[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE WILLIAM D. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
life and work of a man whose many achievements I am proud to recognize 
today, the Honorable William D. Payne. Assemblyman Payne was recognized 
as a recipient of the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Leadership Award. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the 
permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on Earth.
  After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Rutgers 
University, Bill began his professional career with the Essex County 
Welfare Board as a caseworker. His commitment to public service 
commenced during his tenure as a caseworker and continues today.
  Bill's involvement in politics started long before his career in the 
New Jersey Legislature. As the chairman of the Payne Congressional 
Campaign Committee in 1988, Bill successfully led the effort to elect 
his brother, Donald, to the United States House of Representatives. 
This was not only a victory for the Payne family, but one for the 
African American community of New Jersey as well. Donald Payne was the 
first African-American elected to represent New Jersey in the House of 
Representatives.
  Bill has held several positions that exemplify his devotion to his 
community. As executive director of One to One New Jersey, Bill oversaw 
a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging volunteerism and 
mentoring among New Jersey adults. The participants in the program 
worked to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged youths and 
their families.
  His commitment to the Essex County community was evident during his 
tenure with the Essex County Improvement Authority and the Newark 
Housing Authority, the country's 8th largest public agency. Bill has 
also donated his time to the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce 
Executive Committee, the United Negro College Fund Corporation 
Committee and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Small Business 
Advisory Council.
  Prior to his election to the New Jersey General Assembly, Bill bad 
transitioned into the private sector, establishing William Payne and 
Associates. Having an extensive background in community service, 
international government relations and the corporate world; Assemblyman 
Payne's company specializes in government relations and marketing.
  In 1998, William Payne reached the pinnacle moment of his career, 
when he was elected to represent the 29th Legislative District of New 
Jersey. Bill holds many positions within the legislature including 
Commissioner of the Amistad Commission. This commission is a result of 
his diligent efforts to pass The Amistad Act, a law which requires the 
inclusion of African-American history in the year-round curriculum for 
New Jersey's public schools.
  The County of Essex and I are far from the first to recognize the 
many accomplishments of Assemblyman Payne. He has been honored by many 
community organizations including The Jaycees, the NAACP, The North 
Ward Cultural Center and the Newark Board of Education to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a United States Congressman involves so much 
that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the 
extraordinary efforts of public servants like Bill Payne. I ask that 
you join our colleagues, Bill's family and friends, the great County of 
Essex, New Jersey and me in recognizing Assemblyman William D. Payne 
for his long history of leadership and community service.

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