Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today announced he will be joined for the President’s State of the Union Address by Anna Bruce, Vice President & Programs Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier. Members of Congress are allowed to bring one guest to the State of the Union.

Anna Bruce, whose son Camden has Down syndrome, helped launch GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier in 2019. GiGi’s Southern Tier is a part of a nationwide organization dedicated to providing free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. As Vice President & Programs Coordinator, Anna works to develop and implement programs that provide opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities and families in the Southern Tier region.

Rep. Molinaro said, “For my first State of the Union address, I am honored to be joined by Anna Bruce, Vice President & Programs Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier. Anna is a champion for the disability community and has helped individuals and families across the Southern Tier reach their full potential. By bringing Anna as my one guest to the State of the Union, I hope to shine a light on the incredible work local advocates like her are doing – while reminding people of the challenges we must still overcome to break down barriers and create opportunities for every one of every ability.”

Anna Bruce said, “I am grateful to join Congressman Marc Molinaro for the State of the Union address. My son Camden is my inspiration for my work. When Camden was diagnosed with Down syndrome, I made it my mission to provide him with the tools he needed to succeed. However, on this journey, I quickly realized there was a lack of programming in our community for kids like Camden. This led me to help establish GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier, where we provide families like mine with opprountites and support. I am honored to join Congressman Molinaro tonight and intend to highlight our shared commitment to breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities.”

Rep. Molinaro has made expanding federal support for individuals with disabilities a top priority in Congress. Last week, Rep. Molinaro introduced his first bill, the Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act. This bipartisan measure creates a comprehensive website with resources available to individuals disabilities and was inspired by Rep. Molinaro’s successful ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative.