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“HONORING SHARON PALMER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1466 on Oct. 9, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING SHARON PALMER
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 9, 2015
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to thank an outstanding public servant from the State of Connecticut on the occasion of her retirement. Sharon Palmer has served for the past three years as Commissioner of the Department of Labor and as a lifelong advocate for our state's workers.
During her time as Commissioner, Sharon has left a lasting mark on the state's economy by improving workforce training programs, strengthening jobs initiatives and working relentlessly to remove fraud from state programs. Sharon has simultaneously worked to advance opportunity for Connecticut's workers, to preserve the state's valuable resources, and to advocate for federal grants that have allowed innovation to flourish in our home state.
Sharon's involvement with workforce issues dates far before her time as Commissioner. She worked as the former Vice President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, and president of the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, serving as an ally and liaison for workers. Her previous experience as an educator instilled in her a deep understanding of the connection between education, opportunity, and a workforce prepared to power a growing economy.
Sharon never shies from speaking her mind or sticking up for policies that Connecticut workers need and deserve. If you are at odds with Sharon, you can expect a firm, but fair discussion. She would never back down when the well-being of Connecticut families is at stake. Sharon hails from Waterford, CT, in the southeastern part of the state. Somehow she always found time to participate at the local level of town government and was an active member of the Democratic Town Committee. Sharon was and is a staunch supporter of mine who helped me win a victory to Congress in 2006 in a hard fought race that was decided by the smallest of margins--83 votes.
Sharon also was a devoted wife to her departed husband George and the mother of four children, Kerry, Cory, Greg, and Chris.
Although her advice, hard work, and experience will surely be missed by the State of Connecticut, I ask my colleagues to please join in wishing my friend Sharon Palmer a restful and enjoyable retirement.
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