[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1160-E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL BAUER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
Michael Bauer, a larger than life, beloved Chicagoan who made an impact 
on the most powerful American leaders as well as the most humble and 
vulnerable people.
  Michael Bauer was only 66 years old when he passed away after a 
battle with cancer on August 29th. On September 3rd, hundreds gathered 
at Anshe Emet Synagogue on Chicago's north side to pay tribute to 
Michael and hear from some of the people whose lives were deeply 
affected by this passionate and exuberant activist.
  Speakers included Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a long-time and very 
close friend, who Michael worked day and night to help elect, as well 
as Senator Dick Durbin, a friend and political ally. Governor JB 
Pritzker was in attendance along with several Members of Congress, 
including me, and many members of the State Legislature as well as 
officials at the County and local level.
  Michael had a law degree and an MBA, but his real passions were 
fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ community, Holocaust Remembrance 
and progressive politics. As a gay man, he began his activism during 
the ravaging days of the AIDS epidemic, but he never stopped fighting 
to end all forms of discrimination. He worked to change laws at every 
level of government to assure the right of gay couples to marry and the 
rights of transgender people, among other issues.
  Both of Michael's parents were Holocaust survivors, and he and his 
brother Jerry grew up without grandparents, aunts and uncles or 
cousins. Poignantly, Michael's beloved mother Tema Bauer, 103 years 
old, was at the funeral of her younger son. Not surprisingly, Michael 
played an important role in the establishment of the Illinois Holocaust 
Museum & Education Center in Skokie, Illinois, a city that is home to 
many survivors.
  And Michael was deeply involved in politics, raising money and 
campaigning for his chosen candidates. His endorsement was heavily 
sought by Democratic candidates, but each had to pledge support for 
Michael's priorities, including protecting women's reproductive rights.
  For nearly four decades, Michael shared his life with his partner and 
husband Roger Simon. They were inseparable, particularly going through 
the difficult phases of Michael's illness--Roger always at his side, 
always lovingly caring for his every need.
  Michael was a dear, dear friend of mine. My husband and I loved to be 
in the same room with Michael and Roger, often watching Michael command 
the space--always forcefully making a point, or making a joke and being 
the force of nature that he was. He will be deeply missed.

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