Wayne R. Bryant

During his time in the New Jersey Senate (1995–2008), Wayne R. Bryant worked tirelessly to reform welfare, redevelop urban areas, and strengthen transportation and higher education in the state. Bryant, whose district included Camden and Gloucester counties, is nationally known for his role as the architect of the state's welfare system. He was one of only two state legislators in the country to be invited by President Bill Clinton to a National Summit on Welfare Reform. In 2003, he authored the Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act, which continues to strengthen urban areas through education programs, transportation projects, and improvements to infrastructure and safety. He was the primary sponsor of 85 Senate bills that were signed into law, including one making racial profiling a criminal offense. Bryant has been a member of the School of Law–Camden Dean's Advisory Council and the Rutgers Educational Opportunity Fund Advisory Board. Bryant was recognized by New Jersey Monthly magazine as one of New Jersey's 10 best legislators, and by the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce as Legislator of the Year. Bryant is retired from the law firm of Zeller & Bryant, LLP.