Alan Grayson

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Florida Senator Darren Soto. Born in New York in 1978, Darren Soto is of both Puerto Rican and Italian descent. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics at Rutgers University and attended law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Darren is a commercial and civil rights attorney proudly practicing law in Central Florida. He is an ardent defender of civil rights and is committed to rendering legal services pro bono to the community. In 2006, he was named class counsel in the federal class-action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Darren is also a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando, and held the positions of Treasurer of the Orange County Democrats and Vice President of Communications for the Orange County Young Democrats (YD). He was also the co-host for YD's Speak Easy events, which provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters. Darren was elected to represent District 49 in the Florida House of Representatives in a special election in 2007, and was subsequently re- elected in 2008 and 2010. He has passed several important pieces of legislation including the Luis Rivera-Ortega Street Racing Act, the Firefighter Death Benefit Bill (inspired by the death of Volusia County firefighter John C. Curry), and the Bus Driver Notification Bill. He has also been a critical voice in defeating attempts to convert Florida to non-judicial foreclosures, stopping the split of the Florida Supreme Court, and blocking a proposed anti-Hispanic Arizona-style immigration law in Florida. In 2012, Darren was elected to represent District 14 in the Florida Senate. He is currently serving as Vice Chair on the Judiciary Committee. Senator Soto also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, the Community Affairs Committee, the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, and the Ethics and Elections Committee. In May of 2013, Darren married Amanda Betlow, an Orange County school teacher. I am honored to recognize Senator Darren Soto, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his leadership and contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Victor ``Vic'' M. Torres, Jr., Florida State Representative for District 48. Vic is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York, New York. Vic's lifetime of service began when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served his community as a police officer for the New York City Transit Police. After twenty years, Victor retired from the New York City Transit Police as 2nd Grade Detective. In 1993, Vic relocated his family to Florida and became a volunteer and leader with several community organizations, the labor movement, and grassroots efforts. He has established a strong reputation as a committed political activist and an effective leader. Vic has volunteered for various local, state and federal campaigns, including presidential, congressional, and state and local electoral campaigns. In 2012, Vic was elected as State Representative for Florida House District 48 in Orange County. Vic currently serves on the Education Committee, Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, Rulemaking Oversight and Repeal Subcommittee, and the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Vic has served with organizations involved in the labor movement including Political Coordinator for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1596 Orlando, Southeast Region Representative for the ATU Latino Caucus, and Trustee for the Central Florida Labor Council of Orange County (CLC). Vic has also been a member of several political organizations including the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, the Orange County Chapter of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus, the Florida Voters League, Inc., and the Steering Committee of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee. Vic has been married to Carmen L. Torres for over twenty years. Vic and Carmen are the proud parents of five children and eight grandchildren. They are faithful members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Kissimmee, Florida. I am honored to recognize State Representative Victor M. Torres, Jr., during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his service to the United States and the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Orlando Rolon. Rolon was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and has lived in Orlando, Florida since 1977. After high school, he served in the United States Marines Reserves for four years. He was an assistant superintendent for a multi-housing developer until he was hired by the Orlando Police Department in 1992. As an officer he worked in East Patrol, the community-oriented Neighborhood Patrol Unit, and a task force focused on juvenile gang activity. In December 1995, Rolon was selected to work in the Criminal Investigations Division's Assault and Battery Unit. On June 1, 1997, Rolon was promoted to Sergeant. He supervised in West Patrol, and on March 8, 1998, he was selected as a supervisor for the Parramore Heritage Bike Unit. In January 1999, he was selected as the Orlando Police Department's first ever fulltime bilingual Public Information Officer. On August 31, 2004, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He served as a Watch Commander in North Patrol and on January 8, 2006, Rolon was selected by Mayor Buddy Dyer to work as the Mayor's assistant. During his assignment to the Mayor he was named the Liaison for Hispanic Affairs for the City of Orlando. In December 2008, he was transferred to the Crime Prevention Division as the Midnight Downtown Bike Commander. On June 6, 2010, he was selected as the Special Operations Division's Motors Commander During his assignment to Special Operations he served as the Planning Section Chief for the 2012 Orlando NBA All-Stars. Rolon was a founding member of the National Latino Peace Officers Association, Central Florida Chapter, where he served as President. He also served as a member of the Emergency Response Team and as the Commander of the Crisis Negotiation Team. In January 2013, Rolon was named as one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in Central Florida by Vision Magazine. That same month, Rolon was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served as the Commander for the West Patrol and Professional Standards Divisions. On September 1, 2014, Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed Rolon as Deputy Chief for the Orlando Police Department. Rolon is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College. He is currently enrolled in the Columbia College Master's program for Criminal Justice. Rolon is married to Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, he has two children and two grandchildren. I am honored to recognize Orlando Rolon for his service to the United States and the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Miguel Antonio Nieves Bou. Miguel was born in Puerto Rico to Miguel Angel Nieves Diaz and Iris Bou Cordova of Corozal on June 13, 1963. Miguel attended Catholic school and the American Military Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico before moving to Sebring, Florida in 1977. Miguel graduated from Sebring High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. After graduating from college, he married Kathy Lynn Duckett and soon moved back to Central Florida. He began his career with the Western Auto Supply Company and rapidly rose within the organization to become the second youngest and first Hispanic District Manager in company history. While his career with Western Auto Supply Company began in Central Florida, job promotions took him to assignments throughout the state of Florida and then to Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1990, Miguel and Kathy gave birth to their first of two sons, Michael Alexander Nieves. Looking to settle down, Miguel left Western Auto to join the Communications Industry as a Sales Executive for a radio station. Soon media became his passion. Within three years, he became Sales Manager for two English language radio stations in Greensboro, North Carolina. During this time Miguel and his wife Kathy welcomed their second son, Christian Andrew Nieves. In 2001, Miguel moved his family back to Central Florida in order to be close to his immediate family and the thriving Puerto Rican community. Miguel joined Bright House Networks in 2001 as the first Latino Sales Executive and led the department, in year-over-year percentage growth for eight consecutive years. He was promoted to Director of Multicultural Sales for Florida in order to develop a business model for a statewide Multicultural Sales initiative. He is currently President and CEO of a multicultural marketing firm based in Central Florida. Miguel's work ethic and commitment to excellence have made him stand out among the best. His family is his main source of pride and joy in his life. His heroes are his parents and his mentor is Jesus Christ. Miguel lives by a credo from the baseball icon, Roberto Clemente Walker, who once said, ``Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth.'' I am happy to honor Miguel Antonio Nieves Bou, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Giorgina obtained a degree in Business Administration from Andres Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. She also earned a Masters in TV Production and Journalism. Currently she is pursuing her PhD in Social Psychology. Giorgina worked for Walt Disney World for nine years as a Merchandise Buyer, after which she began a new career in the field of media. She has extensive experience in television, print, and radio. Giorgina served as Director of Production and Public Relations, and TV host for Telemundo Orlando. After nine years with Telemundo, she became Chief Editor at Casiano Communications' Image magazine. Currently, she is the founder and President of Gio Communications, a communications agency focused on public relations, Hispanic outreach, media buys, government affairs and marketing. Giorgina has been very involved with the business community and the local government of Central Florida. She has received several prestigious awards in recognition of her work including, HABLA Awards' Executive of the Year, Girl Scouts of Citrus' Women of Distinction Awards Visionary of the Year, the Orlando Business Journal's Forty under Forty Award, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orlando Police Department's Good Citizen Award. Giorgina serves as Chairman of the Board for Metro Orlando's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, Board Member of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Chair of the Public Relations Committee for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund and Board Member of the Hope Community Center. She is also a former Board Member of the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board, Coalition for the Homeless, and Easter Seals, and the former President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' Central Florida Chapter. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the American Association of Marketing and Public Relations, Hispanic Public Relations Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, National Association of Professional Women, and lifetime member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). Giorgina is married to Orlando Rolon. She has two step children and two granddaughters. I am honored to recognize Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her leadership and contributions to our community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Carmen Balasquide. Carmen was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is mother to three children Janpierre, Kiara, and Adriel. Carmen moved to Florida in 1993. In 1996, Carmen first got involved in community organizing by volunteering for Osceola County Commissioner Robert Guevara's campaign in which the first Hispanic-American was elected to a local office. While volunteering on the campaign she organized community town halls and candidate meet-and-greets. After spending time away from politics, Carmen had the opportunity to get back into community organizing in 2008 when she met State Senator Gary Siplin during his reelection campaign. She took a campaign coordinator job with the Florida Democratic Party to help re-elect State Senator Siplin and to work on the presidential election. In 2012, Carmen worked with Organize Now as a community organizer where she educated and developed Hispanic community leaders through their Earned Sick Time and Anti-Foreclosure campaigns. Carmen's work on the Earn Sick Time campaign helped collect over 52,000 signatures in support of earned sick time and was the first successful citizen- petition campaign in Orange County. In addition to her organizing work, Carmen arranged meetings and educated legislators on voting against sick time pre-emption. In 2013, Carmen started working with National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to educate Members of Congress on the need to support comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). During the CIR campaign, she worked with community leaders and local elected officials in Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties by conducting local Hispanic media interviews, organizing public letters of support, and facilitating congressional legislative visits. Additionally, Carmen worked with state Hispanic legislators to pass S.R. 1722 a Florida Senate resolution in support of CIR. Carmen has been leading NCLR's vote-by- mail canvass campaign in Central Florida as well as educating voters on the need to vote in midterm elections and to support key issues like expanding healthcare access to all and increasing the minimum wage. In addition to her professional work, Carmen has served as secretary to the Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus and is currently a member of Congressman Grayson's Puerto Rican Advisory Board. I am honored to recognize Carmen Balasquide, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service to the Central Florida Hispanic community.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 12, 2014 as National School Spirit Day, which was created to recognize the great efforts of cheerleaders on behalf of their schools and communities. On this day, cheer teams nationwide will galvanize their schools to perform community service projects. Varsity Brands began National School Spirit Day in 2009 in order to highlight all of the ways our nation's cheerleaders and dancers make a difference in their schools and communities as mentors, community service leaders, and positive role models. As part of National School Spirit Day, cheerleaders and dancers will hold pep rallies, and invite all students to volunteer with local charities and perform at least four hours of community service. Students have volunteered in a number of ways including by visiting community nursing homes, cleaning school facilities and grounds, fundraising for charities, getting involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and holding car washes for charity. Since 2009, cheerleaders and dancers have pledged more than 500,000 community service hours as a result of National School Spirit Day efforts. National School Spirit Day is an opportunity for America's future leaders to stand out and have a positive impact in their communities. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing September 12, 2014 as National School Spirit Day.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Central Florida community, Mr. Kevin Oswald. Oswald was recently awarded the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Air Traffic Controller of the Year Award. As a controller, Oswald has seen the Kissimmee Gateway Airport grow and expand from a small non-automated facility to a control tower with Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) radar, touch screen communications and FAA flight data input/output (FDIO) equipment. He has been an integral player in the success of the Kissimmee Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) in achieving over 2.3 million operations without an operational error. An excellent example of Mr. Oswald's controller abilities occurred on December 19, 2013, when he was working as controller at the Kissimmee ATCT. He observed a Beechcraft airplane that had been cleared for landing and was over the approach end of runway 15 without the landing gear extended. He immediately cleared the aircraft for a ``go around'' and explained the situation to the pilot. The pilot responded and on the next approach made a safe landing. Later, the facility received a letter from the pilot expressing his appreciation to Mr. Oswald and stated that his actions prevented a catastrophe. Apparently, the pilot had inadvertently silenced the gear warning light to accomplish a single engine landing. The Pan Am International Flight Academy changed its operations policies based on Mr. Oswald's actions. Seeing a need to improve emergency response time, Oswald developed a training program to assist both the Fire and Police departments to better understand the Air Traffic Operations during an inflight emergency. He contacted the Kissimmee Fire Department Training Director and jointly they developed a plan to have all the fire and police department personnel visit the tower for an extensive training and observation course. This training has improved the emergency response time for both departments. Mr. Oswald was also instrumental in developing routes for the medevac unit which flies out of Kissimmee Airport. He established standardized procedures and expedited routes to allow the life-saving medevac unit to operate in the quickest and safest way possible. As a true team player, his efforts on a daily basis have significantly helped the Kissimmee Airport to be recognized as a destination of choice for individual pilots and aviation oriented organizations. His devotion and dedication to duty make him most deserving of the ATCA Air Traffic Control Specialist of the Year Award. I am happy to honor Kevin Oswald for his accomplishments and contributions to the Central Florida and aviation communities.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Dexter Foxworth. A recognized Central Florida community leader, Dexter is known for achieving change through collaboration, partnerships, and relationships. Since 2012, Dexter has served as the Director for the Zebra Coalition, whose mission is to foster hope, dignity, and self-respect in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBT+) community and to provide them an opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. In partnership with 24 different local social service and government agencies, schools, colleges and universities, and businesses, Dexter oversees the coalition's operations and strategic growth in order to provide a full continuum of services and resources to LGBT+ youth throughout Central Florida. The Zebra Coalition is the only organization in Central Florida that assesses the needs of and offers a full continuum of services to LGBT+ youth. Under Dexter's direction, the Zebra Coalition has strengthened its programming and resources, opened Central Florida's first drop-in center dedicated to LGBT+ youth, and became a national model for LGBT+ youth continuum of care. The coalition also received accreditation and licensing under the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as well the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Dexter also helped the coalition obtain its first federal grants through the White House and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Through Dexter's leadership, the Zebra Coalition, its staff members, volunteers, member organizations, supporters and board members, have come together to provide support and hope to Central Florida's LGBT+ youth. I am happy to honor Dexter Foxworth, during LGBT Pride Month, for his service to Central Florida's youth.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Debbie Simmons. Ms. Simmons is a native Floridian, born and raised in Miami. In spite of rigid family and societal opposition, she dreamt of marrying and raising a family with her high school girlfriend. Ms. Simmons moved to Orlando in 1978. Later that same year, Harvey Milk was assassinated, profoundly impacting her life and leading her to extensively educate herself about gay rights, the Stonewall riots and the 1979 and 1987 Marches on Washington. She later attended the 1993 and 2000 March on Washington. In 1990, she bought her first home with her partner of two years and prepared mock legal and financial documents to mimic a real marriage. In 1991 she walked in the first gay pride parade in Orlando, which marked the beginning of her community activism. In 1992, she co-founded the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), Central Florida's LGBT chamber of commerce. She served as the first vice president, and in a few months the board of directors appointed her president. She served in that role for 16 years. During her tenure, she organized six MBA Business Expos, the first of which was in 1994 with 89 vendors. She also produced and published yearly member business directories dubbed the MBA Buyer's Guide. Her organization also hosted numerous forums and town hall meetings for local political candidates. This political involvement resulted in a change to the City of Orlando's anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation, providing protections for 3,200 city employees. The efforts also resulted in policy changes at the Orlando Police Department to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. Ms. Simmons also co-founded the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance committee. In 2002, the committee succeeded in its effort when the City of Orlando amended its citywide anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation. In addition, Ms. Simmons created MBA's subsidiary organization, Come Out With Pride. She developed and produced the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Come Out With Pride parade and festival. Additionally, she wrote its logistics manual and served as logistics director in 2008. Through her work with MBA, Ms. Simmons also developed and produced the Central Florida LGBT History project in 2005, to preserve and chronicle the local LGBT movement. She partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) to develop future community leaders, new businesses, and lifetime relationships through scholarships, mentoring, and internships. Ms. Simmons has also spearheaded numerous consortiums to build consensus, strengthen leadership, and enrich the community. I am happy to honor Ms. Debbie Simmons, during LGBT Pride Month, for her leadership and commitment to the LGBT community in Central Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Ron Legler. Ron is President and CEO of Florida Theatrical Association (FTA). Of his many accolades, Ron was recently recognized as Orlando Business Journal's Most Influential Businessman (Non-Profit) and the Downtown Orlando Partnership's Downtowner of the Year (DOTY). The Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando also awarded him the Debbie Simmons Community Service Award in 2013. Ron is extremely active in the Orlando community. He serves as a Mayor-appointed Board Member of See Art Orlando. He is also a member of Leadership Orlando--Class of 55 and the Broadway League. Ron has previously served as an Arts Groups Advisory Board member at the Downtown Performing Arts Center, Vice President of the Central Florida Performing Arts Alliance, Chairman of the Downtown Arts District, Vice President of the Central Florida Performing Arts Alliance, and Vice Chairman of Orlando's International Fringe Festival. Aside from his work with FTA, Ron has helped to spearhead the revitalization of the South Eola district of downtown by purchasing 25,000 square feet of space in The Sanctuary. Ron developed new offices in this space and opened two amazing new entertainment venues, The Abbey and The MEZZ. He formed a partnership with the surrounding businesses and branded the new area ``Eola Square.'' Ron has worked with the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic and the Central Florida Jazz Society to develop intimate programs in The Abbey and The MEZZ that attract new patrons and give donors a closer look into the artistic side of the organizations, all in a risk-free rental environment. In his more than 13 years as the leader of FTA, Ron has doubled the number of season ticket holders, making Orlando one of the country's top one-week Broadway markets. He also works with Broadway producers to attract the best possible touring shows to the Orlando market. I am happy to honor Ron Legler, during LGBT Pride Month, for his work to further the arts in Central Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Chris McCullion. Since 2000, Chris has served in various positions in local government, finance, and economic development. Chris was appointed Orlando City Treasurer by Mayor Buddy Dyer in 2008. Chris does his part to support causes that further the goal of equality for all people. He has worked with leaders in City government to advocate for policy changes that would improve the City of Orlando's already strong rating in the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index. The Index examines the laws, policies, and services of municipalities across the country and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of the LGBT community. Chris has also been a member of HRC's Federal Club and has supported LGBT and LGBT-friendly candidates for elected office. Chris is proud to have played a part in electing Central Florida representatives who support the LGBT community at the local, state, and national levels. Chris serves on the boards of directors for the Orlando Federal Credit Union and the Sunshine State Governmental Financing Commission. He is a member of the Florida League of Cities Finance, Taxation and Personnel Committee and the Florida League of Cities Investment Advisory Committee. He holds a master's in business administration and bachelor's degrees in finance and political science, from the University of Florida. I am happy to honor Chris McCullion, during LGBT Pride Month, for his work to secure equality for LGBT community in Central Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Ted Maines. Born and raised in the New York City metropolitan area, Ted started doing volunteer work as a teenager in high school. He was taught at an early age that ``giving back'' was not only expected of everyone who was capable, but that over time it would also serve to define his character and give his life meaning. Upon moving to Central Florida in 1986, Ted realized that he was at the point in his life where he had the means and the time to make a difference in his community. Ted became a board member at AIDS Resource Alliance/Serenity House, an organization providing assistance to HIV positive adults, children, and their families. After the LGBT March on Washington in 1993, Ted joined, and quickly became an officer of both the Orange County Rainbow Democratic Club, and Central Floridians United Against Discrimination, helping to advance the issue of LGBT Equality. Ted and his partner, Jeff Miller, also began fundraising for local, statewide, and national Democratic candidates, which they continue to do today. Ted has served on several City Boards, most notably serving five years on the City of Orlando's Historic Preservation Board, including two years as Chair. For the past four years he has also served on the Orange County Library System's Board of Trustees, of which he is currently President. In addition to political fund raising, Ted served as Chair of Hope & Help's Headdress Ball in 2005 and 2006, and is an honorary Co-Chair again this year. Ted and his now husband, Jeff, have been Chairs of the Holocaust Memorial Center of Central Florida's Dinner of Tribute in 2012 and 2013, and Chaired the Orlando Ballet's 40th Anniversary Gala, `Expose!', in 2014. The Gala was so successful that it has become an annual event that Ted and Jeff will co-chair again in 2015. Ted and Jeff are also Co-Chairs of the Grand Opening Gala for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Ted is proud to currently serve on Nemours Children's Hospital Council, on the Board of the Orlando Ballet, as President of the Orange County Library System's Board of Trustees, and his Homeowners Association Board of Trustees. Ted and Jeff are supporters of the Holocaust Center's UpStander Anti-Bullying program, which was founded by Jeff. They are members of The Orlando Museum of Art's Acquisition Trust, University of Central Florida's Flying Horse Press, Hope & Help's Circle of Life, Equality Florida, and Human Rights Campaign's Federal Club. Marrying Jeff, his partner of 31 years, last August in New York City fulfilled a lifelong dream. Ted and Jeff are both strongly committed to realizing the goal of achieving Marriage Equality in all 50 states, including their home state, Florida. Ted and Jeff have been extremely proud and grateful to have had their contributions and achievements acknowledged in their local community. They were named to Orlando Magazine's ``50 Most Powerful'' list for the past five years, and in 2012 they were named Orlando's ``Most Powerful Couple'', quite an achievement for a same-sex couple and truly a sign of progress for the LGBT community. I am happy to honor Ted Maines, during LGBT Pride Month, for his work on behalf of HIV/AIDS patients, the LGBT community, and the arts in Central Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Carlos Carbonell. Carlos has more than 15 years of media and technology experience, and a reputation for creativity, versatility and innovation across numerous industries. In 2008, Carlos founded Echo Interaction Group, one of the nation's leading mobile application development companies. Under his leadership, Orlando-based Echo has built a portfolio that includes more than 60 apps for Apple and Android devices. An active member of the community, Carlos is not only an advocate for the LGBT community, but also a leader in the technology, business and Latino community. He is often seen as bridging the gap between these four, sometimes distinct, groups. Carlos was on the Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and a founding member of the HRC Central Florida Steering Committee. He currently serves as the Orlando Tech Association's first President. In addition, Carlos serves as Editor-in-Chief for Vision Magazine and sits on the City of Orlando's Hispanic Advisory Committee. Carlos has received numerous awards and recognitions. This year, he received the Governor's Business Ambassador Award. In 2013, Carlos was named one of Orlando's Power Brokers by the Orlando Sentinel and in 2012 he was selected as one of Orlando Business Journal's 40 Under 40. HRC awarded Carlos an Individual Achievement Award for his work on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Carlos graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in advertising and an outside concentration in civil engineering. I am happy to honor Carlos Carbonell, during LGBT Pride Month, for his contributions to the LGBT, business, and Latino communities in Central Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize the life of Charles ``Chase'' Smith, who passed away on August 28, 2013, at the age of 41. He left this world, surrounded by his close family and friends. Born on April 3, 1972 in Blountstown, Florida, Chase is a graduate of Hardee High School and Barry University. Chase was successful in many areas of his professional life. After hand-writing letters to every voter in Wauchula, he was the youngest person ever elected to the City Council at the age of 20. He served three four-year terms on the City Council, before moving to Orlando and working as Commissioner Patty Sheehan's Aide for seven years. Chase was beloved by the neighborhood and business people he worked with. He was Commissioner Sheehan's confidant and friend. Chase moved from City to County Government where he was an Aide to Orange County Mayor Theresa Jacobs from 2011 to the time of his death in August 2013. Mayor Jacobs appointed him to be Orange County's first Ombudsman. Chase's personal integrity and work ethic enabled him to excel in the position. We will never forget Chase's beautiful smile, compassion for those less fortunate, and ability to rock an Easter Bunny costume. He was a proud gay man and fashionista, frequently giving his boss, Patty Sheehan, fashion advice. He loved wearing bow ties and decorating for Halloween and Christmas. Chase was a lifelong Democrat, but worked well with people from all party affiliations. He was the very definition of a public servant Chase loved public service with his whole heart, and lived his life in service to others. He touched many lives with his care and genuine concern for others. Chase was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert. He is survived by his mother, Frances, brother, Bryan, and a countless number of friends and extended family of loved ones. The day of his funeral, Tuesday September 10, 2013, was declared Charles ``Chase'' Smith Day in the City of Orlando and Orange County. While we all miss him terribly, we can honor his legacy by serving our community to the best of our ability. He would have wanted it that way. I am saddened by the loss of such a valuable member of the Central Florida community and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would require the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the IRS, to conduct a study on the feasibility of using individual income tax returns as the primary form of application for Federal student financial aid applications. Personally, Mr. Chairman, I see no reason why American families are required to submit two exhaustive overviews of their financial situation to the Federal Government each year if they have a family member who is seeking a student loan. Individual tax returns provide a complete picture of the taxpayer's financial situation. Why should they also be forced to fill out a secondary onerous financial aid form to the Department of Education as well? In the past few years, the Department of Education has built an IRS data retrieval tool into the financial aid application form in order to reduce the amount of time spent completing the form. It is my hope that we can take this feature a step further. I support efforts to streamline the financial aid process. I think that using one form already required of all income-earning Americans is the best way to do it. My amendment today would simply ensure that Congress has all the information it needs in order to accomplish such a transition. I urge my colleagues to support this effort to streamline the student aid process. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is identical to other amendments that have been inserted by voice vote into every appropriations bill that has been considered under an open rule during this Congress. It is also identical to the amendment I offered to last week's Energy and Water bill, which was passed by voice vote. My amendment expands the list of parties with whom the Federal Government is prohibited from contracting due to serious misconduct on the part of the contractors. It is my hope that this amendment will remain uncontroversial, as it has been, and will again be passed unanimously by this House.

Mr. GRAYSON. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. GRAYSON. I thank the gentleman and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would end the Federal Government's practice of paying poverty wages to its workers and hopefully set an example for the private sector to stop paying poverty wages to its workers. My metropolitan area of Florida has the lowest average wages of any of the 50 biggest cities in America. It is time to end this and to pay people fairly. A fair day's work should result in a fair day's pay. The reason why we have to end poverty wages in America is simple. It is just too expensive to be poor in America. If you are poor, it is difficult to buy or rent a place to live, to buy or lease a car to drive, even to get electricity from a utility company, to save any money at all, or even open a bank account. It is just too expensive to be poor in America. Journalist Barbara Ehrenreich put it best: If you can't afford the first month's rent and security deposit you need in order to rent an apartment, you may get stuck in an overpriced residential motel. If you don't have a kitchen or even a refrigerator and microwave, you will find yourself falling back on convenience store food, which--in addition to its nutritional deficits-- is also alarmingly overpriced. If you need a loan, as most poor people eventually do, you will end up paying an interest rate many times more than what a more affluent borrower would be charged. To be poor--especially with children to support and care for--is a perpetual high-wire act. Mr. Chairman, when I say ``it's too expensive to be poor in America,'' I am not just quoting a poverty advocate. I am quoting Noah Wintroub, an official for JPMorgan Chase. Yes, even the bankers are telling us that it is too expensive to be poor in America. Right now, the Federal Government can pay as little as $8.62 an hour for a grade 1, step 1 worker. That is not enough. You get what you pay for. That is the capitalist way. If a government worker has to take another job just to get by, then that worker can't focus on doing a good job serving the public. If a Federal worker is working 80 hours a week instead of 40 just to survive, he is not going to do a good job at either job. My amendment simply would not allow the government to pay anyone less than $10.10 an hour--still a very modest amount. According to CBO, it doesn't cost the government a single dime extra. It is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees. Paying Federal workers $10.10 an hour is still not enough, but at least it is a start. Right now, the minimum wage gives you $1,200 a month to live on if you work a full-time job for 40 hours a week. From that $1,200 a month, you must pay your Social Security taxes, your Medicare taxes, pay for your food, your clothing, your housing, your transportation. You must also pay, by the way, for the food and clothing of your children. That is not possible. It is simply not possible to live that way, and we can't expect people to do that. In fact, the taxpayers end up subsidizing them through food stamps, Medicaid, the earned income credit, and a dozen other ways that we make up for the shortfall when their employers are not paying them enough to keep them alive. I think it is time that we take a stand. I hope this body sees the wisdom of paying at least Federal workers, to start, above poverty wages. I urge this body to accept this amendment and set a proper standard for labor in this country. Let's have $10.10, not $7.25. You can't survive on $7.25. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the creativity of my colleague from Florida's argument, but no one is suggesting Federal employees have to work for free. All this amendment does is simply eliminate the poverty rates set forth in the General Schedule and replaces them with the existing higher rates. All we are saying here is that grade 1, steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are below poverty level; grade 2, steps 1 and 2 are below poverty level. I don't see how this amendment could possibly lead to the scenario that the gentleman from Florida, the chairman, is describing. It simply would mean that these workers would no longer be paid poverty wages. They would be paid under the existing GSA schedule a proper day's pay for a proper day's work. Therefore, and given the fact that the AFGE, which is responsible for representing these workers, supports this amendment and rejects the nightmare scenario described by the gentleman from Florida, I would hope to have the gentleman from Florida's consent and support for this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.