HPAE Endorses Payne for Congress

Largest NJ Union Representing Nurses and Health Professionals Backs Democratic Congressman

NEWARK, NJ – Another of New Jersey’s most influential labor unions is endorsing U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark), with the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union giving their support to the Democrat. Representing over 13,000 Registered Nurses and health care professionals in New Jersey working in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, blood banks and university research facilities, HPAE is a major force in state politics and another significant backer for Congressman Payne in the upcoming Democratic Primary.

“Congressman Payne is one of our state’s strongest advocates for affordable health care access and ensuring that health care is seen as a right and not a privilege, which supports HPAE’s mission of improving patient care, professional practices and working conditions in health care facilities,” said HPAE President Debbie White. “As a former union member himself, Congressman Payne knows how important it is for our leaders in Washington to support organized labor and we can count on him to continue to be a critical ally.”

Since winning a seat in Congress in 2012, Congressman Payne has made healthcare and labor issues two of his top priorities. He helped fight off multiple attempts by Congressional Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and has sponsored legislation to expand on it and provide more access to care, cheaper prescription drugs and more investment in public health infrastructure. Congressman Payne is also a champion of organized labor, supporting key legislation like the PRO Act to help unions expand their membership and advocate for their members.

“As someone who knows through first hand experience the critical importance of quality health care, it is humbling to earn the support of a union whose members go to work each day committed to providing the best care possible,” said Congressman Payne. “As New Jerseyans, we know what it means to be Jersey Strong and no one has shown us that more than our healthcare heroes over these past few years. I’m honored to have the support of HPAE, and I look forward to continuing to improve our healthcare system and rights to organize alongside them.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne:

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values, and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.