[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF COLORADO SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE RUBEN VALDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE NEGUSE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I stand with the State of Colorado 
in mourning the loss of an historic and iconic public servant--Colorado 
Speaker of the House Ruben Valdez.
  Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Speaker Valdez left school at the age of 
15 to find work and support his mother and family. He later received 
his high school diploma through a GED program and used this experience 
to motivate his passion for expanding education opportunities to all 
Coloradans.
  Early in his career, Speaker Valdez joined the United Steelworkers of 
America and rose through the union ranks. He eventually became the 
President of Steelworkers Local 5099 in Denver where he fought 
alongside his fellow union members for countless protections for 
workers throughout Colorado and the United States.
  Speaker Valdez was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives 
in 1970, representing west and southwest Denver. In 1975, he became 
House speaker, Colorado's first Latino Speaker. Throughout his time in 
the State Legislature, Speaker Valdez was a strong advocate for 
workers, consumer protections and equity in education.
  Speaker Valdez's involvement in politics remained constant throughout 
his life, even following his historic Speakership. Amongst many 
accomplishments, he served as a Regional Director of the U.S. 
Department of Transportation under President Jimmy Carter and worked as 
Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Social Services and 
Department of Labor and Employment. In his later years, he worked 
alongside his granddaughter as a lobbyist in the State Capitol, 
continuously pushing the legislative body toward justice and equity.
  Throughout his many years of service, Speaker Valdez created a legacy 
of which his family, friends, and supporters should be so proud. It is 
a legacy that will no doubt continue to influence lawmakers and 
Coloradans alike, for generations to come.
  For me, Speaker Valdez was a personal hero whose commitment to our 
state and to justice in our legislative process we can only hope to 
emulate. I join my Colorado community in mourning the loss of this 
thoughtful and empathetic leader, and send my deepest condolences to 
his entire family.

                          ____________________