[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E975-E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BECKY YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Becky Young, a 
former Wisconsin State Representative. Throughout her seven consecutive 
terms in the Assembly, Young was a tireless advocate for her 
constituents and their families, and she left a lasting impact on the 
entire State of Wisconsin that will not be forgotten.
  Beginning her political career as a Dane County Supervisor in 1970, 
Becky focused on health care issues that had not been adequately 
addressed but were especially important to women. Becky's pioneering 
work did not end there. In 1974, she became the first woman to serve as 
Wisconsin Highway Commissioner. Later, she became the Deputy Secretary 
of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. While serving on the 
Madison School Board from 1979 to 1985, Becky demonstrated a unique 
enthusiasm for education reform. Her determination to ensure that every 
child realizes the potential of education was indeed rare.
  Becky's unwavering commitment to children and families began to 
permeate through the State Legislature in 1984 when she was first 
elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. During her tenure in the 
Assembly, Young served on the Education Committee for several terms and 
as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children and Human Services from 
1987 to 1995. She also served as the Ranking Democratic Member on the 
Assembly Committee on Children and Families and chaired the Special

[[Page E976]]

Committee on Women Offenders in the Correctional System. Using these 
avenues, Young was able to enact meaningful solutions to a range of 
issues facing the people of her district and the State of Wisconsin as 
a whole. Becky Young gave a voice to those women and children who were 
not being heard in the halls of the State Capitol at the time.
  I was honored to serve in the Assembly with Becky from 1993 until 
1999. I witnessed firsthand her passion for helping others and 
improving the lives of those she could reach. It was a privilege to 
work with as passionate a woman as Becky and her presence will be 
forever missed at the Capitol in Madison.
  Becky's love for helping people has been evident throughout her 
career as she has always maintained strong ties to the community. The 
YWCA recognized Becky as a Woman of Distinction for her tireless 
efforts to improve the quality of life for all women, and the Wisconsin 
Women's Network named her the 1992 Stateswoman of the Year. She has 
also been recognized by a variety of other organizations that have 
benefited from her diligence and volunteerism. Undoubtedly, Becky 
remains dedicated to the people of Wisconsin.
  For her hard work, pioneering leadership, and service to our 
communities, I join the entire State of Wisconsin in saluting and 
thanking Becky Young. She is an inspiration to all women and I carry 
her legacy and mission with me as I fight for all families in our 
Nation's capital.

                          ____________________