The publication is reproduced in full below:
JOE ``VAL'' VALENTIN VIGIL
______
HON. ED PERLMUTTER
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe ``Val'' Valentin Vigil of Thornton, Colorado who passed away on February 5, 2021.
Val, as he was known, was born on July 9, 1947 in Taos, New Mexico to Manuel Vigil and Felicia Vallejos. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and secondary education from Adams State University in 1971. Val went on to start his own financial consulting business, Vigil & Company, which he continued operating until his passing.
Val served in local and state government in Colorado for many years. I had the pleasure of working with him when he was a State Representative for House District 32 and during his tenure as a Thornton City Councilmember for eight years--two of which he was Mayor Pro Tem. Beginning in the 1970's, Val became active in the Democratic party for many years where he advocated for the Latino community and issues such as education. During his term in the Colorado State Legislature from 1999 to 2006, he became known for his legacy of promoting higher educational opportunities for students across Colorado. One of Val's lasting impacts on Colorado was his work to pass the ASSET Bill (Senate Bill 13-033), which grants in-state tuition to undocumented students.
In addition to his service in state and local government, Val served on the Board of Trustees for Adams State University from 2011 through 2019. He was an active member of the Adams State Denver Alumni Chapter, and volunteered many hours at local schools as a guest speaker. He was in high demand to speak on immigration issues and was considered an expert on the topic, as he was the first legislator in Colorado to introduce the in-state tuition legislation in 2000.
Val was known and admired for his passion for community service and his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and advocating for issues important to Colorado's Latino community. Val was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Celina Annabelle Vigil, children Nadine (Sammy) Cordova and Valerie Vigil, and grandchildren Brandon, Jared (Brianne), and Amanda (Jorge) and one great grandchild, Hazel. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 31
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