[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING 2016 NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH HONOREE SISTER MARY 
                          MADONNA ASHTON, CSJ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Mary 
Madonna Ashton, CSJ, who has earned the prominent distinction of being 
named a 2016 National Women's History Month Honoree by the National 
Women's History Project. This esteemed honor befits a woman who has 
dedicated her life to being a leader, advocate and policy-maker in the 
quest for equal access to health care for all in Minnesota and 
throughout the United States.
  Raised as an Episcopalian, Sister Mary Madonna converted to 
Catholicism while attending what is now Saint Catherine University in 
Saint Paul, Minnesota. After graduating and receiving a Masters of 
Social Work, she became a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, serving 
as a social worker at Saint Joseph's Hospital then later as an 
administrator at Saint Mary's Hospital after earning a second Master's 
degree. She was named President and CEO of Saint Mary's Hospital and 
stayed in that role for twenty years until her retirement in 1982.
  Sister Mary Madonna's first attempt at retirement was short lived. In 
1983, Governor Rudy Perpich appointed her as the State Commissioner of 
Health. The appointment of the first woman and first non-physician as 
Health Commissioner was controversial at first. However, Sister Mary 
Madonna quickly earned respect from critics and supporters alike, by 
effectively challenging the tobacco industry and leading the state 
response to the onset of the AIDS crisis. During her two terms as 
Commissioner, she made Minnesota a pioneer in efforts to combat tobacco 
use. Our state was among the first to outlaw smoking in places of 
employment, hospitals and restaurants, a monumental legal and public 
health victory that would start a national movement. She also led the 
way in using state funding to combat underage smoking, ultimately 
leading to the Minnesota Twins removing all tobacco advertisements from 
its stadium and Northwest (now Delta) Airlines banning smoking on 
domestic flights.
  Since completing her appointment as Commissioner in 1991, Sister Mary 
Madonna has continued to serve those in need. She led the creation of 
Saint Mary's Health Clinics in order to provide quality health care for 
those without insurance. The clinics continue today with the same 
mission and serve as a reminder that though we have made much progress 
in making health care affordable and available to all, more work needs 
to be done.
  As a National Women's History Month Honoree, Sister Mary Madonna 
stands as one of 16 notable women who exemplify the National Women's 
History Project's 2016 theme of ``Working to Form a More Perfect Union: 
Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.'' Sister Mary Madonna 
and these other honorees join the company of such female trailblazers 
as Rosa Parks, Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt and Billie Jean King.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ of Saint 
Paul, Minnesota and all 16 Honorees for their commitment to public 
service and advocacy for others. These women stand as shining examples 
for all women and men for their dedication to the common good.

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