[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E178-E179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING LONG-TIME COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND UNION ADVOCATE: MRS. LEORA 
                                  HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our 
community, Mrs. Leora Hill, who passed away on New Year's Day, 2012, at 
the young age of 60. My heart goes out to her husband, Wayne Hill; her 
daughter, Tonii Nichole Brady; her six grandchildren and great-
grandchild; and the rest of her family, friends and loved ones.
  Leora was an extraordinary citizen, an activist for working families, 
a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for her community in 
the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. A fighter for her fellow 
California residents, Leora spent hundreds of hours attending community 
meetings, lobbying elected officials and volunteering on dozens of 
political and public service campaigns.
  Leora's dedication to her fellow Californians led her to a 23-year 
career as a tax technician

[[Page E179]]

for the State Board of Equalization, where she helped thousands of 
entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the state tax process, 
file the necessary paperwork to start their businesses and helping 
entrepreneurs to create jobs and become viable and productive members 
of the business community.
  Her passion for ensuring fair rights and decent wages for 
California's working families kicked off a longtime tenure as an 
activist in her union, SEIU Local 1000, where she became chair of the 
Committee on Political Education, COPE, for Southern California. She 
also served as President of Local 1000's District Labor Council 723, 
where she was the labor leader for state employees in south Los Angeles 
County.
  Leora was a true fighter for the underdog. When state employees were 
threatened with major reductions in wages and furloughed by the 
governor, she made numerous media appearances, speaking out forcefully 
in favor of working families.
  Leora's tireless efforts on behalf of working families were 
recognized by then-SEIU International President Andy Stern with a 
special recognition in 2008.
  Leora was also dedicated to increasing political awareness and civic 
involvement among her fellow residents. Her recruitment of friends, 
neighbors, and co-workers for political campaigns and other efforts to 
improve her community truly made a difference in the lives of countless 
Californians.
  I urge my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Leora Hill for 
her record of civic leadership, her indomitable spirit and her 
remarkable service and contributions to her community and to our 
Nation.