Autism Omnibus, which is also important to many of our families and friends, passed as well).
These two bills will have a profound effect on protecting and providing more opportunities for our loved ones with Down syndrome for many years to come. The MDSC, along with other advocacy organizations, has been fighting for the passage of these two critical pieces of legislation for many years. Because of the tireless efforts of everyone involved these two bills are now on the Governor's desk for signature.
With broad support from advocacy groups, government agencies, legislative champions, the Down syndrome community and the larger community of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their loved ones, we fully expect that Governnor Patrick will sign these bills.
First and foremost, the MDSC thanks YOU - our staunch supporters and members - who through your ongoing support have helped us achieve this important milestone. Your voices were heard by the many legislators who received your phone calls, e-mails, and personal visits asking them to pass these incredibly important bills.
Special thanks goes to leaders in the Massachusetts Legislature, including House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Therese Murray, House Ways & Means Chairman Rep. Brian Dempsey, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Senator Stephen Brewer and Vice Chair Senator Jennifer Flanagan; Real Lives Bill sponsor Rep. Tom Sannicando, Judiciary Chairman Senator Will Brownsberger, House Vice Chair Rep. Christopher Markey, Sen. Michael Moore and Rep. David Vieira. We also want to thank EOHHS Assistant Secretary Rosalie Edes, DDS Commissioner Elin Howe, Deputy Assistant Victor Hernandez, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (who sponsored the NBC bill as a representative).
This could not have been accomplished without the broad support of an amazing coalition of private non-profits and public agencies, including the Arc of Massachusetts, Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS), Disability Law Center (DLC), Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPSS), Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS), Disabled Persons Protection Committee (DPPC), Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and the Massachusetts State Police Commissioned Officers Association.
Special thanks to the individual leaders in our coalition who worked with us over the 2-year legislative session to recraft the bill. This includes Kristin Britton, Geoff Misilo, Tara Zeltner, Paul Willenbrock, Leo Sarkissian, Barbara L'Italian, Eric Nordahl, Faith Behum, and Nancy Alterio. We also had the support of 64 legislative co-sponsors.
There are likewise many to thank within our MDSC family, including Government Affairs consultant Jane Lane, MDSC member David Falcone, our MDSC Legislative Advocacy Task Force members (Rosemary Alfredo, John Anton, Colleen Endres, Peter Gramenelles, Fran Hogan, Shey Jaboin, Kathy Kaczynski, Ann Kelly, Josh Komyerov, Jane Lane, Kim Legendre, Arthur McLaughlin, Julie Messina, Laura Noble, Peg Ricardo, Michele Sanphy and Jacquie Sherman), our Honorary Board of Directors, Board of Directors and our Management Team.
Our bills are now before Governor Patrick to sign into law and we hope that he'll bring these two bills across the finish line in the next few days. I look forward to sharing information with you soon on how we can all celebrate the passage of these two bills that will forever have a positive impact on the lives of all people with Down syndrome!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
P.S. - Please read below for more information on both bills - soon to be laws!
