When Senator James Donovan passed away in 1991, all of New York State mourned the “tremendous loss.” As he had hoped during his lifetime, Donovan left a significant impression on the state’s education. Ralph J. Marino said: “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was the state’s top priority.”
In addition to his work in the education sector, Senator Donovan also served as chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. He also worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and illiteracy.