[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JOEL PACKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joel Packer, a 
true hero for education and a dear friend.
  Joel Packer is known across the education community as a champion for 
education funding. He spent more than 40 years advocating for students 
both in the public and private sector. Starting at the Student 
Association of the State University of New York, his career as an 
advocate grew with his work in D.C. at the National Education 
Association, and most recently, The Raben Group and the Committee for 
Education Funding (CEF) before his retirement in 2016.
  Joel worked on critical issues like education funding, higher 
education, environmental hazards in schools, and civil rights. He was 
on the front lines of the push to improve testing in No Child Left 
Behind and was always there to remind us who we need to be prioritizing 
in the Congress: our children and their education. Joel championed the 
coalition of education advocates at CEF and masterfully represented the 
interests of a diverse group of educational institutions. Joel led the 
CEF's fight against education budget cuts in 2015, never giving up on 
his mission to ensure a genuine federal investment in our children's 
education. Throughout his career, Joel's dedication demonstrated the 
kind of intensity and willingness to collaborate necessary to win in 
the fight for education. Moreover, his passion for education and 
bettering the lives of all students was clear. Joel was an expert when 
it came to education policy and the Appropriations process; he knew, 
and helped all of us learn, how good ideas and good policies are not 
good enough--not without the necessary resources to make a difference.
  I feel lucky to have known such a tremendous advocate for education 
in this country. Joel was many things--he was an amazing husband, a 
proud father and grandfather, an inspiring mentor and colleague, and an 
unwavering friend. Joel was taken from us too suddenly, and my deepest 
condolences go to his family. We will miss Joel and his boundless 
passion for fighting for what is right and for what our nation's 
children need most. Joel's values and mission will live on in those of 
us who remain in the fight, and we fight in his honor.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Joel 
Packer. He was a true champion for education and his leadership will 
never be forgotten.

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