[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 179 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE BETTY BOUKUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2016

  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Connecticut State 
Representative Betty Boukus, a beloved public servant who worked 
tirelessly on behalf of Connecticut families. Betty passed away on 
Friday at the age of 73. She leaves behind her husband, Gary, of more 
than 50 years, one son, four grandchildren, and countless friends who 
cherished her as an incomparable community leader and exemplary human 
being. I am proud to count myself among them.
  Betty was elected to the General Assembly in 1994, immediately 
distinguishing herself as a fierce champion for the people of her 
beloved Plainville and New Britain. She enthusiastically immersed 
herself in her role on the Bonding Subcommittee, working diligently to 
ensure taxpayer dollars were directed to those projects that would do 
the most public good. Betty's efforts helped turn important initiatives 
to expand our state's flagship university and create new local open 
spaces from idea into reality. She was truly a ground-up legislator, 
bringing kids and families who felt left out of the political system 
back into the process of governing. Betty gave them a voice, helped 
them advocate for their needs, and restored their faith in democracy.
  In her spare time, Betty organized an annual Secret Santa program to 
collect gifts for local veterans. That's just who Betty was. She always 
put people--and never politics--first. She didn't lob insults or take 
cheap shots. Whether you were a Democrat or Republican, you could count 
on her to greet you with a warm laugh and a big hug. A teacher by 
training and by nature, Betty went out of her way to serve as a mentor 
to her colleagues in the General Assembly. She was extraordinarily 
generous with her time and counsel. In giving advice, she mastered the 
difficult art of being both truthful and kind. Her wisdom and her 
example made me a better public servant and a better person.
  Even as her health declined, Betty was determined to serve her 
neighbors to the very end, guided by the principles that had made her a 
leader in her community for decades: integrity, optimism, and a 
commitment to helping as many people as she could. Betty's loss leaves 
a hole in our hearts, but we take solace in the knowledge that the 
lasting good she fought for throughout her career will always be with 
us.

                          ____________________