[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1615-E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING LORI PELLETIER, 2014 RECIPIENT OF THE ELLA T. GRASSO AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, each year the Connecticut Democratic Party 
recognizes the contributions of a woman whose leadership, vision, and 
hard work has served to improve the status of women in our state with 
an award named in honor of former Governor Ella T. Grasso. It is with 
great pleasure that I rise today to join the many friends and 
colleagues who have gathered in extending my heartfelt congratulations 
to this year's honoree, Lori Pelletier, Executive Secretary-Treasurer 
of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
  Lori began her career as machinist at Pratt & Whitney in the 1990s. 
Rising through the ranks and recognizing the economic and personal 
challenges so many of her brothers and sisters in the labor movement 
faced, she became involved in the Connecticut AFL-CIO organization and 
served in its number 2 position for 14 years. Just last Fall, with her 
incomparable passion, drive, and dedication, Lori broke the proverbial 
glass ceiling becoming the first woman elected to lead Connecticut's 
largest labor federation--and she was elected to the post unanimously.
  When I reflect on all of her good work and many contributions to both 
the labor movement and public discourse Lori has made over the years, 
it brings to mind a quote that has served as an inspiration to me for 
many years. In 1933 my mother wrote an article in the 10th Ward 
Democratic newsletter in which she said, ``It is not my intention to be 
critical, rather my motive in writing this article is to encourage the 
female members of this organization to take a more active part in its 
affairs. We are not living in the middle ages when a woman's part in 
life was merely to serve her master in her home, but we have gradually 
taken our place in every phase of human endeavor, and even in the here-
to-for stronghold of the male sex: politics. I have noticed that the 
girls, unlike the men, are timid in asserting themselves, and many a 
good idea is lost, having been suppressed by its creator. Come on 
girls, let's make ourselves heard.''
  An advocate for the hard-working men and women of Connecticut, a 
driving force in the public policy debates of our state legislature, 
and truly one of the hardest working women I have ever had the pleasure 
of collaborating with, Lori has and continues to make herself heard. 
She is a powerhouse--a respected voice on issues ranging from workers' 
compensation and unemployment compensation to corporate accountability 
and workers' rights. There are few individuals who better reflect the 
spirit in which the Ella T. Grasso Award is bestowed.
  I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank Lori for her 
many years of friendship. Like so many of those gathered today, I have 
often sought her advice and counsel and she has always been there. I am 
honored to again extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lori Pelletier 
on this very special recognition. My friend--our work is not yet 
complete and I look forward to standing with you as we continue the 
fight on behalf of working families for safe

[[Page E1616]]

workplaces, fair wages, and secure retirements.

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