[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING MARY BABULA

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
work of Mary Babula.
  For 44 years, Mary was a tireless and passionate advocate for 
children and early childhood educators and a valued resource for 
policymakers.
  I was fortunate to work closely with Mary throughout my time in local 
and State government and later as a Member of the House of 
Representatives. Beyond our professional work together, Mary was a 
friend and also a mentor.
  I first met Mary in the 1980s when I was serving on the Dane County 
Board of Supervisors and concurrently in an appointed position on the 
Community Coordinated Child Care board of directors.
  Mary was at once an advocate for children and for the predominantly 
female professionals who teach and care for them. She understood that 
our children would only have safe, stimulating, and nurturing 
experiences in childcare settings if we invested in their training, 
credentialing, and adequate compensation.
  Those who are entrusted with the care of children while their parents 
are engaged in work or study deserve that high value. Mary was a 
passionate leader in that regard.
  Mary Babula organized early childhood educators to be effective 
voices on their own behalf. Whether it was lobbying for tuition 
assistance funding for low-income parents to be able to be afford high-
quality childcare or rallying for worthy wages, Mary wanted early 
childhood educators to be seen, heard, and respected.
  A Wisconsin native, Mary Babula attended the University of Wisconsin-
Madison and graduated with a degree in social work, later receiving a 
graduate degree in continuing and vocational education. She began her 
work with children as a part-time volunteer at a Madison daycare center 
while in college. She later worked as a teacher and director at 
Christian Day Care Center in Madison.
  In 1971, Mary began working with the Wisconsin Early Childhood 
Association, otherwise known as WECA, and later became the 
organization's executive director. During her years at WECA, Mary led 
the organization through a wide variety of instrumental changes. The 
establishment of the Federal child care and development block grant 
signaled new opportunities for WECA to increase its direct impact on 
childhood education and development. Through this program, WECA managed 
quality-improvement grants and established the Wisconsin Child Care 
Improvement Project. This project spurred the development of Child Care 
Resource and Referral agencies throughout Wisconsin, which provided 
parents a clear and responsible guide when selecting child care.
  In the 2000s, WECA began to administer the REWARD Wisconsin Stipend 
Program, supported a mentoring program, and led efforts that resulted 
in the development and beginning of YoungStar, an important program 
that continues to serve as Wisconsin's childcare quality rating and 
improvement system. Her efforts and initiatives at WECA continue as her 
legacy.
  Mary's passion for her children, caregivers, and educators extended 
well past the walls of WECA. She was eager to work with elected 
officials at the State, local, and Federal level to lend her expertise 
and knowledge. I had the privilege of working closely with Mary on 
numerous occasions and often sought her input on childcare issues as 
important legislation advanced through Congress.
  Beyond her work with children, Mary brought her energy and dedication 
to numerous community groups, including Womonsong, Friendship Force, 
and the Wisconsin Women's Network.
  I am fortunate to have known Mary as an advocate, as a friend, and as 
a mentor. I never let her small stature fool me. She had a soft yet 
powerful voice when it came to ensuring that the youngest and most 
vulnerable members of our community received a very strong start in 
life. Thousands of Wisconsin families can trace the early education of 
their children directly back to her advocacy. She leaves behind a huge 
and powerful legacy.
  Mary Babula passed away late last year. She is survived by her life 
partner, Mary Mastaglio, her mother Miriam, and three sisters. Many 
family members and friends join in celebrating her life and legacy.
  I yield back the remainder of my time.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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