IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and achievements of the Honorable Jean Carnahan, former United States Senator, on the occasion of her passing on January 30, 2024.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21524, February 5, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, the Honorable Jean Carnahan, former United States Senator for the State of Missouri, passed away January 30, 2024, at the age of 90; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan made history in 2001 as the first woman to represent Missouri in the United States Senate, demonstrating resilience and commitment to public service after being appointed to fill her late husband Mel Carnahan’s seat following his tragic posthumous election; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan was sworn in on January 3, 2001, delivering heartfelt remarks to her Senate colleagues acknowledging the unique circumstances that brought her to the Senate and emphasizing a shared commitment to the work of the nation; and,
WHEREAS, a moderate Democrat, Senator Carnahan served with distinction for nearly two years, as a trailblazing and dedicated public servant advocating for on-site day care centers, domestic abuse victims' shelters, and the well-being of seniors; and,
WHEREAS, President Joe Biden said of Senator Carnahan, “In the U.S. Senate, Jean worked for gun safety and reproductive freedom. She stood up for workers, sponsoring legislation to support folks who’d lost their jobs in the wake of 9/11, and as one of a handful of women serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, she was part of the first Congressional delegation to travel to Afghanistan, helping to guide our country through its immense grief in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attack;” and,
WHEREAS, the slogan Don’t Let the Fire Go Out! became the guiding force for Senator Carnahan as she confronted life’s challenges after her husband, son, and a longtime friend were killed in a plane crash on October 16, 2000; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan was born December 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C., where her parents Reginald and Alvina Carpenter instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan is a graduate of George Washington University; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan and her husband Mel, shared a lifelong commitment to each other, marrying on June 12, 1954, and raising four children on a farm in Rolla, Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan, as the first lady of Missouri during her husband's governorship, played an instrumental role in promoting working family support systems, leaving an indelible mark on the State of Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, Senator Carnahan's legacy extends to her surviving family members, two sons, Russ and Tom, a daughter, Robin, and five grandchildren; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Senator Jean Carnahan, pays tribute to her remarkable life, and honors her enduring contributions to the State of Missouri and the United States of America; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the County Legislature that people everywhere are encouraged to embrace Jean Carnahan’s motto, to turn pain into purpose, and to live your life with courage, stoking the flames so they keep burning bright.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21524 of February 5, 2024, was duly passed on February 5, 2024 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ___0______ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature