Michael R. Benedetto represents New York State Assembly District 82 in the Northeast Bronx, a position he has held since 2005. Born on June 2, 1947, in the Bronx, he has lived his entire life in the area and is known for his long career in education and community service. Notable achievements include founding the Bronx Times Reporter newspaper in 1981, the largest community paper in the Bronx, and starting the Throggs Neck Community Players theater group in 1969; he currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee, and previously chaired the Cities Committee and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Iona College in 1969 with a B.A. in History/Education, where he served as Student Council President and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges; earned an M.A. in Social Studies/Education in 1971.
• *Teaching Career *: Taught at Our Lady of Assumption School ; joined New York City Public Schools in 1974, teaching special education at P.S. 160 from 1977, becoming coordinator of the special education unit in 1988; ran the first "very special" Olympics for multiply handicapped children, served as a mentor teacher, and participated in district training committees.
• Political Experience: New York State Assembly Member since 2005; Chair, Education Committee; Member, Labor, Ways and Means, Rules Committees, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, and subcommittees on minority/women-owned businesses and affordable housing; former roles include Chair of Cities and Veterans Affairs Committees.
• Community Involvement: Member of Community Planning Board 10 ; adjunct instructor at Mercy College; affiliations with American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association , Make-a-Wish Foundation, and United Cerebral Palsy; founder of Chippewa Lawyers Committee.