Michael Rodrigues and Josh Cutler selected as ADDP 2020 Legislators of the Year

BOSTON – The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Inc. (ADDP) today announced that Senator Michael J. Rodrigues and Representative Josh S. Cutler have been selected as their 2020 Legislators of the Year. The legislators were chosen because of their extraordinary service to and support of the Massachusetts disabilities community. Representative Cutler will be honored at ADDP’s Annual Legislative Luncheon on January 21, 2020, at the State House in the Great Hall at 10:30 AM and Senator Rodrigues will be honored in a special ceremony in the spring.

“ADDP would not be able to implement our mission of serving the Massachusetts disabilities community without the support of our legislative partners,” said Ellen Attaliades, President and CEO of ADDP. “We are proud to honor Senator Rodrigues and Representative Cutler as our 2020 Legislators of the Year and we thank them for their steadfast dedication to advocating for the disabilities community and giving a voice to our member organizations in the legislature.”

Rodrigues (D-Westport) is the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and represents parts of Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Senator Rodrigues has consistently supported legislation that supports ADDP’s member organizations including the Family Support line item that protects thousands of families dependent upon Department of Developmental Services Respite and Family Support programs that provide in home therapies, nursing assistance, emergency supports and autism support centers. Senator Rodrigues also advocated for an additional $1 million in the DESE line item to support a program that keeps more children with significant disabilities at home with their families instead of in costly residential schools. He also supported SB65, now known as Chapter 257, which provides for fair and adequate contracting rates for ADDP members.

“I am honored to accept this award for Senator of the Year from ADDP,” said Senator Rodrigues. “I am committed to representing all members of my district – including those with disabilities and the providers who dedicate their lives to supporting them. ADDP’s advocacy for the disabilities community has been essential in improving the services they receive, and I am proud to work alongside them.”

Cutler (D-Pembroke) represents parts of Plymouth County. He chairs the WorkAbility sub-committee, where he has spearheaded efforts to study the critical issue of workforce development for individuals with disabilities.

“Massachusetts’ greatest asset is our skilled and diverse workforce, and it is essential that we expand opportunities to bring members of the disability community into that workforce,” said Representative Cutler. “ I’m proud of the work that the House WorkAbility sub-committee is doing, with the support of organizations like ADDP, to study workforce development for individuals with disabilities, and I’m honored to be recognized as Representative of the Year.

The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Inc. (ADDP) is a statewide association comprised of approximately 120 community-based providers throughout Massachusetts who provide critically needed services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including Autism, and people with brain injuries.

Chaired by President & CEO, Ellen Attaliades, ADDP’s Legislative Committee is responsible for nominating candidates for ADDP’s Annual Legislator of the Year awards. During one of the committee’s monthly meetings, members identified legislators who have demonstrated advocacy and leadership on issues that affect the disabilities community. The merits of each award nomination were outlined, discussed and then presented to the Executive Committee of ADDP’s Board of Directors (by President & CEO Ellen Attaliades) for the final award selection.

The ADDP 2020 Legislative Luncheon will take place on January 21, 2020, at the State House in the Great Hall at 10:30 AM