[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 16 (Monday, February 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HILDA LEGG

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to honor a fine 
businesswoman, mother, and all-around great Kentuckian, Hilda Legg. On 
September 26, 2001, this body confirmed Hilda's nomination to be 
Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service in the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture. Hilda is doing a fantastic job at that post and I wish her 
many years of continued success.
  I have been privileged to know Hilda Legg for many years. She is a 
native Kentuckian who has worked very hard to improve the lives of the 
people of the Commonwealth. Hilda is one of those unique individuals 
who exudes the kind of enthusiasm and spunk that everybody wants to 
possess. Her energy and drive have allowed her to lead a storied life 
that is full of family, friends, and accomplishments. Hilda truly is 
one of a kind.
  Hilda began her professional career as a teacher in Adair County, KY, 
and went on from there to work at the U.S. Department of Education 
during President Reagan's first term. In 1984, she jumped headfirst 
into the world of politics and worked on the successful Reagan-Bush 
presidential campaign. That same year she also helped me achieve 
victory in my very first Senate campaign. From 1985-1987 she proudly 
served the people of western Kentucky as a Field Representative in my 
Bowling Green office.
  Hilda is most widely known and praised for her service and dedication 
to the people of rural Kentucky and America. Raised without running 
water, the difficulties facing rural Americans is something Hilda 
experienced firsthand as a child. As the Executive Director and CEO of 
the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky, Hilda strongly 
promoted economic development in eastern and southern Kentucky. Her 
leadership at this state-of-the-art facility helped make the Center a 
national model for economic development in rural areas and for related 
educational, cultural, and recreational purposes.
  Now, as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, Hilda is 
working on behalf of millions of people throughout the United States. 
Specifically, her Agency is responsible for helping rural Americans 
finance electric, telecommunications, and water projects. The RUS also 
provides valuable loans and grants for rural distance learning and 
telemedicine projects. President Bush was wise to choose Hilda for this 
important position and I am confident she will prove to be as good a 
friend to rural America as she has been to rural Kentucky.
  Hilda, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, thank you for your 
contributions to Kentucky and this great nation. I wish you and your 
family the very best.

                          ____________________