[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 94 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING CHRIS HASTEDT ON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 3, 2024

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated 
advocate and leader in my state who is retiring after several decades 
working to improve the lives of her fellow citizens. For nearly fifty 
years, Christine (``Chris'') Hastedt has worked tirelessly to further 
equity, economic security, and access to higher education--among many 
other things--for all Mainers.
  At the start of her career, Chris worked as a paralegal at Pine Tree 
Legal Assistance, a nonprofit organization which provides free, civil 
legal assistance to low-income people in Maine. Through her dedication 
and ingenuity, Chris proved to be fearless and deeply effective at 
expanding access to legal representation for countless people. Chris' 
years with Pine Tree were only the first of her forty-eight celebrated 
years as a respected and well-known force in the Maine State House. 
During my years at the State House, I relied on Chris for accurate 
information, strategic thinking and passion for all of the right 
causes. Many of our successes during that era were due to her 
assistance and persistence.
  In 1996, Chris co-founded Maine Equal Justice, a nonprofit civil 
legal aid and economic justice organization. Under her guidance as 
Senior Policy Advisor, Maine Equal Justice has empowered people to 
better understand laws and independently navigate government systems to 
support their needs. By sharing her resources and policy knowledge, 
Chris has established coalitions among government agencies, 
policymakers, experts, academics, and national partners. Chris has 
consistently led with empathy and a distinct understanding of how to 
work with people across all backgrounds and life experiences.
  In addition, Chris has dedicated her time to making higher education 
and workforce training more accessible for Mainers with low incomes. By 
advocating for programs such as Parents as Scholars, the Competitive 
Skills Scholarship Program, and Higher Opportunity for Pathways to 
Employment, Chris has helped thousands of Maine people reach their 
goals by expanding access to postsecondary education.
  Chris Hastedts' nearly half-century as a uniquely dedicated advocate 
makes me very proud to represent her and the State of Maine in 
Congress. I wish Chris the best in her retirement, and I wholeheartedly 
thank her for her many years of influential work.

                          ____________________