N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 357 (2024)
An Order Directing that the Flags of the USA and New Jersey Shall be Flown at Half-Staff at All State Departments, Offices, Agencies, and Instrumentalities During Appropriate Hours from Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Through Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Recognition and Mourning of a Dedicated Legislator and Public Servant, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr.
Issued: April 26, 2024.
Effective: April 26, 2024.
WHEREAS, United States Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. was born on December 17, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Representative Payne graduated in 1976 from Hillside High School, and studied graphic arts at Kean College (now Kean University); and
WHEREAS, Representative Payne began his career as a community leader during his early years, when he founded and served as the first president of the Newark South Ward Junior Democrats and served as an advisor at the YMCA Youth in Government program; and
WHEREAS, before running for elected office, Representative Payne gained a deep appreciation for the struggles of working families, as he worked for the New Jersey Highway Authority, including as a toll collector and union member, and for the Essex County Educational Services Commission, as Supervisor of Student Transportation; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, Representative Payne was elected as a Freeholder-at-Large for the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, where he would serve until 2012; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, Representative Payne was elected to the Newark City Council, where he would serve until 2012, including as City Council President from 2010 to 2012; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, Representative Payne was elected to the United States House of Representatives to represent New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, succeeding his late father, the legendary Representative Donald M. Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Member of Congress in New Jersey history; and
WHEREAS, Representative Payne continued his father's legacy and distinguished himself as a remarkable public servant in his own right, with over a decade of service to New Jersey's 10th Congressional District and the nation; and
WHEREAS, as a Member of Congress, Representative Payne worked tirelessly to help lift working families by supporting job creation, economic growth, and improvements to local infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Representative Payne successfully advocated for public health and safety measures concerning water security, chemical hazard prevention, emergency preparedness, and protections against gun violence; and
WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Representative Payne played an instrumental role in securing federal funding for the Gateway Project and promoting clean drinking water in cities like Newark across the nation; and
WHEREAS, with his signature bow tie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Representative Payne embodied the very best of public service and improved the lives of millions of New Jerseyans; and
WHEREAS, Representative Payne was a loving husband and father to his wife Beatrice and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life; and
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn the passing of Representative Payne, who will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, whom he served so well; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the life, legacy, friendship, and many accomplishments of Representative Payne, and to mark his passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 357 (2024)