[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       HONORING MICHAEL CARRIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Carrigan 
on the occasion of his retirement as the president of the Illinois 
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations 
(AFL-CIO). I have appreciated Michael's leadership of the Illinois AFL-
CIO and his vision and hard work towards improving the quality of life 
for workers in Illinois and across the region and country.
  Mike Carrigan served for 12 years as president and 7 years as 
secretary-treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO. During his 19-year tenure, 
he worked on many successful initiatives that have helped the Illinois 
workforce and families, including gradually raising Illinois' minimum 
wage to $15 an hour, a $45 billion infrastructure program, the 
legalization of cannabis and many legislative initiatives and programs 
that improve the lives of Illinois residents.
  Mike serves on the national AFL-CIO State Federation and Central 
Labor Council Advisory Committee and was the chairman of the 12-state 
AFL-CIO Midwest Labor Federation Council. In Illinois he serves on the 
Workers' Compensation Advisory Board and the Illinois Prevailing Wage 
Council.
  Prior to his work with the Illinois AFL-CIO, Mike was elected to the 
Decatur City Council in 1995 and served nearly four terms before being 
appointed Mayor of Decatur in 2008. He was business manager/financial 
secretary for IBEW Local 146 in Decatur from 1992 to 2000; he was a 
journeyman wireman in Decatur from 1978 to 1990 and became business 
manager of the local.
  Mike Carrigan is a fierce champion of the labor movement and a 
fighter for worker's rights and his leadership will be remembered and 
missed. On a personal note, I have appreciated his advice and counsel, 
his friendship and support and his steady leadership on behalf of 
Illinois workers and their families. Congratulations to Mike on his 
retirement, and I thank him for his years of service.

                          ____________________