[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE CAREER OF LAURA HAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Laura 
Hand as she retires after 47 years as a celebrated journalist in 
Central New York.
  For nearly five decades, Laura Hand has been a trusted source for 
news in our community, a household name in broadcasting, and beloved by 
many in Central New York. Throughout her career, she has told countless 
community stories, inspired rising journalists, and used her platform 
to raise awareness for childhood literacy.
  Born in a military family in Virginia, Laura Hand spent much of her 
childhood travelling around the world to countries including England, 
Germany, Thailand, and Italy. Developing an interest in news and 
politics at a young age, Laura Hand followed this passion and enrolled 
in Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public 
Affairs, where she studied journalism and political science. While a 
student at Syracuse University, Laura Hand became the first woman to 
direct the campus radio station, WAER. After graduating in 1971, she 
took her first full-time position as a radio news reporter with WFBL in 
Syracuse, NY.
  In 1972, Laura Hand transitioned from radio to television, joining 
the NBC 3 broadcast team. Throughout her reputable career with NBC 3, 
she held a number of positions, but has become best known for anchoring 
``Weekend Today'' and ``Monday Night Answer Desk,'' where she 
encouraged viewers to get involved and have fun in the Central New York 
community. Passionate about her community, for years Laura Hand 
maintained the ``In Your Community'' webpage, a site dedicated to 
informing residents of the many community events in Central New York.
  Throughout her career, Laura Hand has interviewed some of the most 
prominent figures in American politics, including former New York State 
Governor Nelson Rockefeller and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
  Laura Hand has coupled her prominent career in journalism in Central 
New York with her passion for reading, and, for more than 30 years, has 
organized the ``Books Breaks'' summer reading campaign, an annual 
program that promotes childhood literacy in our community. She plans to 
continue this work into retirement. In addition, she has served as a 
long-time member of the Salvation Army/Syracuse Board.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in 
honoring Laura Hand for an incredible 47-year career in journalism. I 
wish her all the best in her retirement.

                          ____________________