WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wynne High School junior Taylor Murphy spent the first week of spring break in our nation’s capital, representing the State of Arkansas for World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21.
Murphy was able to visit with Arkansas Senator John Boozman, Congressman Rick Crawford, and the staff of Senator Tom Cotton. She shared her story about being included, and medical and future needs for individuals with Down Syndrome.
Murphy also spoke on four bills affecting individuals with Down Syndrome, two of which will soon be taken to the House floor. She thanked Sen. Boozman for his role on the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Task Force for Down Syndrome.
The bills being debated include:
- The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in the organ transplant system;
- The NAPA Reauthorization Act, as amended by the Senate HELP Committee, which ensures individuals with Down Syndrome are more robustly included in federal Alzheimer’s initiatives;
- The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which increases asset limitations from $2,000 to $10,000 and eliminates the marriage penalty for individuals with disabilities; and
- The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act, which amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program of research, training, and investigation related to Down Syndrome, and for other purposes.
Taylor and her mother, Schunda Murphy, will be hosting a presentation about the week and the next steps for Arkansas.
