[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E219-E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CAREER AND RETIREMENT OF MARGARET BLACKSHERE, PRESIDENT 
                        OF THE ILLINOIS AFL/CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the career and retirement of Margaret 
Blackshere, President of the Illinois AFL/CIO.
  Margaret Blackshere, who has been an effective leader and advocate at 
all levels of organized labor, began her career as a kindergarten 
teacher in Madison, Illinois in the 1960's. Her first involvement in 
organized labor began with the efforts of her district's teachers to 
secure both just compensation and more of a voice in the decisions that 
directly influenced the educational processes in their district.
  From that early involvement, Ms. Blackshere would become president of 
her local union and then Statewide Vice President of the Illinois 
Federation of Teachers. She served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the 
Illinois AFL/CIO before winning election as the first woman President 
of that organization in 2000, the position from which she is now 
retiring.
  As president of the Illinois AFL/CIO, with 1,500 local affiliates and 
over 1 million members, Margaret Blackshere has had significant 
influence in the direction of organized labor, not only at the state 
and national level, but internationally as well. As president, Ms. 
Blackshere has been responsible for maintaining unity within the 
Illinois AFL/CIO even though there have been signs of discord in other 
locations during recent years.
  In addition to her tireless work for her labor organizations, Ms. 
Blackshere has been involved in a number of civic and political 
organizations as well. These organizations include the Alliance for 
Retired Americans Labor-Management Cooperation Council, United Way of 
Illinois, Voices for Illinois Children, Workers Compensation Advisory 
Board, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the American Red Cross 
of Greater Chicago. She has also been a delegate to the Democratic 
National Convention and has been a member of the Democratic National 
Committee.
  While Ms. Blackshere is retiring from her position as President of 
the Illinois AFL/CIO, she has indicated that she will continue to 
consult, assist and volunteer her time for the causes that have been 
important to her. For those in organized labor and for everyone who 
appreciates the positive impact that the labor movement has had in our 
overall quality of

[[Page E220]]

life, Margaret Blackshere has been a true champion.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of 
appreciation to Margaret Blackshere for her years of dedicated service 
to the working men and women in Illinois and our nation and to wish her 
the very best in the future.

                          ____________________