[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 150 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR NANCY WYMAN FOR HER SERVICE TO CONNECTICUT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2018

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the Connecticut Democratic Party as well as friends, family, 
and colleagues from across the state in extending my heartfelt 
congratulations and sincere thanks to an outstanding Connecticut leader 
and my good friend, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, as she is honored 
with the 2018 Ella Grasso Award.
  The first woman to be elected Governor of Connecticut, and the first 
woman in the nation to be elected without having been the spouse or 
widow of a former governor, Ella Grasso was a trailblazer for women in 
the world of politics. Each year, the Connecticut Democratic Party 
honors a woman serving in public life whose contributions to our state 
reflect Ella Grasso's leadership and vision. I can think of no one who 
has shown more dedication and commitment to making our state a better 
place for all of our residents than our own Nancy Wyman.
  Nancy was an x-ray technician and mother of two when she first ran 
for public office seeking a seat on the Tolland Board of Education. She 
was successful in her pursuit and thus began a career in public service 
that has spanned more than three decades. Following her eight-year 
tenure as a member of the Board of Education, Nancy went on to run and 
serve in Connecticut's State House of Representatives for four terms 
before seeking statewide office in 1994. Nancy was the first woman to 
be elected Comptroller, a position which she held for sixteen years and 
only left when she was asked by now-Governor Dannel Malloy to be his 
Lieutenant Governor. As Lieutenant Governor, Nancy has chaired the 
Board of Access Health CT, Connecticut's official health insurance 
marketplace. Created in 2011 to comply with the federal Affordable Care 
Act, her leadership has helped Access Health CT to become nationally 
recognized as one of the best health exchanges in the country and a 
model on which other states have developed their exchanges. Whether on 
the Board of Education, in the State House, as Comptroller, or 
Lieutenant Governor, Nancy has served our state and its residents with 
honor and distinction, earning her the respect and admiration of all of 
those who worked with her no matter their political persuasion.
  Nancy is one of Connecticut's most beloved politicians. With her 
witty sense of humor, her straight-shooting honesty, and the sky-high 
heels she is known for wearing for everything from press conferences to 
parades, Nancy connects with people from every walk of life. You know 
she is in your corner every time. I, like so many others, consider 
myself fortunate to call her my friend and I would be remiss if I did 
not take this opportunity to thank her for the countless times she has 
been there for me. She is my soul-sister--a kindred spirit whom I have 
been proud to work with and I cannot thank her enough for her 
friendship, support, and good work on our behalf.
  Nancy Wyman, in so many ways, is a reflection of the very spirit in 
which the Ella Grasso Award is given, and I am honored to have this 
opportunity to join all of those gathered to recognize her and her 
legacy of service to Connecticut. I wish Nancy, her husband Michael, 
their two daughters and their husbands, Stacey and Steve Papa and Meryl 
and Bill Baldwin, and her grandchildren Kyle, Taylor, Lindsey, Max and 
Sydney, all the best for many more years of health and happiness.