[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING REBEKAH FRIEND FOR HER APPOINTMENT AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE 
                    DIRECTOR OF THE ARIZONA AFL-CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 10, 2007

  Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate 
Ms. Rebekah Friend for her appointment as the new executive director of 
the Arizona AFL-CIO. In this capacity she will manage the day-to-day 
operations of the organization. Through this appointment, Ms. Friend is 
once again making history in Arizona's labor movement by being the 
first woman appointed to this position. Previously, she was the first 
female president of the Arizona AFL-CIO chapter.
  Ms. Friend began her labor career in the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers over 25 years ago. During her time as president of 
the Arizona AFL-CIO, Ms. Friend led numerous initiatives aimed at 
advancing the working conditions of Arizona's workers, such as 
improving unemployment insurance and worker's compensation for union 
members. Additionally, Ms. Friend has worked arduously to raise 
awareness of the plight of immigrant workers. During this past election 
season, she also chaired the Minimum Wage Coalition, which successfully 
helped pass proposition 202 to increase Arizona's minimum wage.
  Apart from her work at the Arizona AFL-CIO, Ms. Friend has also 
served in official capacities with the Arizona Consumer Council, 
Arizona Citizen Action, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, 
Southern Poverty Law Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Emerge Arizona. 
She was the YWCA's 2004 Woman of the Year and was presented with a 
lifetime achievement award by the Arizona Democratic Party in 2002.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Rebekah Friend for her 
recent appointment and to express my gratitude for her determination in 
fighting for the rights of all of Arizona's workers.

                          ____________________