[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S7011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       KATHARINE ``KAPPY'' SCATES

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today I want to say a few words about one 
of the most admired members of my staff, Katharine ``Kappy'' Scates. 
Kappy is retiring at the end of the year. I don't know what we will do 
without her. Oftentimes, public servants are in it for the accolades--
not Kappy. She, in her own quiet way, just wanted to make a difference 
in people's lives.
  Since 1996, when I first ran for the U.S. Senate, Kappy has been my 
eyes and ears in southern Illinois. She is a retired elementary school 
teacher and a friend of my predecessor and mentor Senator Paul Simon. 
Kappy joined our campaign as a volunteer, and we all fell in love with 
her. She not only knew everybody, she was happy to drive the wheels off 
her car to be everywhere. In 1999, Kappy came to work for us in our 
Marion, IL, offices. She quickly became indispensable.
  When it comes to southern Illinois, Kappy is a human rolodex. From 
Carmi to Cairo, Kappy Scates is a household name. On my behalf, Kappy 
met with countless people. She listened to their ideas and concerns--
and did her best to help solve problems. And whatever the task, there 
isn't a town in southern Illinois that Kappy can't recruit a few folks 
to pitch in and help. People know that when you are on Kappy's side, 
you are on the right side.
  Let me give just one example. In Ridgway, IL, Kappy helped a dental 
clinic. It wasn't easy; there were hurdles every step of the way. But 
Kappy would not take no for an answer. She got all the equipment and 
convinced hygienists and a part-time dentist to help out in this 
severely underserved community. I got the credit, but it was Kappy's 
vision, hard work, and determination that made it happen.
  I could go on about all those Kappy has helped, but let me tell just 
one story--about a housekeeper at a motel where I often stay. Years 
ago, at 62 years old, she told me that she had never in her life had 
health insurance--not for a single day. She had worked as a cook, 
waitress, and housekeeper, but had never known the security of having 
health insurance. She hadn't even seen a doctor in over 20 years. Enter 
Kappy Scates. Kappy spent hours meeting with her and helping her figure 
out a solution. Finally, because of the Affordable Care Act and Kappy's 
help signing her up--she was able to afford health insurance for the 
first time in her life. But that is not the end of the story.
  You see, after my friend saw a doctor for the first time in more than 
two decades, she was told she was diabetic. Fortunately, Kappy had 
stayed in touch. She drove her to doctor appointments and helped get 
the critical medications she needed. It probably saved her life. That 
is who Kappy is--always going above and beyond the call of duty. She 
has a great heart and pours it into everything she does.
  I want to thank Steve--Kappy's husband of more than 56 years--their 
children: Steve, Carole, Tim, Susie, and 18 grandchildren--for sharing 
so much of their wife, mother, and grandmother with the community. I 
also want to thank the entire Scates family, who have lived in the 
Shawneetown area since the early 1800s. You can't set foot in southern 
Illinois without running into a member of the Scates family. They are 
the heartbeat of one of the best parts of our State. The Scates family 
farm is a well-known and respected family operation. In fact, it is not 
only one of the largest family farms in Illinois, it is known as one of 
the best. Throughout the years, the Scates family support and 
generosity have meant more that I can express in words.
  I will close with this. I believe in the role of public service to 
make a difference. Kappy's years of service reflect that, too. Our 
Nation needs more people like Kappy Scates. I couldn't be more proud of 
the work she has done--and the person she is. I am honored to 
congratulate her on a job well done, and I am lucky to count her as a 
friend. I wish Kappy, Steve, and her family all the best.

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