MDDC Names Garballey Legislator of the Year

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) honored Rep. Sean Garballey (D-Arlington) and The Arc of Massachusetts State Sen.

John Keenan (D-Quincy) with Legislator of the Year awards during their 37th Annual Legislative Reception. House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst) presented the awards during the event.

“We look forward to this event every year because it provides people with developmental disabilities, their families, advocates, and legislators the opportunity to come together to discuss the issues and legislation that matters most to them,” said Daniel Shannon, Executive Director of MDDC. “This year, we are especially thrilled to honor Rep. Sean Garballey with our Legislator of the Year award for his continued support of legislation aimed at improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities.”

During his time as a State Representative, Garballey has led the effort in advocating for increased funding for Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Family Support and Respite Services and DDS Day and Employment Services. Rep. Garballey has also been the legislative sponsor in increasing budgetary support for Turning 22 and was successful in making sure that the program Best Buddies Massachusetts received state budgetary support. Last legislative session, he also championed the Real Lives Bill, alongside Representative

Sannicandro. He currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.

“I am both honored and humbled to be recognized as the Legislator of the Year,” said Rep. Garballey. “I hope that this event will highlight not only the needs of an under-served population within our Commonwealth, but also the hard work of their family members, and the herculean efforts undertaken by those who work in this field.”

MDDC hosted the legislative reception in conjunction with The Arc of Massachusetts. During the reception, The Arc of Massachusetts recognized Sen. John Keenan. Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc stated, “Senator Keenan has shown his commitment to persons with disabilities by fighting for access to services and sponsoring amendments to advance policy.”

Sen. Keenan has been a supporter of disability issues from the time he arrived at the State House. Early in his tenure, he addressed eligibility issues in response to constituent needs. During the past year, Sen. Keenan successfully sponsored a Senate amendment to increase transportation funds at the Department of Developmental Services for this fiscal year, bringing it to the same level as the House. In previous years, he co-sponsored several budget amendments including Family Support and the autism waiver, among others. The senator and his team continue to advance progressive policy for individuals with disabilities and families.

“Over the last four years in the Legislature, I have learned so much about daily challenges faced by those with developmental disabilities, and their families,” said Sen. Keenan. “I am amazed and inspired by the determination of these individuals, and by the dedication and efforts of their loved ones. I am proud when our Commonwealth’s support services are there for them, and I share in the frustration when those services fall short. I am committed to working with The Arc and other groups that are champions for this community, so that we equal the measure of a supportive, compassionate and caring society.”

– Submitted by Rep. Garballey