[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING BONNIE HESTER FOR HER WORK IN THE PEORIA COMMUNITY FOR 
                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2020

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bonnie Hester 
for her work in the Peoria community and to honor her as a part of 
Black History Month. Bonnie spent 35 years in the public sector and was 
most recently a Program Assistant for the Women, Infants, and Children 
(WIC) Program.
  Bonnie Hester earned a certificate in Labor History from the 
University of Illinois and a Clerical Certificate from the Vocational 
School of Southern Illinois. Bonnie worked for the Peoria City/County 
Health Department for 25 years. Bonnie served on the Health Care 
Committee for Peoria County employees and was President of local AFSCME 
Union Chapter No. 3665 for 14 years. She represented District 1 on the 
Peoria County Board for eight years and served as the board's precinct 
committee person.
  Now retired, Bonnie serves on the Executive Board for the West 
Central Labor Council representing AFSCME retirees and volunteers for 
the American Red Cross Disaster Services, the Heart of Illinois United 
Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also serves on the school 
board for Peoria Christ Lutheran School, and is a long-time member of 
Christ Lutheran Church, where she teaches Sunday School. Bonnie and her 
husband, Jerry, have been married for 39 years and have three children 
and six grandchildren. I commend Bonnie on her service to the Peoria 
community.
  It is because of community leaders such as Bonnie Hester that I am 
especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam 
Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Bonnie Hester for her 
great work in the Peoria community and honor her as a part of Black 
History Month.

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