[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1864-S1865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GILDA JACOBS

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an 
accomplished and highly regarded leader in Michigan's field of public 
service, Gilda Jacobs who recently retired from serving as president 
and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. Gilda has made an 
immeasurable impact on the Detroit metropolitan area and the State of 
Michigan over the past 30 years, and it is a privilege to recognize her 
here today and celebrate her retirement.
  Gilda began her career as an educator, graduating from the University 
of Michigan in 1971 with a masters in behavioral science in education. 
Following her graduation, Gilda began working as a special education 
teacher in the Madison School District in Oakland County, MI. Gilda 
taught one of the Detroit region's first classes for children with 
emotional disabilities. It was her role as a leader in the rapidly 
developing field of special education services that led her to begin 
engaging in local activism, community organizations, and politics.
  In 1978, she was asked to work first as the campaign manager and then 
as a district office manager for newly-elected State Senator Doug Ross. 
In helping Senator Ross launch his political career, Jacobs set in 
motion the beginning of her own. In 1981, after a contentious election, 
Gilda was elected to the Huntington Woods City Commission, the first 
woman to do so. In 1994, she ran for and was elected to serve her 
community as an Oakland County Commissioner. Four years after this, she 
was elected to serve two terms in Michigan's House of Representatives. 
At this time, I represented a portion of her district in the State 
senate and had the pleasure of collaborating with her on many 
initiatives on behalf of our constituents. I knew the senate district 
was in capable hands when she succeeded me, winning the seat in 2002. 
Her strong reputation as an effective leader in championing issues and 
getting things done were immediately recognized by her colleagues who 
elected her chair of the senate's Democratic caucus, making Gilda the 
first woman to serve as floor leader in either chamber of Michigan's 
Legislature.
  As a State-elected official, Gilda was a tireless advocate for the 
rights of women, children, and people with disabilities. In the State 
legislature, she served as the vice chair of the economic development, 
small business and regulatory reform committee, the families and human 
services committee, and government operations and health policy 
committees. Among her many successes were the establishment of a 
bipartisan bicameral talent caucus to develop strategies to encourage 
Michigan entrepreneurship and discourage college graduate flight.
  In 2011, following the conclusion of her leadership and service in 
the Michigan Senate, Gilda joined the Michigan League for Public Policy 
as president and CEO. At the Michigan League for Public Policy, Gilda 
focused on the promotion of racial equality, economic security, and the 
overall health and well-being of Michiganders. During her

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tenure she helped the organization move major policy victories, 
including, among others, successfully defending the Michigan Earned 
Income Tax Credit; raising the age at which Michigan's juveniles can be 
tried as adults, and changing the asset test on food and cash 
assistance in the State, allowing more residents to be eligible for 
assistance. As a result of her leadership and tireless devotion, the 
State of Michigan has seen progress in policy for Michigan's youth, 
women, and families.
  During a time of great personal loss, Gilda--and her late husband 
John--worked on developing policy efforts to better ensure railroad 
safety after their daughter, Rachel, was tragically killed in the 
Philadelphia Amtrak crash of May 2015. Although confronted with 
unimaginable grief, they felt it essential to address the issue head 
on, advocating for enhanced safety measures so no other family would 
experience what they did during that horrific time.
  Gilda's contributions go well beyond her professional endeavors. In 
addition to serving as a public representative and policy maker, she 
has been a lifelong volunteer for numerous causes and organizations, 
including the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, the United 
Way for Southeastern Michigan and New Detroit, and the JARC--a 
Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of those with 
disabilities. She was further recognized as one of Crain's Detroit 
Business 100 most influential women and awarded the Michigan Food Bank 
Council Hunger-Free Award in 2015.
  I cannot understate the impact that Gilda Jacobs has had on the 
people of Michigan. She has spearheaded initiatives to eliminate hunger 
and support Michigan's families, promoted positive changes in our 
communities, and created a model for public service that is unmatched. 
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gilda's many years 
of work on behalf of others, and congratulating her on a well-earned 
retirement from the Michigan League for Public Policy. Though her 
leadership there will be sorely missed, her legacy will most certainly 
endure.

                          ____________________