LRB-4379/1
SRM:kjf:pg
March 2008 Special Session
2007 - 2008 LEGISLATURE
May 14, 2008 - Introduced by Representatives Colon, Zepnick, Toles, Turner,
Sinicki and A. Williams, cosponsored by Senators Carpenter, Taylor, Miller
and Coggs. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization. Referred to
Committee on Rules.
AJR1,1,2
1Relating to: the life and public service of Richard Oulahan, founder and longtime
2executive director of Esperanza Unida, Inc.
AJR1,1,53
Whereas, Richard Oulahan was born in New York and was one of seven
4children. He learned to speak Spanish fluently because his father worked as a
5reporter for
Time magazine in Mexico City; and
AJR1,1,106
Whereas, Richard Oulahan joined Esperanza Unida in 1973 and became
7executive director in 1978, and handled hundreds of unemployment claims for the
8organization during the late 1970s and early 1980s. During that time, the
9downsizing trend hit Milwaukee hard, resulting in several major manufacturing
10plant closings and more then 10,000 jobs lost; and
AJR1,1,1311
Whereas, Richard Oulahan is credited with revamping the organization to aid
12the dislocated workers in acquiring new skills. The funds and equipment he helped
13acquire led the agency to the "training business" model now in place; and
AJR1,2,214
Whereas, he spent more than 30 years working tirelessly and passionately to
15build Esperanza Unida from a small south side agency that initially helped injured
1workers file compensation claims to an organization that won national acclaim for
2its successful job training programs for Milwaukee's poor; and
AJR1,2,43
Whereas, under Richard Oulahan's direction the agency grew to 70 workers
4and an annual budget of $3.2 million; and
AJR1,2,75
Whereas, Oulahan died on May 9, 2008, at age 60 after suffering a brain
6aneurysm nearly three years ago that left him disabled and unable to continue the
7work that defined his life; now, therefore, be it
AJR1,2,10
8Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
9Wisconsin legislature honor Richard Oulahan for his dedication and passion, and for
10tirelessly advocating for the poor in Milwaukee; and, be it further
AJR1,2,13
11Resolved, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature express their
12heartfelt sorrow and deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of
13Richard Oulahan; and, be it further
AJR1,2,16
14Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint
15resolution to Richard Oulahan's life partner, Eloisa Gomez, and two sons, Cain and
16Luke Oulahan, and Marilynn Weiland, mother of his children and former spouse.
