[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND WORK OF ANNE GAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK POCAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent who 
dedicated her life's work to advancing principles of justice and 
fairness in her community, her state, and her country.
  Anne Nicol Gaylor began her life in a small town near Tomah, 
Wisconsin. After graduating high school at age 16 and earning a degree 
from University of Wisconsin-Madison, she became a businesswoman and 
editor at Middleton Times Tribune where she successfully transformed 
the publication into an award-winning weekly. Anne notably founded the 
Women's Medical Fund which has raised and donated nearly $3 million to 
low-income women who lack access to healthcare services. Throughout her 
career, Anne remained involved with the Women's Medical Fund and was a 
tireless advocate for women's rights.
  In 1976, Anne founded the Freedom from Religion Foundation, the 
nation's leading defender in the fight to protect and preserve the 
separation of church and state. This organization grew from a small 
group of committed individuals discussing the advancement of civil 
liberties into a major national organization with more than 23,000 
members.
  Throughout her retirement, she remained active in the Women's Medical 
Fund, dedicating her time to providing direct service to those in need. 
Thanks to her tireless leadership, Anne received a number of 
prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Humanist Heroine 
Award from the American Humanist Association, Wisconsin National 
Organization for Women's Feminist of the Year Award, and NARAL's Tiller 
Award. These outstanding achievements and recognitions are a testimony 
to Anne's resilient spirit and tireless advocacy on behalf of the 
issues closest to her heart.
  Anne's commitment to community and work as an activist, feminist, and 
free-thinker have been invaluable to Wisconsin.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Ms. Anne Nicol 
Gaylor today.

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