The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE LIFE OF COLORADO SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE RUBEN VALDEZ” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1278 on Oct. 11, 2019.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF COLORADO SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE RUBEN VALDEZ
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HON. JOE NEGUSE
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 11, 2019
Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I stand with the State of Colorado in mourning the loss of an historic and iconic public servant--Colorado Speaker of the House Ruben Valdez.
Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Speaker Valdez left school at the age of 15 to find work and support his mother and family. He later received his high school diploma through a GED program and used this experience to motivate his passion for expanding education opportunities to all Coloradans.
Early in his career, Speaker Valdez joined the United Steelworkers of America and rose through the union ranks. He eventually became the President of Steelworkers Local 5099 in Denver where he fought alongside his fellow union members for countless protections for workers throughout Colorado and the United States.
Speaker Valdez was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1970, representing west and southwest Denver. In 1975, he became House speaker, Colorado's first Latino Speaker. Throughout his time in the State Legislature, Speaker Valdez was a strong advocate for workers, consumer protections and equity in education.
Speaker Valdez's involvement in politics remained constant throughout his life, even following his historic Speakership. Amongst many accomplishments, he served as a Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Transportation under President Jimmy Carter and worked as Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Social Services and Department of Labor and Employment. In his later years, he worked alongside his granddaughter as a lobbyist in the State Capitol, continuously pushing the legislative body toward justice and equity.
Throughout his many years of service, Speaker Valdez created a legacy of which his family, friends, and supporters should be so proud. It is a legacy that will no doubt continue to influence lawmakers and Coloradans alike, for generations to come.
For me, Speaker Valdez was a personal hero whose commitment to our state and to justice in our legislative process we can only hope to emulate. I join my Colorado community in mourning the loss of this thoughtful and empathetic leader, and send my deepest condolences to his entire family.
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