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.
“REMEMBERING HENRY H.R. ``HANK'' COE” mentioning Cynthia M. Lummis and John Barrasso was published in the Senate section on pages S89-S90 on Jan. 21.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING HENRY H.R. ``HANK'' COE
Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the 2021 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature got underway. Noticeably absent from the first day of the session was State Senator Henry H.R.
``Hank'' Coe. Hank had been present in Cheyenne for the first day of the annual legislative session for 32 consecutive years.
In March of 2020, on the last day of the 2020 Wyoming legislative session, Hank announced his plan to retire. Senator Coe represented the people of Park County from 1988 to 2020.
Hank was a respected and effective legislator. He earned a reputation for being a kind, thoughtful, persuasive legislator of great integrity.
Hank always had a remarkable grasp of the issues facing the state and his home community. He could see short and long-term needs and offer solutions to address those needs.
During his time in the legislature, Senator Coe served on numerous committees, was elected as majority floor leader, and, in 2001, served as president of the senate.
For 17 years, Hank proudly served as the chair of the senate education committee. He was a strong proponent of local control and high-quality education.
Hank showed students that through hard work and dedication to their studies, there was a world of opportunities within their reach. He understood the importance of investing in our young people, recognizing their achievements, and providing them with the tools needed to succeed.
When I served in the Wyoming State Senate, I had the great honor of working with Hank Coe on one of our proudest legislative initiatives, the creation of the Hathaway scholarship program.
We were able to create a scholarship fund with a $400 million permanent endowment. Income from the fund continues to fund scholarships for Wyoming high school graduates today. The Hathaway scholarship program allows every Wyoming student, regardless of economic background, to qualify for a merit-based scholarship to attend the University of Wyoming or any of our State's seven community colleges.
Senator Coe's leadership was a driving force behind passage of this legislation. Thousands of Wyoming students without the resources to obtain a college education have benefited from this scholarship.
Hank's contribution to public service extended far beyond Wyoming's capitol. He was a mentor to many in his hometown of Cody. He participated fully on local boards and committees. The Cody Chamber of Commerce, Cody Medical Foundation, Cody Yellowstone Air Service, Wyoming Air Service, Buffalo Bill Museum of the West, and the Park County Commissioners all benefited from Hank's committed service.
When Hank retired, he released the following statement, which was printed in the Cody Enterprise on March 13, 2020:
``The Wyoming Legislature continues to be one of the most effective and civil deliberate bodies in the nation. It is my sincere hope that this tradition will continue and Wyoming can be an example to the rest of the nation,'' said Coe.
``Serving in the Senate has been a true honor and a privilege. I'm eternally grateful to the people of Park County who put their faith in me to represent them for so many years. To my community, friends, family, fellow lawmakers and the exceptional legislative staff, I say thank you.''
Hank had a calling to serve. He took that calling and ran with it. His life's work has made a difference in the lives of the people in Park County and in every corner of our great State. History will look kindly upon the contributions and achievements of Hank Coe.
Hank passed away today, January 21, 2021. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and he will be greatly missed by a grateful State. To Hank's entire family, especially his children and grandchildren: son H.R. and grandson Henry, daughter Carey Coe Johnson and husband Jeff and grandchildren Madeline, Jagger, and Jrakke, and daughter Bethany Coe Boydstun and grandchildren, Jackson, Tyler and Lily--our prayers and well wishes are with you.
I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the remarkable life of Hank Coe. His dedication to service will have a profound impact on our state for generations. Thank you Hank.
Ms. LUMMIS. Madam President, today I am pleased to recognize Senator Henry ``Hank'' Coe, who has retired from the Wyoming State Senate after 31 years of dedicated service and over 40 years of public service to Wyoming.
A Cody, WY native, Senator Coe has shown his dedication and love for the State of Wyoming and willingness to serve its citizens. Hank was first elected to the Wyoming Senate in 1989 and served with distinction for over three decades. During his tenure in the Wyoming Senate, Senator Coe served as vice president of the senate from 1997 to 1998; senate majority floor leader from 1999 to 2000; and as president of the senate from 2001 to 2002.
Senator Coe was chairman of the Travel, Recreation and Wildlife Committee from 1992 to 1998, where he worked to grow the tourism industry into one of Wyoming's largest industries. He also served on the Education Committee from 2003 to 2019, working to ensure that Wyoming's children had the tools they need to succeed. These are just a few of the many roles to which Senator Coe brought his passion and expertise, and represent a cornerstone of Wyoming public policy. Prior to joining the Wyoming Senate, Senator Coe served 8 years as a Park County commissioner, and in honor of his service, the commissioners have declared April 29 ``Hank Coe Day'' in Park County, WY.
Senator Coe's service to our great State goes beyond his work as an elected official. He was a respected member of his community. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, a trustee for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a member of the Wyoming Business Alliance, an advisor for the Regional Airport board, and much more.
I had the honor of serving with Senator Coe during my time in the Wyoming Legislature. Our desks were right across the aisle from one another on the Senate floor, and we enjoyed playing subtle pranks on each other. I will also cherish many evenings at the home of his extraordinary mother, Peg Coe, retiring to the den of her sprawling home for drinks and unforgettable conversation. The Coes are a one of a kind but quintessential Wyoming family of the highest order.
Senator Coe passed away today, but I have no doubt he will be an example for generations to come of a dedicated public servant, a model of humility, and a true beacon for the values Wyoming holds dear.
Thank you, Senator Coe for your years of tireless service to Wyoming and for your friendship. I send your family my condolences. God bless.
____________________
Alerts Sign-up