The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress has named Cape Ann’s state senator as its 2024 Legislator of the Year.
State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, was honored with the award by the congress at its annual BuddyWalk and Family Festival held at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.
The award was presented in recognition of Tarr’s tireless advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual disabilities throughout his legislative career.
“The MDSC and our loved ones with Down syndrome could not ask for a better friend in our communities or on Beacon Hill,” MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher said. “Minority Leader Tarr has taken time over and over again to get to know our members, including his constituent Matt Cullen, to learn about and support the issues important to our community.”
Tarr has championed the rights of children and adults with disabilities, working to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities for three decades.
For example, in 2014, Tarr was among the key legislators to support MDSC’s top priority National Background Check Bill, legislation protecting individuals with disabilities, that was signed into law that fall.
“It was during those advocacy efforts, when Senator Tarr invited members of our community to bang the gavel in the Senate chambers where the bill would pass, that we observed his genuine desire to personally connect with individuals in our community,” MDSC Board Chair Stacy Lindborg wrote on her LinkedIn page.
She said in 2022, when he saw on Instagram that Cullen was passionate about higher education opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Tarr reached out directly to Cullen, visiting his Ipswich home to hear more. “And when Matt invited the Minority Leader to the Buddy Walk the past three years, Senator Tarr has been here for Matt and for us” Lindborg wrote.
The MDSC BuddyWalk and Family Festival brought together several thousand self-advocates, their families, and supporters for a day of celebration, advocacy, and fundraising. The event featured a walk around Lake Quannapowitt and a speaking program, where Tarr was presented the award by Cullen.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the MDSC. Working alongside the incredible advocates, families, and self-advocates within this community has been a privilege throughout my legislative service. I remain committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their challenges, has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve,” Tarr said.
“From supporting funding for MDSC programs and services, to sponsoring MDSC’s top legislative priorities, to taking time to truly get to know our members, Minority Leader Tarr has been one of our most reliable disability champions on Beacon Hill,” Gallagher said. “There is nobody more deserving of this year’s MDSC Legislator of the Year Award.”
Tarr continues to work alongside organizations such as the MDSC to promote legislation that protects the rights and improves the lives of people with disabilities.