[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 204 (Thursday, December 3, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RALPH OKERLUND

 Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, we wish to congratulate State 
Senator Ralph Okerlund on a remarkable career dedicated to the 
relentless advancement of prosperity for the great State of Utah. For 
the many Utahns lucky enough to know him personally--from the hills of 
Monroe to the halls of the State legislature--it is no surprise that 
Ralph has chosen to spend more time with his loving family following a 
consequential tenure in public life. Even for the many Utahns to whom 
Ralph is still unknown, his influence on civic life through his 
statewide legislative achievements is significant and enduring.
  Senator Okerlund's success can be measured in tangible improvements 
in his district and across the State. His legislative efforts to 
facilitate investment in Utah's infrastructure projects, with tax 
credit incentives and coordination with the State energy and economic 
development offices, have brought billions of dollars to Utah--a 
massive boon to the State's economy and its rural counties. In 
addition, his efforts through the legislative appropriations process 
delivered Snow College a new building and higher pay for its employees. 
As a member of the legislative leadership on Capitol Hill, Senator 
Okerlund kept his commitment to allocate tax dollars wisely and 
effectively.
  Senator Okerlund's success can also be measured by his family and by 
his fortitude. His professional journey began as a teacher, with 
degrees from Dixie College and the University of Utah. Ralph then 
returned to Monroe to help run his family farm and to be closer to his 
father, whose injury compelled his return. Okerlund would acquire and 
later sell the dairy but ran the farm for years until his election to 
the Monroe City Council. Apace with his subsequent ascensions to the 
mayor's office, Sevier County commission, State senate, and ultimately 
senate majority leader, is his family of children and grandchildren 
beside him, including his beloved wife Cindy, who call Monroe home. 
Ralph has persisted through hardship with the support of his family.
  A tireless champion for rural Utah, Senator Okerlund has represented 
the unique challenges and opportunities facing farmers, ranchers, and 
rural folks at the State and national level as president of the Council 
of State Governments Western Association. In this role, he represented 
Utah's interests among neighboring States with competing ideas on how 
to manage critical issues like regional energy and land management. His 
successes in these efforts is undoubtedly owed to his deep 
understanding of the issues as a man raised in Monroe.
  Few can boast the wealth of personal and professional experiences 
amassed by Ralph Okerlund in his long and distinguished career--from 
dairyman to senate majority leader--but every Utahn can admire and 
follow his commitment to service. His record in government is not 
marked by expedience but, rather, by a willingness to rise to the 
occasion and answer the call of his neighbors and friends who seek his 
reliable judgement and sound leadership. Ralph Okerlund has led for 36 
years as an elected official and will continue to serve his family, his 
friends, and his community with grace and humility.

                          ____________________