IN MEMORIAM OF CATHERINE McCLARY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

IN MEMORIAM OF CATHERINE McCLARY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E75] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN MEMORIAM OF CATHERINE McCLARY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Catherine McClary, former Treasurer of Washtenaw County, Michigan, who passed away in December before the end of her term. Her decades of public service for the residents of Washtenaw County as a member of the Board of Commissioners and Treasurer are worthy of commendation. Catherine began her 40-year career in public service in 1974, when she became the youngest ever Washtenaw County Commissioner at 22 years old. She held this position for 14 years before being elected Washtenaw County Treasurer in 1988. As Commissioner, Catherine led Washtenaw County's first Affirmative Action committee, which fought for equal pay and promotions for women and people of color. She continued fighting for equity as Treasurer, working toward a more fair and just economy through initiatives like the Bridge Loans for Affordability Program, Homes for Generations Program, and Fine and Fee Justice cohort project. She was active in the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), including serving on its Treasury Investment Management Committee. She was honored with the organization's Hero Award in 2021 for her work toward recovery and renewal of Washtenaw County during the Covid-19 pandemic. She also received GFOA's 2022 Award for Excellence in Government Finance for helping implement innovative robotic process automation through the ``Robots Record Revenue'' project. Outside of her work as Treasurer, Catherine was a champion for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, the rights of women and people of color, and protection from home foreclosures. She served as Director of the Domestic Violence Project/SAFE House Center Domestic Violence Project Board of Trustees. She also spent time as a counselor and trainer at a women's crisis center and co-wrote the ``Freedom from Rape'' publication. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Catherine McClary's remarkable life and years of public service. Her dedication to her community and many contributions to Washtenaw County have impacted countless others and leaves behind an important legacy. We thank her for her service, and wish her friends and family all the comfort and solace as they mourn her passing. ____________________