Benson Named New Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman

Speaker Coughlin Cites Benson’s Leadership is Naming Him to Key Committee

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has named Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson as the new Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities chairman.

Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) will take charge of the key committee responsible for topics ranging from NJ Transit to motor vehicle inspections to toll authorities and roadway safety and bridge and highway construction.

“I thank Speaker Coughlin for his confidence at this key moment for New Jersey’s transportation system and its future,” Benson said. “NJ Transit has gone from a national model to plaguing commuters on a near-daily basis. We must restore public trust in agencies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. We need to make certain we implement the newly restored Transportation Trust Fund properly and fairly to ensure we create jobs and economic development throughout the state, while building a stronger future for all our residents. Perhaps most importantly, we need to see real progress on a new commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Our economic future and national security depends upon it – and our residents deserve it.”

Benson has served in the Assembly since 2011, representing the 14th Legislative District. The Hamilton resident has a B.S degree in Physics from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Policy degree from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, in Science and Technology Policy. He previously served as Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee chairman.

“Dan is the right guy at the right moment for this vital committee,” said Coughlin, who has made fixing NJ Transit and building the new Hudson River commuter rail tunnel top priorities. “His intelligence, wide-ranging experience and strong leadership are exactly what we need as we work to fix the damage done to NJ Transit and fight for fair funding to build the new commuter rail tunnel. I look forward to working with Chairman Benson on these crucial issues as we fight for New Jersey’s commuters and their needs.”