[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING INDIANA STATE SENATOR MARVIN RIEGSECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
distinguished Indiana State Senator Marvin Riegsecker. Senator 
Riegsecker, age 71, succumbed to his long battle with cancer on 
Tuesday, September 30, 2008.
  Senator Riegsecker's career in the Indiana State Senate began in 
1988, and he became renowned and respected for his bipartisan approach 
to pressing issues in our great State of Indiana. He championed the 
causes of those who suffer, such as providing services to those with 
mental retardation and developmental disabilities and protecting 
seniors and other consumers from counterfeit prescription drugs. These 
efforts justly brought him national recognition from legislative and 
public health associations. He also played an integral role in the 
promotion of higher education, helping to include a $16 million 
allocation in the biennial state budget for a new Ivy Tech Community 
College campus in Elkhart. Senator Riegsecker chaired the Senate 
Committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation and was 
ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environmental 
Affairs. He also served as a member of the Senate Committee on Health 
and Provider Services.
  Senator Riegsecker's illustrious service was commemorated by many 
awards including the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement 
Award, the Indiana Optometric Association's Outstanding Service in the 
Public Interest Award, and the Henry Cade Memorial Award.
  Prior to his career in the state legislature, Senator Riegsecker 
earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado's 
School of Pharmacy and became a pillar in the pharmaceutical 
profession. He began his public service career in Indiana as Elkhart 
County Coroner from 1977 to 1984 and was elected County Commissioner 
from 1985 to 1988.
  Senator Riegsecker's legacy as a public servant will be defined by 
his passionate advocacy and his legislative integrity. He will be 
dearly missed by his family, his constituents, and by Hoosiers across 
the State. It is with great pride and honor that I rise today to honor 
a great man, Indiana State Senator Marvin Riegsecker.

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