Recognizing the Life of Senator J. William Lincoln

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the late James William Lincoln of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, for a life dedicated to public service.

Senator ``Bill'' Lincoln, as he was known by those close to him, ended his long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease on December 19, 2021. By all accounts, he approached life the same before and after his diagnosis: with action.

Born in 1940, Senator Lincoln worked as a shoe salesman and milk delivery man before being elected district judge. After serving two terms, Senator Lincoln was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served from 1972 to 1978. In 1979, he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he served the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 15 years.

During his tenure, Senator Lincoln was appointed to the Legislative Budget and Finance. Committee, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, Legislative Audit Advisory Committee, and the Joint State Government Commission. He also served as the Chair of the Democratic State Committee from 1991 to 1995.

In 1998, Senator Lincoln was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 58, but his passion for public service never wavered. Following his time in the State Senate, he worked as a member of the State Transportation Advisory Board and was also appointed by the governor as Commissioner and Secretary-Treasurer to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, where he served for 10 years until 2013.

Among the many titles Senator Lincoln held were husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lincoln, and four sons, James William Jr., Eric, Jerry, and Greg Lincoln, and their families. He leaves his loved ones with not only fond memories, but also a legacy of service to his home state.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life of Senator Bill Lincoln and the tremendous accomplishments and contributions he made to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. May his leadership and service, particularly in the face of adversity, serve as an example to us all.

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