ABCD Legislator of the Year: Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson
September 7, 2023 speech of Patricia Carlesimo, ED of LADACIN Network and Vice President of the ABCD Board.
During the 12 years Assemblyman Benson has been a member of the NJ Legislature, he has received numerous and varied awards. With respect to organizations’ Legislator of the Year Award, ABCD’s is the 18th presented to the assemblyman. His advocacy is both meaningful and broad – from health care to higher ed to police and fire. And in human services the lives of those with mental illness, substance abuse, physical limitations, and developmental disabilities whether infant, child, or adult are near and dear to his heart and have greatly benefited from his mighty political and intellectual gifts.
A few significant bills, signed into law, will have long lasting impact on our community:
- The county college-based adult centers for individuals with IDD
- The DSP Career Development Center
- Numerous increased opportunities and access to transportation for people with physical and developmental disabilities.
And one bill near and dear to our heart championed by Assemblyman Benson – an annual cost of living adjustment for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Legislators’ accomplishments are not limited to the legislation upon which their names rest — There is advice and advocacy behind the scenes. For ABCD’s advocacy efforts, Assembly Benson has always been an invaluable wellspring of information and advice. But for Early Intervention he single-handedly threw open the door.
