Massachusetts AFL-CIO Resolution in Support of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

 

WHEREAS, Senator Edward M. Kennedy dedicated nearly half a century to faithfully serving the people of Massachusetts and the nation in the United States Senate; and

 

WHEREAS, he is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Senators in United States history; and

 

WHEREAS, throughout his 47 years of service in the prestigious U.S. Senate, Edward M. Kennedy became known as the Lion of the Senate, the Soul of the Democratic Party, and Labor’s Champion; and

 

WHEREAS, Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s career in the important legislative chamber of the United States Senate is a testament to how great an impact legislators and the laws they enact can have on the lives of Americans; and

 

WHEREAS, our beloved late Senator unquestionably had a more substantial impact on the lives of Americans as a legislator than most U.S. Presidents have had; and

 

WHEREAS, Senator Edward M. Kennedy elevated the United States Senate in the mind of the public and demonstrated its importance to our republic; and

 

WHEREAS, there is an immeasurable void left by the loss of such a masterful legislative champion, thereby increasing the need for the education and development of new Senators, other legislators, and legislative staff; and

 

WHEREAS, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate will stand not only as a monumental testament to the great life and career of Senator Kennedy, but even more so will stand as his lasting contribution to this nation through the Institute’s research and education programs; and

 

WHEREAS, the construction of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate will create jobs for our brothers and sisters in the building trades; and

 

WHEREAS, students of all ages and at all levels of education, politicians of every ilk from around the globe, and aspiring staff and academics will benefit from the records, programs and facility of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate; and

 

WHEREAS, international unions, district councils, and local unions have already contributed over $8 million towards the Institute, including $100,000 from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO; therefore be it

 

RESOLVED that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO fully supports the establishment of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate on the campus of the University of Massachusetts at Boston adjacent to the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO looks forward to establishing a long and productive relationship with the Institute and developing a strong partnership in ensuring the success of the Institute’s programs, facility, and contribution to both the legacy of our beloved Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his beloved Senate; and be it finally