Sen. Pat Jehlen ‘Legislator of the Year’

Senator Jehlen Honored by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc

On March 7th, Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Massachusetts for her tireless work in the Senate on behalf of people with disabilities. Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton) was also awarded Legislator of the Year for her work in the House of Representatives. In addition to the award, each legislator was presented a painting by an artist with developmental disabilities. The painting Sen. Jehlen received depicts Prospect Hill in Somerville.

Hundreds of people with disabilities, families, legislators, and advocates gathered for the 34th annual Legislative Reception hosted by the two organizations as part of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Guests included Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby. This year’s theme was “Investing in Real Lives.”

– Information and photo from State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford)