Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-02-02

TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON

Taxes

Context

On 2026-02-02, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes. It referenced legislation including S439, S440.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S439-S440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two extraordinary public servants whose leadership has helped sustain and strengthen public media at a pivotal moment for our Nation: Patricia Harrison, president and chief executive officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Mark Contreras, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Public. Mark Contreras recently announced his retirement after more than 7 years of distinguished leadership at Connecticut Public. During his tenure, Connecticut Public expanded local and multilingual journalism, strengthened its financial foundation, and continued to serve communities across the State with trusted news, educational programming, and cultural content. He also reinforced Connecticut Public's role as the lead station for the New England News Collaborative, coordinating regional reporting on critical local and regional issues. Even amid the loss of Federal public media funding, his steady leadership ensured the organization remains resilient, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the people it serves. I also wish to recognize Patricia Harrison, who is concluding her service as president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as the organization winds down operations following the loss of Federal funding. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Harrison ensured that Federal investments in public broadcasting delivered meaningful, local impact. In Connecticut, that commitment was reflected in CPB's sustained support for trusted journalism, civic engagement, and educational opportunity. Under her leadership, CPB strengthened State government coverage in Connecticut, ensuring that residents had access to reliable, nonpartisan reporting on the work of their State leaders and institutions. Ms. Harrison also supported American Graduate, an initiative that mobilized public media stations and community partners to help students stay on track to graduation and connect families with vital educational resources. In Connecticut, American Graduate has strengthened local collaboration and expanded access to educational support for young people across the State. In addition, Ms. Harrison championed regional journalism through CPB's support for the New England News Collaborative, with Connecticut Public serving as the lead station. This collaboration enabled public media organizations across New England to work together to report on issues that cross State lines, providing deeper, more comprehensive coverage for communities throughout the region. As a longtime supporter of public broadcasting, I know firsthand the vital role that organizations like CPB and Connecticut Public play in strengthening our democracy, supporting local journalism, educating children, and serving communities of [[Page S440]] every size and background. The careers of Patricia Harrison and Mark Contreras truly exemplify that mission. I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating the service and lasting contributions of Patricia Harrison and Mark Contreras. ____________________

View original source →

TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S439-S440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two extraordinary public servants whose leadership has helped sustain and strengthen public media at a pivotal moment for our Nation: Patricia Harrison, president and chief executive officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Mark Contreras, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Public. Mark Contreras recently announced his retirement after more than 7 years of distinguished leadership at Connecticut Public. During his tenure, Connecticut Public expanded local and multilingual journalism, strengthened its financial foundation, and continued to serve communities across the State with trusted news, educational programming, and cultural content. He also reinforced Connecticut Public's role as the lead station for the New England News Collaborative, coordinating regional reporting on critical local and regional issues. Even amid the loss of Federal public media funding, his steady leadership ensured the organization remains resilient, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the people it serves. I also wish to recognize Patricia Harrison, who is concluding her service as president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as the organization winds down operations following the loss of Federal funding. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Harrison ensured that Federal investments in public broadcasting delivered meaningful, local impact. In Connecticut, that commitment was reflected in CPB's sustained support for trusted journalism, civic engagement, and educational opportunity. Under her leadership, CPB strengthened State government coverage in Connecticut, ensuring that residents had access to reliable, nonpartisan reporting on the work of their State leaders and institutions. Ms. Harrison also supported American Graduate, an initiative that mobilized public media stations and community partners to help students stay on track to graduation and connect families with vital educational resources. In Connecticut, American Graduate has strengthened local collaboration and expanded access to educational support for young people across the State. In addition, Ms. Harrison championed regional journalism through CPB's support for the New England News Collaborative, with Connecticut Public serving as the lead station. This collaboration enabled public media organizations across New England to work together to report on issues that cross State lines, providing deeper, more comprehensive coverage for communities throughout the region. As a longtime supporter of public broadcasting, I know firsthand the vital role that organizations like CPB and Connecticut Public play in strengthening our democracy, supporting local journalism, educating children, and serving communities of [[Page S440]] every size and background. The careers of Patricia Harrison and Mark Contreras truly exemplify that mission. I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating the service and lasting contributions of Patricia Harrison and Mark Contreras. ____________________