[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 98 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF PETER ``ED'' REILLY UPON HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleague Representative 
John Larson of Connecticut to honor the long record of service to 
working men and women by Peter ``Ed'' Reilly, retiring Business Manager 
and Financial Secretary of the Ironworkers Union Local 15, of Hartford, 
Connecticut. Ed has been a leader in Local 15 for 19 years, advocating 
for his members who build the infrastructure of our state--buildings, 
transportation, water works and mass transit--leaving a lasting legacy 
which will benefit Connecticut businesses and families for generations. 
He did so while ensuring his members receive fair wages with health 
benefits and pension security which are the pillars of middle class 
prosperity.
  During Ed's tenure, he created and maintained a strong apprenticeship 
program providing apprenticeships to young residents of Connecticut--
many from low income families who otherwise would not have had any 
chance to escape their circumstances. He literally has transformed the 
lives of thousands with his apprenticeship efforts.
  Ed has also served as a leader in Connecticut's labor community, 
presiding over the greater Hartford Building Trade Council, Eastern 
Connecticut Building Trade Council, and Connecticut Building Trade 
Council. He was a frequent presence at the State Capitol, calling on 
his deep understanding and respect for the political process. Ed drew 
his strong political knowledge in part from his father Peter Reilly 
Sr., who also led Local 15 and later had a distinguished career as 
Commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Labor. The 
Reilly family can be proud of a compelling and unique political and 
governing legacy in the State of Connecticut.
  Lastly, we want to note that all of these accomplishments came with a 
high personal cost. Ed's workday started at the crack of dawn and ended 
late at night, with little or no break, even on the weekends. Ed and 
his family--his wife Noreen and his children Peter and Raeanne--have 
earned a long and fruitful retirement. We both ask the full House to 
join us in extending our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to 
Ed and his family as they begin this new chapter of their lives.

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