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“IN HONOR OF ANDREA STILLMAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E902 on June 2, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF ANDREA STILLMAN
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 2, 2014
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this year the people of Connecticut's 20th Senate district fondly say goodbye to longtime State Senator Andrea Stillman, who is retiring from office after almost 22 years of service to her community. Known both as a champion of education and a mentor to her peers, her role in influencing both young minds and fellow legislators has left a legacy to Connecticut for years to come.
Andrea's career has been marked by determination and an ability to defy expectations. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 38th district in 1992, she faced the daunting task of replacing another long-time public servant in Janet Polinsky, yet never backed down from the challenge. This past winter, despite health concerns that many of her colleagues expected to sideline her, Andrea persevered and continued serving her constituents in the State Senate.
In 2012, Andrea designed numerous public education reforms which will help close the achievement gap in our state, and vastly improve education from the pre-k through elementary years. Senator Stillman was also appointed by the commissioner of the State Department of Education to represent Connecticut on the New England Secondary School Consortium. Just recently, Andrea helped secure a grant for New London's Garde Arts Center that will help grow the theatre to include the New London Magnet School of Visual and Performing Arts--a critical component of New London's school system. For these efforts and countless others over the course of her career, Andrea was honored by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents with their 2014 Legislator Award.
Beyond education, Andrea championed local initiatives large and small to improve her community. In 2004, Andrea stood by residents of East Lyme to help preserve the Oswegatchie Hills from development, and in 2007 she co-chaired a panel of legislators that helped block a proposal to build a floating liquid natural gas platform in Long Island Sound. For years, she has been vocal in seeking to improve the transportation infrastructure of Southeastern Connecticut, pursuing the continued construction of Route 11, and holding Amtrak and Shoreline East officials accountable for the quality of services provided on local rails.
Andrea's colleagues in the state legislature will remember her leadership, her collegiality, and her deep dedication to her constituents. Sporting nicknames like the ``Iron Lady of Southeastern Connecticut,'' the ``Matriarch'' and the ``Den Mother'' of the State Senate, it is obvious how highly regarded she is by all those whom she works with. In an era of negative politics, her colleagues have lauded her as a role model for respectful dialogue on the Senate floor.
I want to wish Andrea the most sincere of congratulations on a singular career of public service, and the best of luck in everything the future holds for her. I know she will find many more ways to contribute to the lives of residents throughout Connecticut. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing Andrea's efforts.
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