Jerry has been a champion for the disabled during his two terms in the New Hampshire legislature. He has become the “go to” guy to introduce and marshal policy through the legislature.

He was the author and prime sponsor of the following bills:

HB 578 (2020)

This bill, as originally written, allowed individuals who qualified for services under the disability waiver program, to be eligible for adult services upon graduation from high school. Previously, developmentally disabled often had to wait for their 21st birthday to be eligible for these services. Bill was amended and signed into law.

HB 317 (2023) Establishing a commission to study transitioning to a 2-tier waiver system for individuals eligible for disability services

This bill was successful in requiring HHS to slow implementation of a poorly defined waiver system which would fundamentally change the structure of the disability program without legislative or beneficiary input. The bill was retained until HHS stated their plan to hold off on implementing the system for the foreseeable future.

HB 642 (2023) Relative to budget flexibility for services for the developmentally disabled

This bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 23rd, 2023 and has successfully provided increased flexibility in the budgets during a budget cycle.

HB 1593 (2024) Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and relative to the uncompensated care and Medicaid Fund.

This bill provides one-year funding for the recreational based socialization services that had been historically included in developmentally disabled individual’s budgets. These were removed without notice. This one-year period is being used to develop alternative services that would still qualify for the federal matching and meet the socialization needs of those eligible for disability services.