[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN MEMORIAM OF CATHERINE McCLARY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2025

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Catherine 
McClary, former Treasurer of Washtenaw County, Michigan, who passed 
away in December before the end of her term. Her decades of public 
service for the residents of Washtenaw County as a member of the Board 
of Commissioners and Treasurer are worthy of commendation.
  Catherine began her 40-year career in public service in 1974, when 
she became the youngest ever Washtenaw County Commissioner at 22 years 
old. She held this position for 14 years before being elected Washtenaw 
County Treasurer in 1988.
  As Commissioner, Catherine led Washtenaw County's first Affirmative 
Action committee, which fought for equal pay and promotions for women 
and people of color. She continued fighting for equity as Treasurer, 
working toward a more fair and just economy through initiatives like 
the Bridge Loans for Affordability Program, Homes for Generations 
Program, and Fine and Fee Justice cohort project. She was active in the 
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), including serving on 
its Treasury Investment Management Committee. She was honored with the 
organization's Hero Award in 2021 for her work toward recovery and 
renewal of Washtenaw County during the Covid-19 pandemic. She also 
received GFOA's 2022 Award for Excellence in Government Finance for 
helping implement innovative robotic process automation through the 
``Robots Record Revenue'' project.
  Outside of her work as Treasurer, Catherine was a champion for the 
ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, the rights of women and 
people of color, and protection from home foreclosures. She served as 
Director of the Domestic Violence Project/SAFE House Center Domestic 
Violence Project Board of Trustees. She also spent time as a counselor 
and trainer at a women's crisis center and co-wrote the ``Freedom from 
Rape'' publication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Catherine 
McClary's remarkable life and years of public service. Her dedication 
to her community and many contributions to Washtenaw County have 
impacted countless others and leaves behind an important legacy. We 
thank her for her service, and wish her friends and family all the 
comfort and solace as they mourn her passing.

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