[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO GEORGE C. SPRINGER

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to honor George C. Springer, 
who is stepping down this month after an unprecedented 11 two-year 
terms as the President of the Connecticut Federation of Educational and 
Professional Employees, formerly the Connecticut State Federation of 
Teachers. George will remain active in the union as the recently-
appointed director of the American Federation of Teachers' Northeast 
Region.
  I mentioned the change in the union's name because it highlights 
George's unceasing efforts on behalf of its members. In 1979, when 
George began his leadership of the union, it had about 11,000 members, 
almost all of whom were teachers. Today, the union has 24,000 members, 
including teachers and other professional school-related employees, 
State and municipal employees, health care professionals, and higher 
education faculty. Twenty-two years ago, the union had only one full-
time officer, two clerical employees, and a handful of field 
representatives. Today, it has three full-time officers, a staff of 15, 
and numerous field representatives. George rightly is proud of the 
increased diversity of his union.
  George also ought to be proud of what his advocacy has brought--not 
only benefits for union members, but also the ability for them to do 
their jobs better, to better serve the children and all citizens of 
Connecticut. George tirelessly has fought for greater involvement for 
the union and its members in legislative and policy matters. I think it 
is especially appropriate, as we prepare to complete debate on 
reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 
to talk about how public education in Connecticut has changed for the 
better during George's tenure.
  In 1979, teacher pay was poor, the gap between the quality of schools 
for wealthy children and those for poor children was great, and 
relations between the union and school boards was contentious. Today, 
teacher salaries and student achievement in Connecticut are among the 
best in the country, the State is working to provide a quality 
education for all children, and the union frequently works hand in hand 
with school management to improve the school system.
  But, George's influence has not been limited to Connecticut, or even 
the United States. As President, George has represented the union 
around the country and around the world, in such places as Brazil, 
Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, and Sweden. He also has served as an 
election observer in South Africa and Nigeria. I have no doubt that 
from New Britain, Connecticut, where he taught for 20 years, to the 
many places he has been around the world, George has left his mark. Nor 
do I doubt that he will continue to leave his mark, as he works hard at 
the AFT to better connect State and local affiliates with the national 
organization and with each other.
  Tonight, George's fellow union members, other friends, and his family 
are gathering in Hartford to celebrate his leadership of the union. I 
regret that I cannot join them in person, but certainly I join them in 
spirit.
  It has been my privilege to know George for many years, and I offer 
my admiration and gratitude for his work, and best wishes as he moves 
on to new challenges.

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