Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Robert Clifton convened the first meeting of a bipartisan coalition focused on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Manalapan Community Center on April 23. The event brought together families, advocates, service providers, and lawmakers to discuss policy priorities and share personal experiences.
The formation of the Bipartisan Legislative Disability Advocacy Coalition is aimed at strengthening protections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocates say that this community has often been overlooked in policy discussions.
“This coalition brings together families, advocates, providers and lawmakers to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are heard and protected,” Sauickie said. Clifton added, “This is not a partisan issue — it’s a human issue. Working together, we can deliver solutions and strengthen the voice of a community that has too often been overlooked.”
During the meeting, participants discussed oversight of care facilities, support for families and providers, accountability measures, as well as pending legislation (A4008) sponsored by Sauickie. The proposed “Justice for Vulnerable Residents Act” would create an independent justice center in New Jersey tasked with investigating abuse or neglect involving individuals with these disabilities while centralizing oversight responsibilities.
“There is clear consensus that stronger protections and independent oversight are long overdue,” Sauickie said regarding feedback from attendees. Clifton said feedback underscored the need for such legislation: “This is about ensuring safety, dignity and justice for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
The lawmakers also announced a Day of Advocacy scheduled for May 4 at the Statehouse in Trenton where members of this community will meet legislators to share their experiences. Organizers say that future meetings will continue developing policy proposals aimed at improving services.
In related legislative news about New Jersey officials: DiMaio has been involved with the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio represents District 23 including Hackettstown according to the same source. He held roles such as Appropriations Officer (2012-2017) and Budget Officer (2018-2019) in the General Assembly as per the official record. DiMaio joined the General Assembly in 2009 serving as Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to the official legislative roster, worked as legislator (source), was associated with Hackettstown serving as mayor from 1991-1999 (source).
Organizers plan continued meetings to coordinate legislative efforts targeting improved services for people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
