[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E62]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO ELLEN BRAVO, OUTGOING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF 9TO5 NATIONAL 
                      ASSOCIATION OF WORKING WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
colleague and contemporary: Ellen Bravo, outgoing Executive Director of 
9to5 National Association of Working Women.
  Ellen is a longtime resident of the city of Milwaukee who has made 
innumerable contributions to the advancement of women's rights. For 
over 20 years she has overseen the growth and evolution of 9to5. Under 
her leadership, this organization has brought women's voices into 
debates over state and national policies on issues ranging from welfare 
reform to sexual harassment in the workplace.
  Ellen's efforts have resulted in concrete advances for all women. She 
fought for a higher minimum wage for all workers, while challenging 
State lawmakers to ensure women received equal pay for equal work. She 
led the fight to win family and medical leave benefits for Wisconsin 
workers. She was a critical voice in the national move to replace 
welfare with a work-based system. Even now, she is working with 
coalitions in several states to expand workers' access to sick leave 
benefits.
  An accomplished speaker and trainer, a noted public commentator, 
Ellen has contributed to our understanding of the needs of working 
women and their families. Not only has her advocacy expanded the 
research agenda, her commitment to organizing has ensured that women 
are empowered to fight for the policies they need.
  Ellen's vision is that all women should have more power. I can say 
with certainty that her work has helped support and sustain lawmakers 
who share that vision. I have firsthand knowledge of her support as a 
lawmaker. She is one of my advisors and, more importantly, my friend.
  I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Ellen on these 
achievements, and to wish her well in the next phase of her life.

                          ____________________