March 2008 Special Session
Assembly Resolution 1
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Richard Oulahan, founder and longtime executive director of Esperanza Unida, Inc.
Whereas, Richard Oulahan was born in New York and was one of seven children. He learned to speak Spanish fluently because his father worked as a reporter for Time magazine in Mexico City; and
Whereas, Richard Oulahan joined Esperanza Unida in 1973 and became executive director in 1978, and handled hundreds of unemployment claims for the organization during the late 1970s and early 1980s. During that time, the downsizing trend hit Milwaukee hard, resulting in several major manufacturing plant closings and more then 10,000 jobs lost; and
Whereas, Richard Oulahan is credited with revamping the organization to aid the dislocated workers in acquiring new skills. The funds and equipment he helped acquire led the agency to the "training business" model now in place; and
Whereas, he spent more than 30 years working tirelessly and passionately to build Esperanza Unida from a small south side agency that initially helped injured workers file compensation claims to an organization that won national acclaim for its successful job training programs for Milwaukee's poor; and
Whereas, under Richard Oulahan's direction the agency grew to 70 workers and an annual budget of $3.2 million; and
Whereas, Oulahan died on May 9, 2008, at age 60 after suffering a brain aneurysm nearly three years ago that left him disabled and unable to continue the work that defined his life; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That: the members of the Wisconsin assembly honor Richard Oulahan for his dedication and passion, and for tirelessly advocating for the poor in Milwaukee; and, be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Wisconsin assembly express their heartfelt sorrow and deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Richard Oulahan; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to Richard Oulahan's life partner, Eloisa Gomez, and two sons, Cain and Luke Oulahan, and Marilynn Weiland, mother of his children and former spouse.
