[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24568]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          ACKNOWLEDGING THE DEATH OF MR. JOE FIGUEROA BARRAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the death of Mr. 
Joe Figueroa Barragan, a labor leader and a dear friend.
  Mr. Barragan passed away on Sunday, November 18th from a heart 
attack. Joe Barragan was born in Jalisco, Mexico on May 12, 1957. He 
immigrated to America at the age of six along with his family and at 
the age of 31 became a U.S. citizen. Joe Barragan lived a life 
reflective of the inspiration he gained from Cesar Chavez, the great 
labor and civil rights leader. Mr. Barragan was often quoted saying ``I 
believe that we are blessed by God to be in the Labor Movement and we 
should do our best every day to help improve the lives of others.''
  Mr. Barragan's career in the retail grocery business began as a 
clerk's helper in 1977. A decade later, he became a union 
representative and field director for the United Food and Commercial 
Workers Union (UFCW). In 1991, Joe Barragan became President of Local 
1428 of the UFCW. During his ten years as President of Local 1428, he 
earned the reputation of being one of the most progressive and 
innovative union in the nation.
  Mr. Barragan also served as National President of United Latinos of 
UFCW and was former President and Vice President of Labor Council for 
Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). Mr. Barragan was also very active 
in the Democratic Party, having been a delegate to the Democratic 
National Convention in 1996, participated in the Convention in Los 
Angeles in 2000. I am pleased that he supported me throughout my 
career,
  Mr. Barragan will be truly missed by his wife of 21 years, Renata, 
his daughters, Lauren and Taylor, his family, friends, and fellow labor 
brothers and sisters. I am saddened by the loss of such an important 
member of our community. Mr. Barragan is a true leader that will be 
remembered for his personal sacrifice and service to his community.

                          ____________________