[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     REMEMBERING TAMARA D. GRIGSBY

 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and 
legacy of Tamara D. Grigsby, whose untimely passing at the age of 41 
has left Wisconsin without one of its greatest champions for equality 
and justice. Tamara committed her life to public service and making a 
difference in the lives of others. She was known for her honesty, 
dedication, and ability to see beyond partisan posturing to become a 
voice for those too often forgotten.
  Growing up in Madison, WI, Tamara's path in life was shaped by her 
experiences confronting economic disparity and racial bias as a student 
in what is considered Wisconsin's most liberal city. When asked about 
the apparent dichotomy of this circumstance, she simply responded: 
``I'm a liberal. But liberal doesn't mean enlightened, and it doesn't 
mean informed.'' That statement embodies the essence of who Tamara was.
  After earning a bachelor's degree at Howard University and a master's 
degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Tamara put her energy 
and skills to work as a social worker in the Milwaukee office of the 
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. Upon seeing the impact she 
could have on individual lives, she became convinced of the need for 
effective advocacy on a larger scale.
  In 2004, she successfully ran for the Wisconsin Legislature. Her 
drive and passion to change the world around her led to her success in 
a three-way primary and an unopposed general election to represent the 
18th Assembly District in Milwaukee. During her tenure in the assembly, 
Tamara was a strong advocate for disadvantaged families and at-risk 
children, who were too often overlooked and marginalized.
  Tamara quickly gained the respect of her colleagues as a passionate, 
strong voice for equity, fairness, and the expansion of opportunity. 
She immersed herself in the legislative process as a member of the 
joint finance committee and as chair of the assembly committee on 
children and families. She was an outspoken and effective advocate on 
critical issues such as access to scientifically based sex education 
and birth control, expansion of transitional jobs to connect unemployed 
individuals with work, examination of the State's disproportionate 
Black incarceration rate, and the collection of racial data in police 
traffic stops. She stood fast against opposition to low-income tax 
credits and quality health care for low-income Wisconsin residents.
  Although an unexpected illness ended her 8 years as a State 
representative in 2012, her public service continued. She worked in the 
Milwaukee Public School system and was tapped to lead Dane County's 
Department of Equity and Inclusion. It is in this role that Tamara's 
life came full circle. She was once again in Madison challenging the 
status quo on the issues that inspired her to become a fierce advocate 
for the poor and underrepresented.
  Although Tamara's time with us was too short, she leaves behind a 
legacy for future leaders to emulate. She will always be remembered for 
having the courage to speak for those who didn't have a voice.

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