Democrat,

This week the New Jersey Democratic State Committee mourns the passing of my dear friend, Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a towering figure in both our party and our community. Congressman Payne’s death leaves an indelible void in our hearts and in the halls of Congress, but also in our communities

Representing New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District with unwavering dedication and passion, Congressman Payne was a stalwart champion for his constituents and a beacon of hope for progressive causes. His legacy is one of tireless advocacy for the values that define our party and our nation. Throughout his six terms in Congress, Congressman Payne embodied the essence of progressivism, consistently advocating for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, equal rights, reproductive freedom, public transportation, free college tuition, and affordable childcare, housing, and prescription drugs. His commitment to these principles was unwavering, and his impact was profound.

The NJDSC extends its deepest condolences to Congressman Payne’s family, friends, and constituents during this difficult time. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but his legacy of service and advocacy will continue to inspire us all. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by continuing the fight for a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.

You can read my full statement here.

Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin announced this week that up to $12 million in funding will be made available to establish the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Program. The program will allow certain municipalities and community-based organizations that meet specific funding requirements to seek up to $2 million per municipality through a competitive grant process.

“Community Crisis Response Teams have the potential to play an integral role in connecting those suffering from mental health crises with the services they need. These teams will continue strengthening the continuum of response for individuals in mental distress,” said Governor Murphy. “This funding will see that Community-Led Crisis Response Teams are able to continue to provide their services while safely and efficiently expanding in communities throughout our state.”

In January of this year, Governor Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act, into law. The bill, named for Najee Seabrooks and Andrew Washington, who were killed during encounters with law enforcement while they were experiencing a mental health crisis, established the Community Crisis Response Pilot Program and appropriated funding to support grant recipients from six eligible counties: Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Passaic.

Community Crisis Response Teams are intended to add to and complement the spectrum of response options currently available in New Jersey through the support of the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Department Health, and the Department of Human Services.

Each April, the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates Second Chance Month, recognizing the important role of individuals, communities, and agencies across the country in supporting the safe and successful reentry of people returning from jails and prisons each year.

??America was founded on the promise of new beginnings. Yet, for people returning home to their communities from jail or prison, obstacles often stand in the way. Having a criminal record can make it hard to secure a steady job, safe housing, affordable health care, or quality education. More than 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed one year after being released, and formerly incarcerated people are ten times more likely than the general population to be homeless.

These barriers matter to an enormous number of Americans: One in three U.S. adults has been arrested by age 23, and over 70 million Americans have a criminal history record. Forty percent of all children in the United States have at least one parent with a criminal record. Every year, more than 650,000 people are released from State and Federal prisons, many with limited resources to start their new lives. Elected officials of both parties, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that when the basic needs of those returning to communities are met, we do not just empower formerly incarcerated people and their families — we prevent crime and make our communities safer.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. In honor of Black Women’s History Month, our Women’s Caucus and Black Caucus are hosting a discussion with Black women leaders from across New Jersey on the highs and lows faced by Black women in leadership. Our Women’s Caucus Chair A’Dorian Murray-Thomas will be collaborating with our Black Caucus to lead this opportunity to gain insight into these unique challenges and hear from Black women on their perspectives about how to overcome them! RSVP here for Zoom link!