[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MARGARET KELLY

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 1999

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, recently the Saint Paul Federation of 
Teachers Local #28 took time out to honor a special person and friend, 
Margaret Kelly.
  Margaret Kelly, through a long career in Saint Paul Public Schools, 
is committed to education and has invested in building solid 
representation for teachers. Politically active, her hard work has 
resulted in a successful educational environment and an effective 
teacher's labor union. Her sister and perhaps best supporter, Mary 
Kelly, has also been active.
  The roots of this local union go back many years and in line 1940's 
when there was labor strife, a young Margaret Kelly was in the middle 
of it. Today relations are more harmonious, but the challenges to Saint 
Paul Federation of Teachers #28 President Ian Keith are just as great. 
Fortunately, he has Margaret Kelly to rely upon. As a Member of 
Congress, I have been proud and well served with Margaret and Mary 
Kelly's counsel as well.
  Congratulations to Margaret Kelly. The following brief article from 
the July 21 Union Advocate touches upon Margaret's role and the 
feelings of her fellow teacher's union members.

                [From the Union Advocate, July 21, 1999]

          Labor Movement Pioneers Gather to Celebrate, Reflect

       Some of the key leaders who helped build the St. Paul 
     Federation of Teachers gathered July 13 to celebrate the 
     contributions of one of their own--Margaret Kelly (left), a 
     member of the local for more than 50 years, an officer and 
     leader.
       Ian Keith, president of the St. Paul Federation of 
     Teachers, Local 28, presented her with the American 
     Federation of Teachers ``Living the Legacy'' Award.
       ``A lot of things changed in the union, but Margaret was 
     always there,'' said Tom Dosch. ``She really represented the 
     union and unionism. She certainly was a guiding force the 
     early years I was involved.''
       Although she's been retired, Kelly is still remembered 
     fondly by many of her former students, said Don Sorenson, 
     another colleague. ``Margaret not only did a great job in the 
     union, she also was a great teacher.'' Kelly taught junior 
     high English and Social Studies.
       Kelly said she believed her greatest accomplishment was 
     successfully working for state legislation to establish 
     retiree health benefits for teachers.
       Among those honoring Kelly were family members and fellow 
     teachers, some of whom were involved in the historic St. Paul 
     teachers strike of 1946--the first organized teachers strike 
     in the United States. Others have been leaders of the union 
     in the years since.

     

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