All of us at New Community are saddened to learn about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr. He was a dedicated public servant and a pillar in our society. He served the people of New Jersey well and worked hard to help families.
Donald Payne Jr. was a Newark native and championed issues important to city residents during his work in public office, including affordable health care, transportation issues, safety and housing. As both a councilman and a member of Congress, he was always supportive of New Community’s housing and service program efforts for which NCC and those we serve are forever grateful.
A staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act, Donald Payne Jr. worked to keep health care costs down. He visited the New Community Adult Learning Center in 2022 to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on lowering costs for seniors with diabetes.
Donald Payne Jr. served as a Newark councilman and was the council president when he was elected into Congress, taking the seat of his late father, Donald Payne Sr., who passed while in office in 2012. Since that time, Donald Payne Jr. has led New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.
He founded Newark South Ward Junior Democrats and became its first president. He also served as an adviser to the YMCA Youth in Government program.
Donald Payne Jr.’s hard work for the people of this state will be greatly missed.
We pray for him and his family that they will find peace in their time of sorrow.
