[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF MURIEL JOHNSON'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Muriel 
Johnson, an unparalleled leader and a prominent member of our 
community, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring this great civic-minded woman whose vision and 
commitment to both public service and the arts has contributed so much 
to the Sacramento region.
  A Sacramento resident since 1962, Muriel has dedicated her life to 
public service and civic involvement. She served several terms on the 
Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, was elected President of the 
California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and served on the CSAC 
Board of Directors for twelve years. She also served as Chair of the 
Sacramento Area Council of Governments and was the Governor's appointee 
to the Capitol Area Committee for eleven years. Additionally Muriel 
served on the Sacramento Public Library Authority, Sacramento Area 
Flood Control Agency, Cable Commission, Sacramento Regional Sanitation 
District, Sacramento Regional Transit, and the Sacramento Air Quality 
Management District. An ardent advocate for women leaders, Muriel 
served as President for the California Elected Women's Association for 
Education and Research, now known as California Women Lead, working to 
increase appointments of women to state boards and commissions.
  As a steadfast leader in our community, Muriel has championed local 
causes and organizations, raising funds for charities and holding 
various leadership positions, including President of the Crocker Art 
Museum and of the Sacramento Junior League. Muriel was appointed 
Director of the California Arts Council by Governor Arnold 
Schwarzenegger in 2005 and during her six year tenure, she promoted 
awareness of and public participation in the arts, while strengthening 
outreach and education efforts. A consistent supporter of investing in 
local arts, Muriel championed Sacramento County's Art in Public Places 
which expands the presence of art in public spaces. In 2004 she was 
named the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's ``Sacramentan 
of the Year'' honoring her decades of dedication to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the great life of my friend and mentor, Muriel Johnson, as she 
celebrates her 80th birthday with her husband Ernest, her children, 
grandchildren, friends and family in Sacramento. Her work has made a 
lasting impact on our community.

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