[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING KENNETH W. MacGREGOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kenneth W. 
MacGregor. Kenneth passed away on January 9, 2009 after battling 
cancer. He was an outstanding advocate for public education and 
providing a better future for our children.
  After graduating from Michigan State University, Kenneth taught high 
school government and coached swimming. He became active in the 
Michigan Education Association and was instrumental in the development 
of their Political Action Committee. Working in the Michigan Education 
Association's Government Relations Department, Kenneth was active in 
promoting education issues in both Lansing and Washington. He advocated 
for public education and public education employees at all levels of 
government. During his 30 year career he implemented strategies that 
made the Political Action Committee a force to be reckoned with and 
emulated.
  During Gary Owen's tenure as the Speaker of the Michigan House of 
Representatives, he tapped Kenneth to serve as his Director of Public 
Affairs. In 2001 he joined the National Education Association's 
political team and worked as the Field Manager, Government Relations 
West. He retired from this position in 2006.
  Even after his retirement, Kenneth still devoted time to political 
causes. He was an active backer of ``Get out the Vote'' campaigns. He 
had a can-do frame of mind and always believed that students deserved 
the best education possible.
  Kenneth was married to Sue MacGregor for 21 years. They have two sons 
and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother and two 
brothers.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring the memory of Kenneth W. MacGregor. His legacy lives on in the 
classrooms and public schools of Michigan and across our nation. 
Because of his life's work, students have gained better resources, 
better teachers, and better services. The public education system has 
lost a great supporter and I mourn his passing.

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