Profile Photo
Michael BenedettoDEMDemocrat State Assembly Member, District 82
76
Years of Age
19
Years of Experience
NYResidence (state)

Michael Benedetto (born June 2, 1947) is a Member of the New York State Assembly representing the 82nd Assembly District, which covers the Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Westchester Square, City Island, Country Club, and Pelham Bay sections of the East Bronx. After a 35-year teaching career at the elementary and secondary school level, he was first elected to the State Assembly in 2004. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Benedetto was born in the Bronx in 1947. He holds a B.A. in History/Education from Iona College and a M.A. in Social Studies/Education. In 1981, Benedetto co-founded the Bronx Times-Reporter, a weekly newspaper, with John Collazzi.Benedetto introduced a law prohibiting tackle football for ages 13 and under, in order to protect young children from concussion related developmental problems.Benedetto first ran for office in 1976, losing to Republican Assemblyman Guy Velella. Two years later, Benedetto ran against Republican State Senator John D. Calandra and lost by 1,121 votes.In 1980, Benedetto attempted to run again against Calandra. Bronx Democratic leaders, who maintained a non-aggression pact with Calandra, allowed him run in the Democratic primary. Calandra defeated Benedetto to win the Democratic nomination, and in the general election as the candidate of both the Republican and Democratic parties, Calandra easily defeated Benedetto, who ran on the Liberal Party ticket.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 4 of 4)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

0 / 4
Education4 - 4 of 2
Social Studies/Education
MA
1971
Iona College
BA History/Education
1969
Past Positions1 - 7 of 7
Assembly Member
New York State Assembly
2005 - Current
Coordinator
Special Education Unit, Public School 160
1988 - 2004
Teacher
Public School 160
1977 - 2004
Teacher
Our Lady of Assumption School
1969 - 1974
Adjunct Instructor
Mercy College, present
Former Employee
Councilmember Madeline Provenzano
Former Employee
Councilmember Michael DeMarco
Other Experience1 - 15 of 15
Member
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
1989 - Current
Member
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Organization (AHEPA)
1989
Founder
Bronx Times Reporter Newspaper
1981
Member
Community Planning Board 10
1975 - 1979
Founder
Throggs Neck Community Players
1969
Former Member
Iona College Alumni Board of Directors
Former Member
Local School District 11 Mainstreaming and SEALL Training Committee, New York City Schools
Founder
Chippewa Lawyers Committee
Member
Make-a-Wish Foundation
Member
United Cerebral Palsy
Former Chair
Cities Committee, New York State Assembly
Former Member
Subcommittee on Child Product Safety, New York State Assembly
Former Member
Agriculture Committee, New York State Assembly
Former Member
Governmental Operations Committee, New York State Assembly
Member
Task Force on Puerto Rican/Hispanic, New York State Assembly