[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 149 (Friday, October 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SHARON PALMER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to thank an outstanding 
public servant from the State of Connecticut on the occasion of her 
retirement. Sharon Palmer has served for the past three years as 
Commissioner of the Department of Labor and as a lifelong advocate for 
our state's workers.
  During her time as Commissioner, Sharon has left a lasting mark on 
the state's economy by improving workforce training programs, 
strengthening jobs initiatives and working relentlessly to remove fraud 
from state programs. Sharon has simultaneously worked to advance 
opportunity for Connecticut's workers, to preserve the state's valuable 
resources, and to advocate for federal grants that have allowed 
innovation to flourish in our home state.
  Sharon's involvement with workforce issues dates far before her time 
as Commissioner. She worked as the former Vice President of the 
Connecticut AFL-CIO, and president of the state chapter of the American 
Federation of Teachers, serving as an ally and liaison for workers. Her 
previous experience as an educator instilled in her a deep 
understanding of the connection between education, opportunity, and a 
workforce prepared to power a growing economy.
  Sharon never shies from speaking her mind or sticking up for policies 
that Connecticut workers need and deserve. If you are at odds with 
Sharon, you can expect a firm, but fair discussion. She would never 
back down when the well-being of Connecticut families is at stake. 
Sharon hails from Waterford, CT, in the southeastern part of the state. 
Somehow she always found time to participate at the local level of town 
government and was an active member of the Democratic Town Committee. 
Sharon was and is a staunch supporter of mine who helped me win a 
victory to Congress in 2006 in a hard fought race that was decided by 
the smallest of margins--83 votes.
  Sharon also was a devoted wife to her departed husband George and the 
mother of four children, Kerry, Cory, Greg, and Chris.
  Although her advice, hard work, and experience will surely be missed 
by the State of Connecticut, I ask my colleagues to please join in 
wishing my friend Sharon Palmer a restful and enjoyable retirement.

                          ____________________