Mercer County Executive Benson Signs Ordinance Establishing LGBTQIA+ Office
For Immediate Release - October 1st, 2024
Trenton, NJ – Last week Mercer County Executive Dan Benson signed an ordinance passed by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, which establishes a new Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs.
The new office will assist members of the LGBTQIA+ community to navigate government programs and access services that support job training, housing, and economic development. The office will also assess needs within the LGBTQIA+ community, provide educational materials to help members of the community understand their legal rights, and support government outreach to the community.
“Mercer's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community plays a vital role in our success,” said County Executive Dan Benson “yet this population too often faces barriers in housing, health care, and access to government assistance. The new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs will be an essential resource to ensure that Mercer’s LGBTQIA+ residents and business owners can navigate federal, state, county, and non-profit resources to receive the help they need.”
“Asking for help can be easier for some than others, and by creating this office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, we position ourselves to better serve this community,” said Commissioner Chair John Cimino.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the work our board and administration have done in 2024 to move Mercer County forward," said Commissioner Vice-Chair Kristin McLaughlin. "I know this is just beginning of more important, bold policies to come.”
“I ran for public office to assist vulnerable communities," said Commissioner Nina Melker. "Being the mother of a daughter, who is LGBTQIA+, we are a proud PRIDE family. My daughter and her wife have built an amazing life. This new office will put Mercer County in a better position to serve the LGBTQIA+ community.”
"In Mercer County, we represent one of the most diverse communities in New Jersey, but diversity alone is not enough,” said Commissioner Sam Frisby. “We must actively work towards greater inclusion. That’s why the passing of this ordinance, which makes space for a community that has long been excluded and marginalized, is truly historic.
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For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org.
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