[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1284-E1285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO LAURA M. TOY, FOR HER DISTINGUISHED CAREER SERVING THE STATE 
                              OF MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 13, 2007

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
the distinguished career of Laura M. Toy, former Michigan State Senator 
representing the 6th District of Wayne County.
  Throughout her career, Senator Toy improved the lives of countless 
citizens. Born on December 22, 1951, Senator Toy was raised in Livonia, 
Michigan, where she still resides today. After graduating from 
Livonia's Bentley High School, where she was president of her 
graduating class, she earned an Associate of Arts degree from 
Schoolcraft College, and thereafter a Bachelor of General Studies 
Degree from the University of Michigan.
  Senator Toy began serving her community at a young age. A longtime 
small business owner, as a child she first sold pot holders to the 
neighbors to purchase clothes for her sister, Carol. She also sold 
penny candy to neighborhood children out of her garage, and was a 
member of the local Girl Scouts council. Later in her career, Senator 
Toy became a 28 year co-owner of Cardwell Florist in Livonia and a 7 
year member of the Schoolcraft Community College Board of Trustees. 
With tireless devotion, she dedicated her time to improving the 
community as a Livonia City Council member for 8 years, the Livonia 
City Treasurer for 3 years, and as the 19th District Michigan State 
Representative for 4 years.
  Thereafter, on November 7, 2002, Senator Toy was elected to the 
Michigan State Senate. During her tenure, Senator Toy served as Chair 
of the Local, Urban and State Affairs, Senior Citizens and Veteran 
Affairs Committees, and Vice Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee; 
and previously as Vice Chair of the Technology and Energy Committee. 
The sponsor of 22 Public Acts, she championed efforts to enhance 
Michigan's educational system, strengthen small businesses, and promote 
the rights of people with disabilities.
  For her unwavering commitment to excellence, she has earned a number 
of prestigious awards, including: the Livonia Women of the Year and 
Outstanding Young Women of America awards, the Livonia Chamber of 
Commerce Athena Award, the YMCA Honorable Legislator Award, the 
University of Michigan Alumni Community Service of the Year Award, and 
the Schoolcraft College Alumnus of the Year Award. The Association of 
the Retarded Citizen also recognized her efforts to improve the lives 
of people with disabilities in 2000 with the Legislator of the Year 
award.
  Senator Toy attributes her inspiration to the loved ones around her, 
including: her mother, Eileen Toy, who passed away in April of 2006, 
disabled brother Glen, who also passed away in 1998, sister Carol, 
brother Bruce, niece Corrin, nephew Christopher, and long-time business 
partner, Colleen Siembor. In return, her compassion, dedication, and 
loyalty continues to inspire all who know her.
  Madam Speaker, during her distinguished career, Senator Toy has 
bettered the lives of

[[Page E1285]]

countless Michiganders. As she embarks upon the next chapter of her 
life, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding her legendary 
leadership, and in thanking her for her unfaltering service to our 
community and our country.

                          ____________________