[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      REMEMBERING HECTOR FIGUEROA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2019

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Hector 
Figueroa, a champion for workers' rights, an advocate for immigrants, a 
New Yorker, a passionate Puerto Rican and my dear friend. Above all, 
Hector was a fighter for the vulnerable, the downtrodden and those who 
were treated unfairly. Sadly, Hector passed last week. He will be 
honored at a public service on Wednesday in New York City.
  Hector Figueroa was known most notably for his leadership of 32BJ 
SEIU. Under his leadership, 32BJ SEIU grew by over 50,000 members and 
passed dozens of local and state-level policies. Hector previously 
worked as SEIU's Organizing Director for Puerto Rico, winning 
collective bargaining rights for teachers, as well as for SEIU's 
Justice for Janitors campaign and a researcher for Amalgamated Clothing 
and Textile Workers Union (Workers United).
  Most recently, Hector was central to building support for relief in 
Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Born in Ponce as the son of two 
educators, the Island was near and dear to his heart. In the dark 
months following Hurricane Maria, Hector was critical to mobilizing 
support among New York's Puerto Rican community, 32BJ members and non-
members alike, to send aid to the Island and build political momentum 
for Washington to do better in channeling assistance to our fellow 
citizens as they struggled through a humanitarian crisis.
  Throughout his life, Hector made waves as a progressive fighter for 
justice for all people. He was relentless in advocating for the rights 
of the doormen and doorwomen, custodial workers, airport security 
guards and others who constituted 32BJ's membership. However, he was 
also on the frontlines helping taxicab drivers, fast food workers and 
laborers in every sector achieve fairer wages and improved conditions. 
To him, anyone who was oppressed was an ally and he was ready to join 
arms with them and march in common cause.
  His belief that all workers were deserving of respect and kindness 
extended beyond his work as a labor leader; it infused his very 
demeanor. Hector treated everyone, from the youngest organizers, to the 
most junior political aides, to the most powerful elected officials 
with the same kindness and warmth.
  Whether it was fighting to expand healthcare, protecting immigrant 
communities from ICE, strengthening voter rights or addressing the 
threats of climate change, Hector was on the frontlines of every battle 
related to economic and social justice. Just last week, this House 
voted to raise the federal minimum wage, a milestone achievement, years 
in the making. I like to think wherever he is, that victory would bring 
a smile to Hector's face.
  New York City and working people everywhere have lost a champion. I, 
personally, have lost a dear friend. From my earliest days in politics, 
I could always count on Hector for wise advice and kind counsel. I'll 
miss our days together and fighting alongside one another. While he was 
taken from us too young, we'll honor his memory by continuing to 
advance the causes that inspired him. As Hector always said, ``We'll 
keep organizing.'' Yes, my friend, we will.

                          ____________________