[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15836]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBIN MADSEN--LABOR LEADER AND FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dear friend, a 
committed public servant, and a fierce labor leader from St. Paul, 
Minnesota--Ms. Robin Madsen. Robin passed away last week at the age of 
69 after a battle with cancer. Her death is a personal loss for me 
since I have known her for more than thirty years. Robin was a 
wonderful woman, a tireless believer in organized labor, a champion for 
children, and one of the kindest souls you could ever meet.
  For thirty-six years Robin drove the St. Paul Public Library 
bookmobile. She was the ``bookmobile lady'' to thousands of children 
who were able to explore their interests, new ideas, and the world 
because Robin's bookmobile came to their neighborhood.
  Robin also became the president of AFSCME 1842 where she served as a 
committed advocate for workers, public employees, and political 
candidates who were willing to invest in community services to meet the 
needs of families and children.
  From my first campaign for Congress in 2000 I was honored to have 
Robin as a friend and supporter. She helped organize a Women of Labor 
effort and was never shy about speaking her mind or helping behind the 
scenes. Robin was all about getting results without worrying about 
getting credit.
  Robin Madsen was a true friend and a strong woman who I admired and 
respected greatly. My prayers and condolences are with Robin's 
children, grandchildren and countless friends.
  Robin will be missed.

                          ____________________