[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 84 (Monday, June 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF ANDREA STILLMAN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2014

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this year the people of Connecticut's 20th 
Senate district fondly say goodbye to longtime State Senator Andrea 
Stillman, who is retiring from office after almost 22 years of service 
to her community. Known both as a champion of education and a mentor to 
her peers, her role in influencing both young minds and fellow 
legislators has left a legacy to Connecticut for years to come.
  Andrea's career has been marked by determination and an ability to 
defy expectations. First elected to the Connecticut House of 
Representatives from the 38th district in 1992, she faced the daunting 
task of replacing another long-time public servant in Janet Polinsky, 
yet never backed down from the challenge. This past winter, despite 
health concerns that many of her colleagues expected to sideline her, 
Andrea persevered and continued serving her constituents in the State 
Senate.
  In 2012, Andrea designed numerous public education reforms which will 
help close the achievement gap in our state, and vastly improve 
education from the pre-k through elementary years. Senator Stillman was 
also appointed by the commissioner of the State Department of Education 
to represent Connecticut on the New England Secondary School 
Consortium. Just recently, Andrea helped secure a grant for New 
London's Garde Arts Center that will help grow the theatre to include 
the New London Magnet School of Visual and Performing Arts--a critical 
component of New London's school system. For these efforts and 
countless others over the course of her career, Andrea was honored by 
the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents with their 
2014 Legislator Award.
  Beyond education, Andrea championed local initiatives large and small 
to improve her community. In 2004, Andrea stood by residents of East 
Lyme to help preserve the Oswegatchie Hills from development, and in 
2007 she co-chaired a panel of legislators that helped block a proposal 
to build a floating liquid natural gas platform in Long Island Sound. 
For years, she has been vocal in seeking to improve the transportation 
infrastructure of Southeastern Connecticut, pursuing the continued 
construction of Route 11, and holding Amtrak and Shoreline East 
officials accountable for the quality of services provided on local 
rails.
  Andrea's colleagues in the state legislature will remember her 
leadership, her collegiality, and her deep dedication to her 
constituents. Sporting nicknames like the ``Iron Lady of Southeastern 
Connecticut,'' the ``Matriarch'' and the ``Den Mother'' of the State 
Senate, it is obvious how highly regarded she is by all those whom she 
works with. In an era of negative politics, her colleagues have lauded 
her as a role model for respectful dialogue on the Senate floor.
  I want to wish Andrea the most sincere of congratulations on a 
singular career of public service, and the best of luck in everything 
the future holds for her. I know she will find many more ways to 
contribute to the lives of residents throughout Connecticut. I ask my 
colleagues to please join me in recognizing Andrea's efforts.

                          ____________________