Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated employees at Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline, Illinois. The devoted staff of Hope Creek, members of AFSCME Local 2371, are a special group who are often regarded as extended family members to the residents and their loved ones. They don't do what they do for the money. The employees there genuinely care about the people. Some of the more prominent residents who continue to benefit from the excellent care that Hope Creek provides include former U.S. Congressman Lane Evans and former Rock Island County State's Attorney Marshall Douglas, Sr. But make no mistake, everyone who lives there receives the same first-rate care and services. Hope Creek, a publicly owned nursing home, is currently facing a possible sale by the county board to a private corporation. Whatever the outcome, I hope that the same standard of excellence that Hope Creek is known for continues, and that starts with the quality staff. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to know that first-rate facilities such as these exist, and I want to thank the wonderful staff for their contributions to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the Thomson Correctional Center, a facility that has sat vacant in the town of Thomson, a small village in northern Illinois, since it was built by the State of Illinois in 2001. For more than a decade, the people of my region have been thirsting for the jobs and the economic opportunity that the opening of this facility would bring. Yesterday, we received the very good news that we had been waiting for, for a long time. This was delivered to us from the Bureau of Prisons, which announced that they will designate the funding to activate the Thomson Correctional Center. This investment means construction can soon begin. It means that workers can soon begin competing for good-paying jobs, and it means that northern Illinois will no longer be home to an empty prison. When fully open, the Thomson Correctional Center will add 1,100 jobs to our region and will add $200 million in annual economic impact. The prison's activation will not only be good for our economy, but it will also generate a sense of pride among the people I serve in the surrounding communities. We finally will see the dormant facility put to good use.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rockford Rescue Mission in Rockford, Illinois, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Rockford Rescue Mission first opened in 1964 with a sign on the door reading ``All are welcome here. The alcoholic, the addict, the stranger, the sojourner, the pilgrim, the poor. There is hope for all who enter here.'' Over the last 50 years, Rockford Rescue Mission has continued to open its doors to those in our community who need help, operating 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The Mission offers meals, short term housing, and prevention and recovery services for addictions, abuse and destructive relations. In one year, Rockford Rescue Mission provides almost 60,000 nights of lodging and over 160,000 meals, as well as more than 10,000 counseling sessions to people all across northern Illinois. The Mission relies on private donations and support from over 500 volunteers annually providing almost 45,000 hours of service. Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Rockford Rescue Mission for reaching this impressive milestone. I want to thank them for their incredible efforts over the past 50 years and their continued dedication to providing services to those in need in our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the urgent need to raise the minimum wage for hardworking Americans just struggling to get by. The cost of living has increased, but wages have not. In Illinois alone, more than 1 million people--a full 20 percent of our workforce--could benefit from an increase in the minimum wage. It could also lead to close to a billion-dollar economic shot in the arm to my State. Currently, my State's small businesses are at a competitive disadvantage because in our neighboring States of Wisconsin and Iowa, the minimum wage is lower than in ours. Raising the Federal minimum wage could help level this playing field and make small businesses in my region stronger. Increasing the minimum wage is a win-win situation for the people I represent and for our local economy. I believe strongly that anyone who works full-time should not have to live in poverty. Let's work together and get this done.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember former State Representative Eugene Schlickman of Illinois who passed away on January 23rd at the age of 84. Eugene Schlickman was born on December 17th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa, the oldest of four children. His family moved to Rockford, Illinois, where Schlickman grew up and where his father ran the Tydee Dydee Diaper Service. Eugene attended St. Thomas High School in Rockford and later became the first in his family to graduate from college, after which he went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown University. Schlickman was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1964 and served for eight terms, where he was known for reaching across the aisle and promoting bipartisan cooperation. During his tenure in the General Assembly, he led initiatives on issues including higher education, parochial schools, children's services, and regional planning. After leaving the Legislature, Schlickman practiced law in Arlington Heights and coauthored biographies of former Governor Otto Kerner and Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to give my sincere condolences to Eugene Schlickman's family and friends in Rockford and throughout Illinois and honor his years of dedicated service to our state.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Flachtemeier Monument Company in Freeport, Illinois, on the occasion of their 140th anniversary. Flachtemeier Monument was founded in 1874 when Frederick Flachtemeier began his stone carving business in Freeport. Over the next 140 years, Flachtemeier Monument Company has supported grieving families and helped them memorialize their loved ones. Ric Knox, the current branch manager, loves that his job allows him to connect with the community, explaining that ``total strangers come into my life and invite me into their life.'' In honor of its 140th anniversary, Flachtemeier Monument Company is partnering with the Freeport Chamber of Commerce for a community event later this year. Additionally, the company plans to donate a portion of its sales to United Way of Northwest Illinois whenever a customer mentions one of their affiliated charities. Mr. Speaker, I want to again congratulate Flachtemeier for reaching this impressive milestone. Ric Knox says of the people he memorializes that ``their legacy lives on, if I do my job right.'' Through Knox and his entire company, Frederick Flachtemeier's legacy has lived on for 140 years and will hopefully continue to thrive and support our community for many more.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Investigator Jeffrey Houde of Rockford, Illinois, who retired from the Rockford Police Department on January 17th. Investigator Houde joined the Rockford Police Department on July 27th, 1987 as a Patrol Officer and served the city of Rockford for over 26 years. On September 29th, 1991, he was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau Identification Unit. Houde remained with the Identification Unit until his retirement, eventually taking over day to day operations for five years before voluntarily returning to his role as an Investigator. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Investigator Jeffery Houde for his years of dedicated service to our community and congratulate him on his retirement.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the fifth anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a critical law that championed the principle of equal pay for equal work. While this law made strides in closing the wage gap, across the country, women still earn 77 cents for every dollar a man makes for the exact same work. This gap results in more than $11,000 less that a woman makes every year. That means women are essentially working 84 days for free while a man takes home a paycheck. In the district of Illinois that I serve, women make even less than that. They make approximately 70 cents on the dollar. Keep in mind that number is figured for the same work, just with much, much less income. Equal pay is not simply a women's issue; it is an issue for the middle class and working families. When women bring home more, they are able to provide better for their families. Because equal pay for equal work would benefit hardworking families across my region, across the State of Illinois, and across the country, it is time that Congress pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the Environmental Protection Agency's recent proposal to lower the number of biofuels in our gasoline. Every year, the EPA is required to provide guidelines to oil refineries on the number of biofuels to blend into the fuel we pump into our vehicles. While the EPA has the authority to reduce the number of biofuels, it never has before. Lowering the number of biofuels simply defies common sense. This isn't just a proposal that will hurt Illinois' rural farmers or our communities in the rural areas, but the economy at large in my home State. It also builds a brick wall in the middle of our Nation's path toward energy independence. It threatens to drive up prices at the gasoline pump, and it risks jobs in an industry that really offers real promise. The administration's proposal doesn't even maintain the status quo-- it moves us backward--and I see that as unacceptable. I am proud to lead a bipartisan effort with Congresswoman Kristi Noem in urging the EPA to revise its proposal because if energy independence is a national priority, then so, too, should be biofuels.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Lieutenant Christine Bishop of Rockford, Illinois, who retired from the Rockford Police Department at the beginning of this year. Lieutenant Bishop joined the Department on March 6, 1989 and served the city of Rockford for almost 25 years. She advocated for, and helped establish the department's K-9 unit, becoming one of the first K-9 handlers in 1994. Later, she became the first woman from the Department to earn the rank of lieutenant and was the first woman to go to the FBI National Academy for advanced supervisor training. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Christine Bishop for her years of dedicated service to our community and congratulate her on her retirement.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, during my first year in office, I have made it a priority to put politics aside and focus on working with both Democrats and Republicans. My goal is to find commonsense solutions that benefit the people of my region of Illinois. I was encouraged to see both parties come together last month to pass a bipartisan deal that prevented another government shutdown, eased the harmful impact of sequestration, and protected Illinois jobs and the economy. Compromises are rarely perfect. This budget is no different. It is not perfect. That is why I helped to introduce the Military Retirement Restoration Act. It would repeal the military retiree cost-of-living adjustments included in the budget deal. This bill is fully paid for and would repeal those costs to military retirees by closing unfair tax loopholes for offshore corporations. As someone who will always honor and support those who have given their lives in service to our country, I will continue to oppose proposals that aim to balance our budget on the backs of the brave men and women who have served us. I urge Democrats and Republicans to join me in supporting this commonsense effort to ensure our military retirees get the benefits that they have earned and deserve.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Maximillian Bandy of East Moline, Illinois who passed away on December 5th at the age of 87. Max Bandy was born on February 1, 1926 in Centerville, Iowa, one of 11 children. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Max worked at Case IH for over 40 years. He stayed active in his community as a union steward and later ran for Alderman of the 6th Ward. He was first elected in 1993 and remained on the City Council until 1999. Additionally, Max served on the board of the Florence Aldridge Child Development Center in East Moline. Max loved being involved in his community, singing in his church choir and cheering on his Iowa Hawkeyes. He had a large family and was a very proud father, stepfather, uncle, grandfather and great- grandfather. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to give my sincere condolences to Max Bandy's family and friends and honor his years of dedicated service to the people of East Moline.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank all of our brave heroes who are serving overseas and are not home with their families this holiday season. While most of us will be returning to our homes to celebrate with family and friends, let us not forget all of the men and women serving our country who will not be able to be with their loved ones. My region of Illinois is home to thousands of veterans who have served honorably in wartime and peacetime. It is also home to many Active Duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and Ready Reservists. I was heartened to learn recently that the Peoria-based Army National Guard unit is expected to come home before the holidays. This will surely be an early Christmas present for many families across the region of the country I am here to serve. I look forward to welcoming them home. All of our servicemembers deserve our full support year-round, but let us please take this holiday season as an opportunity to thank them for their sacrifices that they have given to their families and to our country. Let us be there for them now, because they are there for us.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victory Bell and Chuck Jefferson, who were recently honored by the Booker Washington Center in Rockford, Illinois. Vic Bell and Chuck Jefferson have both been incredible leaders in the Rockford community for decades. The first African-American elected to the Rockford City Council, Alderman Bell served for 38 years before retiring in 2009. During his years representing Rockford's most diverse ward, Bell helped increase diversity throughout city government and fought to bring economic development projects to all of Rockford. He was an inspiration and a mentor to many who have since entered public service or joined the City Council and, in 1999, he was named one of the Rockford Register Star's ``100 people of the Century.'' Chuck Jefferson has been serving as State Representative for Illinois' 67th District since 2001 and is currently the Assistant Majority Leader in the State Assembly. After completing six years of service in the Army, Representative Jefferson moved to Rockford with his wife and began his career in public service. He has been involved in numerous community organizations over the years, including the New Zion Day Care Center, United Way and the Rockford Sportsmen Golf Association, which organizes after-school programs for underprivileged youth. The Booker Washington Community Center in Rockford is Illinois' oldest African-American community center. It hosts an impressive array of programs for people of all ages dedicated to art, music, violence prevention, education and much more. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to again congratulate Vic Bell and Chuck Jefferson and thank the Booker Washington Center for recognizing their many years of dedicated service to the people of Rockford.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erie Foods International in Erie, Illinois, on the occasion of their 75th anniversary. Erie Foods International manufactures ingredients that are used in many different brands of nutritional beverages and bars, dairy products, sports drinks, coffee and more. Founded as Erie Casein Dryers in 1938 by Arden and Marjorie Reisenbigler, Erie Foods is truly a family business. The company is currently run by their son, David Reisenbigler, whose older brother was CEO for five years beginning in 1977 and whose son and sister also work for Erie Foods. In the past 75 years, Erie Foods has grown to a global company, with 194 employees worldwide, including 33 in Erie. Additionally, Erie Foods makes it a point to buy from local dairies at many of their plants and donates a portion of their profits to charitable organizations. CEO David Reisenbigler explains that ``we want to be more than a company that just takes profits. We want to improve the communities where we are.'' Mr. Speaker, I want to again congratulate Erie Foods International for reaching this impressive milestone and I wish them even more success over the next 75 years.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank everyone who participated in our First Annual 17th Congressional District Economic Summit on November 22, 2013 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. The Economic Summit, held in partnership with the University of Illinois, brought together community leaders from across our district to share economic development strategies and best practices to reduce unemployment, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. The Economic Summit was a huge success because of the participation of our excellent speakers and attendees. I would like to give my sincere thanks to Dr. Lawrence Schook, Adam Pollet, Steven Bahls, Tara Barney, Dr. Thomas Baynum, Shannon Duncan, and Jeffrey Kaney, Sr. for their astute analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing our district and their willingness to work together to ensure that the 17th District is one of the best places to live, work, start a business, and raise a family. Our speakers included three exceptional educational leaders. Dr. Lawrence Schook is the Vice President for Research at the University of Illinois and is well known for his work as an educator, biomedical scientist, and entrepreneur. He also serves on the Illinois Innovation Council as well as the Board of Managers for the Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories. Steven Bahls is the President of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and a recognized scholar in business law, agricultural law, and education. Dr. Thomas Baynum is President of Black Hawk College with campuses in Moline and Galva, Illinois. Under his leadership, Black Hawk College serves roughly 20,000 students in degree programs, continuing education, and vocational programs. Our panels also included prominent economic and community development leaders. We were fortunate to have Adam Pollet, the Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Mr. Pollet guides and oversees the agency tasked with growing our state economy. Tara Barney is the President and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, representing 2,000 businesses and 90,000 employees in the region. Shannon Duncan is a Planning Coordinator with the Western Illinois Regional Council and oversees community development work for many of the rural counties in Western Illinois. Lastly, Jeffrey Kaney, Sr. is the founder and CEO of the Kaney Group, an aerospace company in Rockford, Illinois. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and serves on the board of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and is Chairman of the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN). Mr. Speaker, I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated and helped make our Economic Summit such a success. While there's much work to be done, I have high hopes for our region and look forward to building on the partnerships forged at the event.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a piece of legislation I will be introducing that will help put our brave veterans back to work in good-paying jobs in the communities across our country. It is called the Jobs for Heroes Act--good for vets and good for the economy. It would extend and expand two tax credits for businesses that prioritize hiring veterans. Without congressional action, both of these tax credits are set to expire at the end of the month. The time to act is now. Last month, I traveled to all corners of my district to meet with local veterans to listen to their priorities and to their concerns. I also hosted an economic summit attended by roughly 200 people whom I am here to serve. This was all about jobs and all about the economy, and this is also about our veterans. Making sure veterans have access to good-paying jobs came up everywhere I went from Pekin to Peoria, Rock Island to Rockford. Literally, everywhere I went. Legislation to help prioritize the hiring of veterans is especially crucial due to the high unemployment rate of young veterans. Veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 have an unemployment rate of more than 20 percent. That is 5 percent higher than nonveterans of the same age. That is absolutely shameful. I hope all Members of Congress will join me in supporting my commonsense bill to help put veterans back to work and to making sure that those who have served always remain a priority--good for veterans, good for the economy, and good for America.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chad Pregracke of East Moline, Illinois, who was recently named CNN's ``Hero of the Year.'' Chad grew up in the Quad-Cities, only 15 feet from the Mississippi River. He spent his free time on the river with his family and worked as a shell diver and fisherman during summer breaks, where he was struck by the amount of waste and debris he saw on the river. In 1998, when Chad was 23, he founded Living Lands & Waters to clean up and support the nation's waterways. Over the last 15 years, Chad has worked with 70,000 volunteers to remove 7 million pounds of debris from rivers all over the country. Additionally, Living Lands & Waters organizes floating classrooms, bringing high school students to rivers and teaching them about the importance of river ecosystems and the damage pollution causes. They are also halfway through their goal of planting one million trees along Midwestern rivers. Chad Pregracke has received many awards for his work, notably the Jefferson Award in 2002, which was created to be an American Nobel Prize for community and public service. In 2011, Chad was recognized as a Service Hero and invited to speak to all four living ex-U.S. Presidents at the Points of Light Tribute in Washington, D.C. He was chosen CNN's ``Hero of the Year'' this November by a public vote, winning a $250,000 award for Living Lands & Waters to continue its important work. Chad has also pledged a portion of his prize to the other people in CNN's ``Hero of the Year'' top ten to support their worthy programs. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Chad Pregracke for his extraordinary work in our community and across the country, and I am proud that Illinois celebrated Chad Pregracke Day this December 1st.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Ray Lomas of Rock Island, Illinois. Ray Lomas has been helping kids in the Quad-Cities since the 1950s. He coached sports teams, mentored students and athletes, and co-founded the Metropolitan Youth Program in the 1980s. Metro Youth continues to this day to engage students through its steppers and drill team while providing tutoring and educational programs. A drummer himself, Lomas hosted the drum unit at his house every day, and made sure that they also learned practical skills like paying bills and applying for jobs. Now 84, Ray Lomas has lived in the Quad-Cities for almost his entire life, and spent 36 years working for Deere & Co. in East Moline. His son Rory Lomas is now retired after serving in the Army for over 24 years. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Ray Lomas for his years of service to our community and I am very happy that Rock Island celebrated Ray Lomas Day on October 24th.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the devastating tornado that hit my region of Illinois this past Sunday. The tornado, which has been classified as an EF-4, hit speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. The city of Pekin in my district was especially hard hit. More than 200 structures in this city of 35,000 people were damaged, and 75 homes were left uninhabitable. Many people lost not only their homes, but all their possessions. To give just one personal story, Gary and Selena Cleer were in church on Sunday when the tornado hit. They took shelter with the rest of the congregation in the hallway. Finally, when they were able to drive safely back home, they didn't even recognize their house. Much of their roof was gone. Their garage had been torn away, and their battered car lay amid rubble. Illinoisans are generous and compassionate people, as well as being resilient and hard working. I have no doubt we will recover from the storm, but this type of disaster could happen anywhere. As we continue to debate the issues of the day, I call on all of us to keep in mind the people who have been hit hard by natural disasters. We owe it to them to be there for them in their time of need.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the recent veterans tour I conducted across my region of Illinois. Last week I traveled to all corners of my district to meet with local veterans and listen to their priorities and to their concerns. I held listening roundtables with veterans to talk about ways we can cut down on the shameful backlog of VA claims, to make sure that veterans have access to good-paying jobs, to education, and to job training programs, and to put an end to veterans' homelessness. I also worked a shift at the Sterling, Illinois, VA Clinic, where I shadowed nurses and saw firsthand new technology that help veterans have access to treatment closer to home. And, finally, I interviewed Leland Chandler for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Mr. Chandler is a World War II veteran from Galesburg, Illinois, who was a prisoner of war in the Pacific Theater. He received many awards and decorations for his brave service to our Nation. He is a true American hero, and I am honored to share his story with the public. During my time in Congress, I have made veterans my top priority, and I will continue to fight to protect the benefits that they have worked so hard to achieve.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WQPT-TV, the Quad-Cities PBS station, on the occasion of their 30th Anniversary. WQPT launched on Nov. 3, 1983 with only four hours of programming each weekday. With support from local leaders, including former Representative Lane Evans, area colleges and universities, and many dedicated volunteers, WQPT has grown into a station that provides excellent programs on its main and secondary channels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WQPT has formed a great partnership with Western Illinois University Quad-Cities, allowing staff to collaborate with students and faculty, speak regularly to classes and engage with the community. Additionally, as part of its educational mission, WQPT's ``Ready to Learn Initiative'' has donated 123,000 books to area students since 1995. Before WQPT launched 30 years ago, the Quad-Cities area was the largest metro area in the country without a PBS station. WQPT still has one of the smallest staffs and budgets out of all stations in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting network, yet manages to provide locally relevant, award-winning programs for everyone in the region. These awards include an Emmy nomination, two CINE Golden Eagle Awards, the PBS Sterling Award and a Grassroots Advocacy Award from the National Friends of Public Broadcasting. Mr. Speaker, I again want to congratulate WQPT-TV for reaching this milestone, and I thank them for their 30 years of service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Robert Young Center (RYC) and Community Health Care, Inc. (CHC) in Moline, Illinois, which have been recognized with a Gold Best Practice Award from URAC, a leading healthcare accreditation and education organization. Out of seven national finalists in the category of care coordination and clinical integration, the Robert Young Center and Community Health Care, Inc., received the top award for their work on integrating care for people with severe mental illnesses and co-existing chronic medical diseases. Behavioral disorders and depression often coincide with major medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. CHC established a primary care clinic at the Robert Young Center and RYC placed a mental health clinician at CHC to address co-existing disorders, dramatically reducing ER visits and medical and psychological costs while increasing patients' quality of life scores by 131%. Mr. Speaker, I want to again congratulate the Robert Young Center and Community Health Care for their remarkable achievements. I am very grateful for the wonderful services that they provide for our community and thankful to URAC for allowing them a platform to share their model with others.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Center for Belgian Culture of the Quad Cities on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. The Center for Belgian Culture was created in 1963 out of the Federation of Belgian social clubs in our region of Illinois. During the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, many Belgian immigrants settled in the Quad Cities, which once boasted the largest Belgian community in the United States and still has the second highest Belgian heritage population in the country. The Belgian community brought many great aspects of their culture to the Quad Cities, which the Center continues to promote through its art programs, lace-making classes and, of course, Belgian waffle breakfasts. Additionally, the Center assists with historical and genealogical research and provides scholarships for students of Belgian descent. Mr. Speaker, I again want to congratulate the Center for Belgian Culture on this notable milestone, and I thank them for their many contributions to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Justice Thomas Kilbride, who just completed his term as Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court on October 25th. Justice Kilbride received his law degree from Antioch School in Washington, DC, and practiced law for 20 years in the 17th District of Illinois before being elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2000. He graciously conducted a ceremonial swearing in for me in Rock Island after I took office in the U.S. House of Representatives in January. Justice Kilbride made a great impact on public access to the law during his term as Chief Justice. He promoted the increased use of technology in the court, spearheading efforts to put cameras in Illinois courtrooms and allowing electronic filing of many documents for the Supreme Court. Additionally, Justice Kilbride formed the Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, as he explained, in order to ``make access to justice a high priority for everyone in the legal system.'' Among other accomplishments, the Commission has broadened the use of standardized legal forms in plain English to make it easier for people to navigate the law without needing to hire an attorney. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Justice Kilbride for his friendship, his commendable work as Chief Justice and his dedication to making the law accessible to everyone in Illinois.