Jessica Benham LGBTQ State Rep in PA
Table of Contents
Introduction
Advocacy for Health Care and Disability Rights
Championing Workers' Rights
Educational Background
Personal Life
Introduction
State Rep. Jessica Benham, representing the 36th Legislative District, assumed office with a mission to address critical issues affecting her constituents. Her platform centers on improving access to quality healthcare, creating economic opportunities, tackling air and water quality concerns, and addressing failing infrastructure. Benham's background is steeped in advocacy for healthcare, education, and workers' rights, with experience spanning federal, state, and local levels of government.
Advocacy for Health Care and Disability Rights
Before entering public office, Jessica Benham served as the Director of Development for the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy (PCAA), a grassroots self-advocacy initiative run by and for autistic individuals. She co-founded PCAA, which stands as the only LGBTQ Autistic-led advocacy organization in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Through her work at PCAA, Benham has tirelessly advocated to ensure individuals with disabilities receive fair treatment in the legislative process. Her contributions extended to providing feedback and consultation for important legislation, including the Autism CARES Act at the federal level and various healthcare initiatives at the state level. Notably, she played a pivotal role in advocating for Paul's Law, a landmark legislation that prohibits the disqualification of individuals from organ transplants based solely on their disability status, and it was successfully signed into law in Pennsylvania in 2018.
Championing Workers' Rights
Jessica Benham's advocacy efforts also encompass workers' rights. During her tenure as a graduate worker at the University of Pittsburgh, she actively participated in organizing efforts to establish a union for graduate student workers, collaborating with the United Steelworkers. Her dedication to advocating for fair treatment and equitable opportunities for all underscores her commitment to creating a just society.
Educational Background
Jessica Benham holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies from Bethel University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts in Bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh. Her academic achievements reflect her commitment to understanding and addressing complex issues facing society.
Personal Life
Currently residing in the Southside Slopes with her feline companion, Ravi, Jessica Benham balances her public service with her personal life.
State Rep. Jessica Benham's journey in public service has been defined by unwavering advocacy for healthcare, disability rights, and workers' rights. Her commitment to making a positive impact on her community and society at large reflects her dedication to equality and justice.
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