[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE LINDA LAWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to recognize the 2016 Democrat Woman of the Year 
Award recipient, as presented by the Lake County Women's Democratic 
Club. This year's recipient is my good friend, the Honorable Linda 
Lawson, Indiana State Representative. To commemorate this special 
occasion, the organization hosted a celebratory event on Tuesday, 
October 11, 2016, at The Patrician Banquet Center in Schererville, 
Indiana.
   Linda Lawson was born and raised in Hammond, Indiana, where she 
graduated from Donald E. Gavit High School. Later, she attended Indiana 
University Northwest in Gary before embarking on what would be a 
lifelong career in public service. Linda has made her community proud 
and has the distinction of being the first female police officer with 
the Hammond Police Department, from which she retired as a captain 
after 24 years of service. In her continued pursuit of bettering her 
community, Linda was elected to the Indiana General Assembly in 1998, 
as the representative for House District 1, a seat in which she proudly 
remains today.
   Throughout her illustrious career as a state representative, Linda 
served as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, as well as on many 
legislative committees including Environmental Affairs, Courts & 
Criminal Code, Family Affairs, Education, and Labor. In 2012, 
Representative Lawson was elected Indiana House Democratic Floor 
Leader. Holding true to her commitment to protect and serve, she has 
been a tireless advocate and leader in the push for essential domestic 
violence legislation. Representative Lawson has received numerous 
honors and accolades for her exemplary service and dedication to the 
community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, and she is an inspiration to 
us all.
   Linda Lawson selflessly and passionately gives her time to various 
community organizations and civic activities for which she is very 
proud. These organizations include Haven House, the Hammond Historical 
Society Board, the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce, the League 
of Women Voters, the Humane Society of the Calumet Area, and the Boys & 
Girls Club.
   Linda's excellence in her field and commitment to charitable 
endeavors throughout the community is exceeded only by her devotion to 
her amazing family. She has two beloved daughters, Laura and Jennifer, 
and one cherished granddaughter, Genavive.
   I am proud to call Linda Lawson my friend. Throughout the years, she 
has been an outstanding advocate for the community of Northwest 
Indiana, as well as our state. She epitomizes what it means to be a 
public servant. I am grateful for what she has done for so many for so 
long.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in honoring the Honorable Linda Lawson for her lifetime of 
leadership and outstanding service to the community. Her continuous 
effort to improve the quality of life for the residents of Indiana is 
remarkable, and she is worthy of the highest praise.

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