“Representing the 26th Senatorial District has been an honor, and the best job I could have had. I worked hard to improve the quality of life for my constituents, and the people of Connecticut. I was quite moved by the kind words of my colleagues in the Senate, and appreciated the opportunity to tell them how much they mean to me. It was overwhelming, in a wonderful way, to be surrounded by my family, my friends and staff persons I have worked with for so long. I am grateful to all of them,” said Senator Freedman.

Those who attended the tribute included Senator Freedman’s husband, Judge Samuel Freedman, her sister Elizabeth Stuckal, and her nephew, Samuel Scott Stuckal, along with present and former members of her legislative staff.

Senator Freedman said that providing quality constituent service has always been important to her, along with promoting solutions to issues that have a real impact on people’s lives. Senator Freedman, who serves as a chief deputy minority leader of the Senate Republican Caucus, has served as a member of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee for 20 years, and is presently a ranking member of both the Government Administration & Elections Committee and of the Select Committee on Children. Also, she serves as a member of the committees on Legislative Management and of Transportation. She is presently the longest serving State Senator, and the longest serving woman in the history of the State Senate.

Both Republican and Democrat Senators recalled their memories of serving with Senator Freedman.

Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-28) called her a mentor who was always willing to stand up for the issues she believed in and who taught him “how not to be afraid to trust your instincts . . . There are so many ways to describe you, but, for me, I guess the word that comes to mind is ‘gutsy’.”

“Your voice on behalf of people with developmental disabilities will not be quieted when you leave the Senate,” said Senator McKinney.

Senator Toni Harp (D-10), co-chair of the Appropriations Committee, said that she believes Senator Freedman is the only Republican she remembers being appointed by a Democrat to serve as chair of one of the subcommittees, “and she took care of the education budget for the Senate in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000”. Senator Harp called Senator Freedman a “great advocate on behalf of children in our state. She is someone who, if it is the right ideal, doesn’t take a partisan position.”

Senator Sam Caligiuri (R-16) expressed admiration for Senator Freedman’s willingness to make difficult votes and praised her for her “strong, independent mind and spirit” and “willingness to act on it.”

Senator Andrew McDonald (D-27) said that Senator Freedman has not just enjoyed a long tenure, but has earned and built a legacy, and that serving with her has reminded him that “even in politics, the quickest distance between two points is a straight line. She shoots straight, she doesn’t mince words, and she’ll club you if she has to.”

Senator Ed Meyer (D-12) praised Senator Freedman’s advocacy on behalf of many issues, saying “you have tried to push the Department of Children and Families when it fails . . . you’ve been a major leader in raising the age in Connecticut and in juvenile justice reform . . . you’ve worked for school readiness . . . and you’ve tried to combat autism through legislation.”

Senator Minority Leader Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-34) praised Senator Freedman’s commitment to helping Connecticut citizens with Autism Spectrum Disorder, saying “I understand what you are doing for these kids who cannot do for themselves. I understand what you’re doing for parents who need a person like you to stand up here. Your determination is to be admired, your kindness is to be duplicated and your advocacy is to be emulated.”

Senator Freedman distributed small parting gifts to her fellow legislators, including timers to assist with managing the length of floor debates, red pens for cutting state spending, and books offering advice on dealing with difficult people.

“I want to thank the citizens of the 26th Senatorial District for the trust they have placed in me all these years, and for their willingness to share their ideas about the best way to help our part of the state, and Connecticut as a whole. It has been a wonderful 22 years. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for anything in the world,” said Senator Freedman.