TRENTON – On the retirement of New Jersey Senator Ronald Rice, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Senator Rice, a fierce advocate for New Jersey residents. He has been a champion for our most vulnerable neighbors and communities, and has never backed down from doing what is right for the people who need it most. In his decades of public service, Senator Rice has lead with principles, integrity and compassion, fighting on behalf of those he serves, especially communities of color as the head of the Legislative Black Caucus.

“It has been an absolute honor to work alongside Senator Rice. We are particularly grateful for the senator’s tenacious leadership, creating the Lead Hazard Control Fund and the State Rental Assistance Program, two programs that are unique to NJ and exist only because he fought to make them a reality. He also shepherded the Foreclosure Mediation Program, renter protections and a host of other housing programs.

“I will miss seeing Senator Rice in the State House and talking with him about everything from policy issues to our families. On behalf of all of our members and staff, to whom he has been so gracious and included in many outreach and community education events, I want to thank and congratulate him on an unparalleled career. We wish him well in his retirement.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

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