[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO TAMARA GRIGSBY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 2016

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great woman, 
Tamara Grigsby. She was a social worker, family counselor, instructor, 
state legislator, administrator and advocate for children, women and 
social justice. Ms. Tamara Grigsby passed away on March 14, 2016.
  Tamara Grigsby was born in Pullman, Washington and graduated from 
Memorial High School in Madison. She received an undergraduate degree 
from Howard University and Master's Degree from the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison.
  I am honored to pay tribute to Tamara Grigsby, she was a leader 
extraordinaire. She taught at Carroll and Cardinal Stritch 
Universities, as well as UW-Milwaukee. Tamara served as program manager 
at the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families prior to running and 
winning a seat as one of my successors to serve as representative for 
Wisconsin's 18th Assembly District. In fact, I encouraged Tamara to run 
for this seat. After her retirement from the state legislature, she 
worked for both the Milwaukee Public Schools and Madison Public 
Schools. At the time of her death, she was the Director of Dane 
County's Department of Equity and Inclusion.
  As a legislator from 2005 to 2013, Tamara proved prolific. She both 
introduced and passed a large number of meaningful legislation to 
secure equality, fairness, and opportunity for Wisconsin's citizens. In 
fact in 2010, she was 18 for 18, passing 18 bills the same number as 
the legislative seat that she held. She also served admirably as a 
member of the prestigious Legislature's Joint Finance Committee.
  When she endured a life-threatening health battle in 2011, she fought 
back with the same vigor as she had exhibited on behalf of her 
constituents. Tamara Grigsby received many awards including the Planned 
Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin most prestigious recognition, the 
Rebecca C. Young Legislative Leadership Award and the Congressional 
Black Caucus Foundation, Emerging Leader Award. Further she was named 
as one of the The 30 Most Influential Social Workers Alive Today in 
2014 by the Social Work Degree Guide.
  I am proud to have called Tamara Grigsby my friend; she made a 
positive impact on all of Wisconsin. She leaves behind many friends, 
former staffers, admirers and family members to mourn her passing 
including her dear parents: Dr. E. Howard Grigsby and Bettye Grigsby.
  I was captivated by her passion and commitment to improving the lives 
of Wisconsinites. She was a fierce opponent of policies aimed at 
hurting public schools, health care and stronger communities. She 
fought to address racial and ethnic disparities in our criminal justice 
system, and advancing equality of rights for all.
  Mr. Speaker for these reasons I rise to pay tribute to an amazing 
woman, Tamara Grigsby. While her time with us was a short 41 years, she 
leaves behind an enduring legacy for future leaders to follow.

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