[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 37 (Monday, March 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUE TO STATE SENATOR ANITA BOWSER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness and the utmost 
respect that I take this time to remember a dear friend and one of 
Indiana's most distinguished citizens, State Senator Anita Bowser of 
Michigan City. On Sunday, March 4, 2007, Anita, a member of the Indiana 
General Assembly for the past 27 years, passed away at the age of 86 
after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Known for her commitment 
to preserving the rights of all citizens, Anita will surely be missed 
by her family, friends, and the people she so loyally served.
  Though well-known for her career as a public servant, Anita's life of 
service to her fellow citizens goes far beyond her impressive career as 
an elected official. A revered scholar, Anita received her bachelor's 
degree from Kent State University and a law degree from the McKinley 
School of Law, as well as a master's degree from Purdue University and 
a master's degree and doctorate degree from the University of Notre 
Dame. It should come as no surprise, then, that Anita chose to use her 
vast knowledge to give back to her community by becoming an educator. 
Anita, who taught political science classes at Purdue University North 
Central for many years, touched and enriched the lives of her students, 
many of whom went on to very successful careers in an array of fields. 
As an instructor, she taught her students with the same passion, 
commitment, and energy that she demonstrated as a member of the Indiana 
General Assembly. Her passion for teaching and for challenging her 
students will forever be remembered, and her unwavering commitment to 
the betterment of society will forever live in the hearts and minds of 
those she mentored.
  First elected to the Indiana General Assembly as a member of the 
Indiana House of Representatives in 1980, it was apparent upon her 
arrival that a true champion of civil rights had come to Indianapolis. 
Following a remarkable career as a State Representative, Anita was 
elected to the State Senate in 1992. As a member of both the House and 
Senate, Anita served on many committees, and prior to her passing, she 
was the ranking member on the Senate's Pension and Labor Committee, 
where she fought tirelessly for workers' rights. Additionally, though 
she received many awards and accolades for her efforts in promoting and 
preserving civil rights, Anita has the distinct honor of being the 
first woman to act as House Speaker in the history of the State of 
Indiana.
  Throughout her illustrious career, aside from being known as an 
eloquent speaker, Anita was often referred to as the ``Conscience of 
the General Assembly,'' Undoubtedly, this moniker stemmed from her 
desire to better society through supporting legislation aimed at what 
is just and what is right. This desire for equality and inclusion was 
demonstrated time and time again, even in her final speech from the 
podium, when she reminded her colleagues that the State constitution 
was intended to preserve rights, not to take them away.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring State Senator Anita Bowser for her 
outstanding devotion to her community and the State of Indiana. Her 
unselfish and lifelong dedication to her family, friends, students, and 
those she so faithfully served in her elected positions is worthy of 
the highest commendation. Anita's selflessness and her commitment to 
preserving the rights of all people are an inspiration to us all, and I 
am proud to have called her my friend.

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