[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MARGARITA LOPEZ PRENTICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Washington State Senator Margarita Lopez Prentice, 
who will be remembered for her dedication to public service.
  I had the pleasure of serving with Ms. Lopez Prentice in the 
Washington State Legislature, where she was the first Latina elected as 
a Washington State Senator. After first being elected in 1988, she 
served as a public official in the Washington State House of 
Representatives for four years, and then in the Washington Senate, for 
27 years. Before her retirement in 2013, Ms. Lopez Prentice served as 
the Senate Pro Tempore, and as Chairwoman of various committees. She 
was known for her caring manner, her mentorship, and her ability to 
forge bipartisan partnerships. Ms. Lopez Prentice's many contributions 
to the State Legislature earned her the distinction of Legislator of 
the Year in 2006 from several organizations, including the Washington 
Health Care Association and the Washington State Labor Council.
  Ms. Lopez Prentice was dedicated to bettering the lives of others. 
Her career in nursing and her passion for women's health, LGBTQ rights, 
veterans' benefits, and migrant workers' rights, demonstrate her 
commitment to helping others. During her 30-year career as a nurse and 
nurse administrator, Ms. Lopez Prentice was active in the Washington 
State Nurses Association, where she ultimately became vice president of 
the association. Ms. Lopez Prentice spent countless hours giving back 
to the Renton community through her service for the Renton Historical 
Society and the Renton Area Youth Services, as well as on the Renton 
School Board.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I offer my condolences 
to the family and friends of Senator Margarita Lopez Prentice. I am 
confident that her love of public service will continue to inspire 
Washington State Legislators for years to come.

                          ____________________