[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8378] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO STATE SENATOR MARY LOU RATH ______ HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, May 8, 2008 Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor a respected and dedicated legislator, a valued educator and community leader, and close confidante and dear friend who, for more than three decades, has dedicated her life and service to her neighbors in Western New York. State Senator Mary Lou Rath is one of the most respected legislators in our area--proof that elected service is a noble calling. Mary Lou has always been the voice of reason, and proved time and time again that her only agenda was to serve and fight for the people of Western New York. After spending 30 years in public service, Mary Lou announced recently that she will retire from the New York State Senate. She surely be missed, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for quality health care, serving as a champion for women across New York State, and taking on issues big and small that made a real difference in the lives of those she represented. Mary Lou was first elected to public office in 1977 as an Erie County Legislator and earned both the support of her constituents and the trust of her colleagues, who elevated her to the post of Republican Leader. In 1994, she became the first woman ever to serve the 61 st District in the New York State Senate. In the State Senate, Mary Lou earned a reputation as a hard working and compassionate representative. Mary Lou also earned a statewide reputation for her efforts to reform Medicaid and curtail the sky-rocketing costs of health care. Additionally, she worked hard to advance her smart growth initiatives, end domestic violence and ensure that all children have a quality education. In 1997, Mary Lou was inducted in the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute for a woman who has been such a positive role model and inspiration to women across New York. Not only did Mary Lou have a distinguished professional career, but along with her husband, the late Supreme Court Justice Edward A. Rath, Jr., raised a wonderful family in whom she instilled the values of public service. The name Rath not only invokes the best in public service, it is, in a word, iconic in our community. The County Office building bears the name of her father-in-law, Edward A. Rath, Erie County's first-ever chief executive. Her son, Edward A. Rath III, is the third generation of family public servants, a member of the Erie County Legislature, elected to a seat once held by his mother. Despite all her achievements in public life, I know from my long friendship with the Rath family that Mary Lou's greatest accomplishment is her loving family, her children Allison, Melinda, and Ed, and her eight grandchildren. She is very deserving of the honor she will receive from the YWCA on May 10th, 2008 for her contributions to Batavia and Genesee County. Madam Speaker, in recognition of her tremendous service of more than 30 years, for her leadership, dedication and lasting legacy she leaves, I ask this Honorable Body to join me in honoring my friend and colleague, New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath, in grateful appreciation for her distinguished career and devoted service to the people of Western New York. ____________________