Three self-advocates and two staff from The Arc of Opportunity attended Senator Elizabeth Warren’s town hall meeting in Concord, MA. When we arrived, the line to get into the building snaked around to the back of the building. Knowing that walking was difficult for part of our group, we enlisted the assistance of Senator Warren’s staff and we were able to find seats in the auditorium.
Nick, Tony, Alice, Shawn, and Kathy listened closely to the Senior Senator from Massachusetts as she talked about health care and then took questions from the audience. Senator Warren told stories about why Medicaid was so important to everyone. It was like she was telling our own stories because Medicaid is so very important to the people and the work of The Arc.
“To fail to notice the dignity of others is our failure. Everyone can profit from getting a chance.” Senator Warren intoned. “Opportunity is a thing worth investing in. We need to align our budgets and regulations with our values.”
Many are puzzled about how we in Massachusetts can make a difference as our Congressional delegation is supportive and aware of the issues. “We have to raise our voices. Write. Call. Think horizontally. Get as many people as possible involved and talking. We can do better.”, said/continues Senator Warren.
After the meeting with Senator Warren, we stayed for pictures. She told the audience she would stay there as long as necessary. On the ride home we all agreed that as registered voters, we would vote for Elizabeth Warren as Senator again.
