Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of J. Michael Downey, a giant in the labor movement who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working Rhode Islanders. Mike grew up in a union household. His father was the president of Local 28, the plumbers union, and executive director of the allied building trades. He followed in his father's footsteps and worked as a plumber at the University of Rhode Island for over 27 years before becoming the chief plumbing investigator at the State Department of Labor and Training. Mike worked a good job and wanted all workers in Rhode Island to have what he had, a fair and liveable wage, good benefits, and the opportunity to build a middle-class life. That is what he fought for as president of ASFCME council 94, the State's largest public-sector employees union, and as president of Local 528, which represents workers at the University of Rhode Island. Mike championed policies to protect members' wages and added several more locals under his leadership. Mike's work speaks for itself. He was re-elected as president five times. Mike was also active in his own community, serving as the co-chair of Serve Rhode Island and as a council member for the town of Charlestown. He will be remembered as a humble leader who dedicated his life and service to others. May his memory be a blessing. ____________________”