[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26089]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS 
                          GOVERNOR JANE SWIFT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. OLVER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions and 
achievements of Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift, a woman whose record 
of leadership in our State is matched by few.
  When Jane Swift became Chief Executive of Massachusetts in April 
2001, she became the first woman Governor of the Bay State, one of only 
five women Governors at the time, and one of only 19 women Governors in 
history. These numbers are far too low, and Governor Swift deserves 
credit for being a trailblazer and an inspiration to what hopefully 
will turn out to be many more women chief executives in the future.
  During her tenure, Governor Swift oversaw a budget that had reached 
the $23 billion mark, directed 13 cabinet agencies and executive 
divisions, and enacted numerous reforms. In policymaking as well as in 
example, she established herself as an advocate for women and families. 
Her efforts on behalf of foster children and working parents garnered 
praise across the political spectrum. And, when Governor Swift 
delivered twin girls while in office, she achieved yet another 
remarkable first.
  Also while in office, Governor Swift continued her work as a strong 
supporter of the cultural development of our State, which included 
championing the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Her efforts 
to bolster Mass MoCA continue to be greatly appreciated by everyone who 
cares about the economic development of the north Berkshires.
  Governor Swift counts 12 total years of official public service in 
her career. Elected to the Massachusetts State Senate at age 25, she 
was the youngest-ever woman member of the legislature. She also has 
spent many more years personally working in her community to create 
opportunity and improve the quality of life for local residents.
  Today, Governor Swift serves on a number of key boards and steering 
committees, including the board of the Williamstown Elementary School 
Endowment and the Community Outreach Board of Mass MoCA. She remains 
active in politics and is engaged in a wide variety of public policy 
issues. Drawing on her diverse experiences, Governor Swift shares her 
perspectives as a sought-after public speaker, imparting wisdom to and 
inspiring the next generation of women and men leaders.
  It is my honor to commend her years of public service and pay tribute 
to Governor Swift's enduring leadership. National Women's Business Week 
is an important occasion to celebrate women leaders, and Governor Swift 
has been a groundbreaker since the beginning of her career. She is, 
indeed, a ``Woman of Achievement,'' and I join the Northern Berkshire 
Business and Professional Women in honoring her this month.

                          ____________________