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Present and past officials are scheduled to address a legislative reception Thursday aimed at informing legislators of “critical issues facing the community of people with disabilities especially around the proposed budget challenges.”
Speakers at, what is being billed as, “Building a Stronger Community Together” are state Department of Development Services Commissioner Sarah Peterson, former state Rep. and Sen. Barbara L’Italien, Rep. Tram Nguyen and Nora Bent, director of government affairs and strategic partnerships from The Arc of Massachusetts.
“This year’s legislative reception will feature a frank discussion of the budget and program changes in this election year that threaten the lives of the most vulnerable among us—while spotlighting the opportunities and hope we need to find common ground,” according to a press release from sponsors Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and the Merrimack Valley Citizens Advisory Board to the Merrimack Valley Department of Development Services.
“Unprecedented challenges face our disabled citizens today, yet the Merrimack Valley has exceptional people whose stories show that we can surmount any difficulty when we work together,” said Mary Kae Marinac, co-chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Board.
Legislators who have confirmed attendance are Reps. Adrienne Ramos, Estela Reyes and Ryan M. Hamilton. Others invited are people with disabilities, family members and provider agencies. There will also be a performance by Spectrum of Sound, organized by the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism.
The reception takes place Thursday, April 2, from 9:30-11 a.m., at Northern Essex Community College’s Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill. It is open to the public with advance registration online or by emailing [email protected].