[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ANN RICHARDS' EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEXAS AND 
                          AMERICAN PUBLIC LIFE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of 
Dorothy Ann Willis Richards, and in full support of H.R. 42--
legislation recognizing the extraordinary contributions Ann Richards 
made to the great state of Texas and American public life.
  Ann Richards had a zest for life that was evident and infectious. She 
was a wonderful public speaker and found ways to intimately connect 
with real people by tackling difficult issues that affected their 
everyday lives. Ann was tremendously tenacious but possessed a quick 
wit. She was well known for her zingy-one-liners and warm sense of 
humor.
  Committed to issues of equity and inclusion, Ann spent much of her 
life championing causes related to the marginalization of women and 
minorities in particular. She dedicated herself to increasing the role 
of women in politics. Ann organized training sessions throughout Texas 
designed to empower women in politics and succeeded in improving the 
visibility of women in the National Democratic Party. Aim became the 
Governor of Texas in 1991 and continued to champion the inclusion of 
all people in the political process.
  While in office, Ann oversaw a program of economic revitalization 
that grew the state's economy. As governor, Ann appointed Zan W. Holmes 
Jr., the first African-American appointed to the University of Texas 
Board of Regents; she redirected revenue from the state lottery to a 
school fund to support public education; and launched the Robin Hood 
plan, an attempt to equalize funding across school districts. Through 
these measures, Ann was successful in changing the ways that both Texas 
and our country thought about and treated women, ethnic minorities, 
people with disabilities, and members of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, 
and Bisexual communities. Ann once remarked that she entered politics 
to help those who were often ignored by the Texas' male dominated 
establishment.
  It is with great pride that I rise in support of H.R. 42 and 
recognize, before all, the contributions of a wonderful woman, 
committed leader and champion for all.

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