[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1340-E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERVISOR WILMA CHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today, alongside 
Representative Judy Chu, to honor the life of the late Alameda County 
Supervisor Wilma Chan, who tragically passed on November 3, 2021. We 
extend our deepest condolences to her children, grandchildren, family, 
staff, and loved ones, and to the people of Alameda County who she 
served so well during her 30-year career in public service.
  Supervisor Chan was born in Boston, MA, after her parents immigrated 
there from China. She attended public schools and went on to receive 
her bachelor's degree in history from Wellesley College and her 
master's degree in education policy from Stanford University.
  She was a trailblazer throughout her career. She was the first Asian 
American to serve on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, to which 
she was elected in 1994, and later became the first Asian American and 
first woman to hold the position of Majority Leader in the California 
State Assembly, where she represented the East Bay from 2000 to 2006. 
In 2010, voters reelected her to the Alameda Board of Supervisors, 
where she continued to serve until her tragic death.
  Supervisor Chan's unyielding commitment to the wellbeing of children, 
families, and her most vulnerable constituents prevailed throughout her 
legislative career. During her tenure in the State Assembly, she 
authored groundbreaking legislation that successfully made California 
the first state to ban toxic flame retardants, which resulted in a 
significant decrease in how often those chemicals

[[Page E1341]]

are detected in women's breast milk. During her time on the Alameda 
County Board of Supervisors, she brokered a crucial deal to stop the 
San Leandro Hospital from closing, effectively saving jobs, keeping an 
emergency department running, and strengthening our community's 
healthcare infrastructure.
  Supervisor Chan was a great leader for the East Bay and the entire 
state, a consummate public servant, and a true friend. She embodied 
service, uplifted the vulnerable, and used her platform for the 
betterment of all. She said, ``My goal is really to make sure that 
children and families have everything that they need to be successful 
and to have a good quality of life.'' That is the precise sentiment by 
which she served and lived.
  In her memory, let us continue the fight to remove systemic barriers 
and hurdles so that all members of our community can thrive and 
flourish. Supervisor Chan's legacy should continue to inspire us to 
keep up the work for justice and equality to which she dedicated her 
life.
  As California Members of Congress, we thank Wilma for her service and 
honor her as an ardent champion for healthcare, education, children, 
seniors, and justice in our community. May Wilma's soul rest in peace 
and in power, and may her great legacy be a reminder of the work for 
justice and equality that remains. May we always honor Supervisor Chan, 
by taking the baton and rising to the occasion, as she so lovingly did, 
in service to her fellow human beings.
  On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of California, I honor 
Supervisor Wilma Chan for her service and dedication.

                          ____________________