On June 15, 2022, Dignity Alliance MA presented awards to state legislators who have demonstrated exceptional work on long term services and supports.
Outstanding Dignity Legislators 2021-2022
Senator Patricia Jehlen
Senator Patricia Jehlen is, without doubt, the “GO TO” senator on all issues concerning nursing home transformative reform and elder issues, and has been throughout her years in the Legislature. She has a lengthy record of legislative accomplishments on behalf of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Her leadership of the nursing home task force, in which she held nursing home industry leaders accountable despite the deck being stacked against consumers throughout the process.
Representative Ruth Balser
Representative Ruth Balser is a staunch advocate for elders, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. She was especially impressive in the questions and concerns she offered during public hearings for the 2019 Nursing Facility Task Force. When COVID-19 emerged as a major problem for nursing home residents and staff, with low PPE inventories and rapid spreading of the virus, she was the champion of early pandemic legislation for data transparency. She has been a major champion in the Legislature for architectural access and housing for people with disabilities, including AHVP funding.
Lifetime Achievement
Two legislators, Senator Chandler and Representative Campbell, who are not seeking re-election, are also deemed worthy of recognition in view of their long-time leadership on issues concerning older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers
Senator Harriet Chandler
Representative Linda Dean Campbell
“Throughout her service in the Legislature, Representative Campbell has championed the causes of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers,” explained Richard Moore, Chair of Dignity Alliance’s Legislative Committee and a former state senator and representative. “She is among the most dedicated and effective legislators, who gets things done for those she was elected to serve. Dignity Alliance is proud to honor Representative Campbell, he added.
Legislator Citations
Other legislators received nominations for their advocacy and support on behalf of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers as recognized by participants in Dignity Alliance. The following legislators received Certificates of Exemplary Support:
- Senator Michael Moore
- Senator Jamie Eldridge
- Senator Jason Lewis
- Senator Joanne Comerford
- Senator Cindy Friedman
- Representative Marjorie Decker
- Representative Christine Barber
- Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian
- Representative Thomas Stanley
- Representative Josh Cutler
Thank you to Anna Krieger and Bill Henning for many of the photographs.