Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-20

RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

TaxesForeign PolicyHousing

Context

On 2024-12-20, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered foreign policy, housing. It referenced legislation: S7320.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)] [Senate] [Page S7320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Columbia Savings and Loan Association on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. Founded by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard in 1924 in Milwaukee, WI, Columbia Savings and Loan is the first--and currently only--African- American owned bank in Wisconsin. For 100 years, Columbia has been dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Milwaukee community, primarily serving low- and moderate-income families in Milwaukee. Now led by Ernest Jones and Will Martin, who continue to uphold the values of its founders, Columbia celebrates its centennial anniversary. When the Columbia Savings and Loan Association was first founded, the beginnings of discriminatory redlining practices were emerging in Wisconsin. Thousands of Black families were forced to live in the so- called ``black belt'' in Milwaukee, with similar situations occurring across the United States. These communities struggled to build wealth as insured mortgages were not available to them. However, during that dark time, Columbia Savings and Loan was steadfast in turning the tides and to supporting the African-American community in Milwaukee. One of the many lasting impacts that Columbia has etched into Milwaukee's history is the rise of the Halyard Park area, in the heart of the city. After the construction of Interstate 43, many homes were demolished, displacing many residents. At a time when banks still practiced discriminatory mortgage policies against African Americans, fair housing advocates Ardie and Wilbur Halyard focused on financing for Black individuals and families to revitalize the neighborhood with backing of the Columbia Savings and Loan. Throughout the years, Halyard Park grew and is now a cornerstone of the city of Milwaukee, from hosting various music performances and art shows to being home to some of Milwaukee's well-known restaurants. Without the help of Columbia and its founders, Halyard Park would not be what it is today. While other neighborhoods have seen high population turnover and decreased home values, Halyard Park residents have stayed and have boasted higher valued homes. After the savings and loans crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, hundreds of savings and loans organizations were impacted across the Nation, with many having to close. But Columbia survived, is thriving, and is one of the only left in Wisconsin. I applaud their hard work and dedication to serving the Milwaukee community over the last 100 years. Countless people and families have had their lives changed because of the Columbia Savings and Loan Association. I look forward to the association's continued success in the years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)] [Senate] [Page S7320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Columbia Savings and Loan Association on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. Founded by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard in 1924 in Milwaukee, WI, Columbia Savings and Loan is the first--and currently only--African- American owned bank in Wisconsin. For 100 years, Columbia has been dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Milwaukee community, primarily serving low- and moderate-income families in Milwaukee. Now led by Ernest Jones and Will Martin, who continue to uphold the values of its founders, Columbia celebrates its centennial anniversary. When the Columbia Savings and Loan Association was first founded, the beginnings of discriminatory redlining practices were emerging in Wisconsin. Thousands of Black families were forced to live in the so- called ``black belt'' in Milwaukee, with similar situations occurring across the United States. These communities struggled to build wealth as insured mortgages were not available to them. However, during that dark time, Columbia Savings and Loan was steadfast in turning the tides and to supporting the African-American community in Milwaukee. One of the many lasting impacts that Columbia has etched into Milwaukee's history is the rise of the Halyard Park area, in the heart of the city. After the construction of Interstate 43, many homes were demolished, displacing many residents. At a time when banks still practiced discriminatory mortgage policies against African Americans, fair housing advocates Ardie and Wilbur Halyard focused on financing for Black individuals and families to revitalize the neighborhood with backing of the Columbia Savings and Loan. Throughout the years, Halyard Park grew and is now a cornerstone of the city of Milwaukee, from hosting various music performances and art shows to being home to some of Milwaukee's well-known restaurants. Without the help of Columbia and its founders, Halyard Park would not be what it is today. While other neighborhoods have seen high population turnover and decreased home values, Halyard Park residents have stayed and have boasted higher valued homes. After the savings and loans crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, hundreds of savings and loans organizations were impacted across the Nation, with many having to close. But Columbia survived, is thriving, and is one of the only left in Wisconsin. I applaud their hard work and dedication to serving the Milwaukee community over the last 100 years. Countless people and families have had their lives changed because of the Columbia Savings and Loan Association. I look forward to the association's continued success in the years to come. ____________________