Stephanie Jones

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the isle for their leadership on this issue and I rise in support of the Bradley/Simmons/Herseth/Allen amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill. Mr. Chairman, why are we proposing base closures during a time of war? This BRAC round should be delayed until the recommendations of the Review of Overseas Military Facility Structure are implemented by the Secretary of Defense, a substantial number of American troops return from Iraq, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees receive the quadrennial defense review, the National Maritime Security Strategy is implemented, and the Homeland Defense and Civil Support directive is implemented. It is important that these issues be addressed before implementing the BRAC process because once a base is closed, it can never be reopened. In the 11th Congressional District and in Northeast Ohio, over 1100 jobs will be lost through the BRAC process. These job losses will have a tremendous economic impact on the City of Cleveland, which has been named ``The Most Impoverished City'' in the country. Now is simply not the time for BRAC; in Cleveland or around the country. Communities affected by the BRAC process are going to be hit with a double whammy--once when the base closes and the military leaves town, then again when the Defense Department leaves an environmental mess behind: unexploded bombs, chemical contamination, and environmental toxins. I believe we need to address the environmental and redevelopment issues pending from previous rounds before initiating another round of BRAC closings. According to the General Accountability Office, 28 percent of the bases closed in previous BRAC rounds have still not been transferred, which means about 219 square miles of property are sitting unused. Mr. Chairman, I realize the importance of the BRAC process, however, now is simply not the time for it. I commend my Colleagues Stephanie Herseth and John Thune for introducing legislation to address this issue. I support this amendment.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time, and I thank her and her colleagues for this amendment. The prior speaker was talking about Dr. King, and Dr. King believed in the rights of all people. This amendment provides rights to women serving overseas and their dependents. They are hollering over here, ``Murder.'' I do not believe in murder. They are hollering over here about all these other issues. But the reality is that the United States Supreme Court has decided that women have the right to a legal, safe abortion. And all we are saying is that women serving in the military ought to have the same rights as the women in the United States of America since they give their lives. The amendment allows women to pay for it. The amendment allows women to exercise their right of choice. If we were debating whether or not the United States would fund Viagra, all these guys who talk about the pain that they know about having an abortion would not be standing up saying that. None of them will know about a woman's choice, and none of them will ever understand the dilemma the woman has to face when she makes a choice. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Davis/Harman/Sanchez Amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. This amendment repeals the statutory prohibition on abortions in overseas hospitals and simply allows military personnel and their family members serving overseas to use their own funds to obtain safe, legal abortion services in overseas U.S. military hospitals. Mr. Chairman, this administration has continued at attempts to chip away the rights of women. This congress has proposed that women be prohibited from paying for their own abortion and now have plans to exclude us from military combat. What is next, Mr. Chairman? I believe that military women should be able to depend on their base hospitals for all of their health care needs. A repeal of the current ban on privately funded abortion would allow military women and dependents based overseas the same range and quality of medical care available to women in the United States. No Federal funds would be used to perform these procedures and no undue burden is placed on military physicians overseas. In addition, this amendment does not compel any doctor who opposes abortion on principle to perform one; it simply opens up reproductive services at bases in countries where abortion is legal. It is unconscionable that this Congress would seek to prohibit a woman's right to a safe and legal procedure. The fact that a woman is stationed and is serving overseas should not deny her the opportunity to obtain safe, reproductive services. I urge adoption of the Davis/ Harman/Sanchez amendment.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my voice to the stem cell research debate. As a co-sponsor of H.R. 810, I hope we can expand our scope and benefit of existing stem cell lines. H.R. 810 represents another step forward in our battle against diseases and illnesses which we have spent billions of dollars trying to research, treat, and cure. As the premier medical research Nation, we must allow our researchers and doctors to remain at the top of their fields of research both internationally and nationally. We must support our research institutions as they embark on the ethical, expert and very, very necessary trials. Federal research restricts federal funding of stem cell research to the 78 stem cell lines that existed prior to Aug. 9, 2001. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 810 does not usher us into uncharted waters: we are already engaged in both the federal funding and the federal oversight of this research. If we see the benefit to permitting research on 78, then the argument is not embryonic research--but rather numbers. I come from a district where we have perhaps the leading medical research institutions. In my district Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospital have embarked on a monumental and groundbreaking project to establish the National Center for Regenerative Medicine. Within the walls of these three institutions lie perhaps some of the most advanced and prolific members of the scientific research community on regenerative medicine. While this research is basically focused on adult stem cell and umbilical cord research, we must continue to move forward with research in a responsible, compassionate, and humane way. We must support the efforts of the National Institutes of Health as we move forward. I support the movement towards the treatment, research, and cure of diseases and illnesses which the use of stem cells can alleviate.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 761st Tank Battalion of World War II. On November 8, 1944 the men of the 761st became the first all black infantry unit to see combat. They successfully overtook the towns of Moyenvic and Vic-sur-Seile, which were occupied by German forces. ``Come Out Fighting,'' was the motto of the 761st also known as the Black Panthers. Their motto personified their tremendous sacrifice and selflessness in defeating the German army in World War II. For 183 days, the Black Panthers fought four major engagements across six European nations. Their courageous effort contributed to the overtaking of Tillet, Belgium, a German occupied area that no other armed force could successfully take. The Black Panthers also penetrated the Seigfried Line allowing the 4th Armored Division to cross the Rhine River. On May 6, 1945, as the easternmost Americans, the 761st ended their combat mission with a rendezvous with the First Ukrainian Army at the Steye River in Austria. The Black Panthers were the first Americans to meet the Russian Army. In 1978, the Black Panthers were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, 33 years after the war ended. Their recognition was long overdue. Their tremendous sacrifices and sense of duty proved to be indispensable to the Allied Forces' war effort against the Axis powers. It gives me great pleasure to rise and join with my congressional colleagues in recognition of this elite battalion.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-8, 2005. As we come together for this year's Cover the Uninsured Week, we will continue to let the leaders of this country know it is time that we make health coverage for all Americans our top priority. Today, 45 million Americans have no health insurance, including more than 8 million children. Eight out of 10 uninsured Americans either work or are in working families. Being uninsured means going without needed care. It means minor illnesses become major ones because care is delayed. Tragically, it also means that one significant medical expense can wipe out a family's life savings. There are millions of working, uninsured Americans who go to bed every night worrying what will happen to them and their families if a major illness or injury strikes. In my home state of Ohio there are currently 1,362,000 uninsured, an increase of 18,000 people since 2003. We have also seen the strain on many of the local hospitals in my district when people are forced to use emergency rooms as their source of primary care. The problem is getting worse. As the price of health care continues to rise, fewer individuals and families can afford to pay for coverage. Fewer small businesses are able to provide coverage for their employees, and those that do are struggling to hold on to the coverage they offer. It is a problem that affects all of us and we cannot sit idly by while the people of this country continue to go without health insurance. We must begin to move forward in a bipartisan manner to expand access to affordable, quality and reliable health coverage for America's families.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I want to, so the world knows, speak in support of all of the work that the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) has done on behalf of small business across this country. Without her leadership, small businesses might not have a voice in this Congress. I rise to speak in opposition to this resolution and, specifically, on the importance of tax relief for American small businesses. This bill specifies that small businesses have ``the right to be free of unnecessary, restrictive regulations and paperwork which waste the time and energy of small business, while hurting production and preventing job creation.'' My only question is, what have the Republicans done since they took the majority in 1994 to relieve the tax burden on small business? Over a decade ago, when Republicans took control of the House, they promised that they would make our tax laws more simple and fair. Former Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Bill Archer promised on many occasions that he was going to rip the code out by its roots and replace it with a simpler one. This has not happened. Actually, Mr. Speaker, the truth is no action has been taken. The Republicans have done the very opposite of what they promised. Here are some disturbing facts. The IRS estimates that the average taxpayer with self-employed status has the greatest compliance burden in terms of preparation: 59 hours. This is about 10 hours longer than in 1994. According to the GAO, in 2000 and 2001, small businesses overpaid their taxes by $18 billion because of return errors and complexity in the Tax Code. The Small Business Act of 1996 made 657 Tax Code changes that expanded the code by more than 50 pages. The Job Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2003 made 51 Tax Code changes and expanded the Tax Code by nearly 12 pages. During the 108th Congress, the Republicans orchestrated nearly 900 changes to the Tax Code. And it goes on. I just rise to say, Mr. Speaker, that I rise in opposition to the legislation. Small businesses need a simplified Tax Code. An analysis of the legislation by the Joint Committee on Taxation describes how the new law will require more than 10 percent of all small businesses to keep additional records, result in more disputes with the IRS, increase tax preparation costs, and require additional complex calculations. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the foundation of our economy. They need a tax system that frees resources for investment and encourages job creation. We must support small businesses and American entrepreneurship. When this resolution before us states that small businesses have ``The right to be free of unnecessary, restrictive regulations . . .,'' we can't help but question the sincerity of that declaration. Since they took the majority in 1994, Republicans have enacted 42 new tax laws. These new laws contain 4,268 changes to our tax code, resulting in over 500 additional pages to our tax code. These changes have made the tax code significantly more complex for Americans and small businesses, with no serious effort to provide tax simplification. Mr. Speaker, when we say that small businesses have the right to be free from unnecessary regulation and deserve tax simplification, we cannot just ``talk the talk.'' We must also ``walk the walk.'' This is the time in which we need to initiate fundamental tax reform; it has become vital to our small businesses and American entrepreneurship. We must act now.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special constituent, Mary Ann Rabin, on the occasion of her receipt of the Ohio Women's Bar Association's Justice Alice Robie Resnick Award of Distinction. This award is the OWBA's highest award for professional excellence and is bestowed annually on a deserving attorney who exhibits leadership in the areas of advancing the status and interests of women and in improving the legal profession in the State of Ohio. It gives me great pleasure to wish Ms. Rabin my warmest congratulations on this truly special occasion. Mary Ann (Mickey) Rabin is a nationally recognized bankruptcy practitioner and a founding partner of Rabin & Rabin Co., L.P.A. She practices law with two of her three children. Ms. Rabin received her J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1978 and her A.B. degree in music in 1956 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Ms. Rabin is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, a member of the Bankruptcy Trustees for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio since 1983, a life member of the Eighth Judicial Conference, and a founding member of the Ohio Women's Bar Association. Ms. Rabin is a dedicated community activist devoting hours of pro bono work to local organizations including serving on the board of the Cleveland Legal Aid Society. On April 29, 2005, OWBA President Halle M. Hebert will be presenting Ms. Rabin with the Ohio Women's Bar Association's Justice Alice Robie Resnick Award of Distinction at its Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. It gives me great pleasure to rise today, Mr. Speaker, and join the OWBA in congratulating Mary Ann Rabin and wishing her continued success.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to Senate bill 256 because the bill punishes working families and lets large corporations off the hook.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for his support for the years I have here in Congress and his support for my appointment to the Committee on Ways and Means. I am happy to be on the committee that is going to have the opportunity to review the Tax Code, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue. Public distrust, that is the main reason why we urgently need fundamental tax reform. More and more Americans distrust the current tax system because they perceive it as unfair. Are they wrong? No. Lower- and middle-income Americans bear a disproportionate tax burden. Small businesses bear a great compliance burden. That is unfair. Does fairness in our tax system matter? Of course it does. It matters because tax collection depends on voluntary compliance. And in a democracy like ours, people contribute private resources to provide the public goods and services we deem appropriate as a community, including helping those not able to fend for themselves. In America, paying taxes embodies a civic relationship of mutual responsibility, and people's obligation to pay them is as legitimate as any other public duty. So I am glad that we are discussing comprehensive tax reform, an issue that will only become more important for us in this Congress. Let me offer five short points to consider as we discuss the important issue. First, fundamental tax reform is a necessity. The current system is complicated, inefficient, and unfair. Its unpopularity is warranted, and that is a problem because that breeds distrust. The Tax Code must be simplified in order to eliminate the disproportionate amount of time and money currently spent on compliance. For example, the average taxpayer with a self-employed status has the greatest compliance burden in terms of tax preparation, 59 hours. In 2002 taxpayers spent more than $90 billion in compliance. I know somebody has already talked about that, so I will move on. Second, simplification can occur only with fundamental tax reform. This is clear after decades of incrementalism. We know that tax reform cannot be done in a piecemeal fashion. The current system is flawed at its roots. Hard-working, middle-income, and lower-income people bear the largest burden in our current tax system. Third, fundamental tax reform must focus on the tax base. Our tax base is derived from total income. However, this is complicated by the bewildering array of adjustments, deductions, credits, omissions, and mismeasurements. This undermines the fairness of our tax system. Therefore, fundamental tax reform must focus on the issue of tax base in order to achieve equity, efficiency, simplicity, and accountability. Fourth, the Tax Code must encourage entrepreneurship. Small businesses provide our economy's foundation. They need a tax system that frees resources for investment and ensures affordable capital. We must support small business and American entrepreneurship which make up the backbone of our economy. Fifth, fundamental tax reform is possible. Tax reform is not an easy task. However, the American public demands it. They see our tax system is unfair, and they are right. As it was in the mid-eighties, the time is right to begin taking serious steps towards achieving fundamental tax reform. We must listen to our constituents and be up to the task of implementing a fair tax system. I want to close with this: this is a letter from one of my constituents. And I will not read it all, but I will read a portion of it. It is dated March 22, 2005. It is from 2484 Stratford Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 44118, to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones: ``Dear Stephanie, When we worked in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, we prosecuted matters deemed criminal by statute. For how it will potentially decimate our district and others, the alternative minimum tax ought to be considered criminal. ``The AMT increased my Federal tax liability by over $13,000. This increase did not result so much from my income level but rather was directly related to the fact that Cleveland Heights has among the highest property tax rates in the State and the State of Ohio is among the States with the highest income tax rates. ``The AMT was enacted in response to individuals earning over $200,000 a year who reduced or eliminated tax liabilities through various tax shelters. Because the AMT has not been adjusted for inflation and tax cuts, households with children earning over $50,000 will be subject to the AMT. Those residing in high-tax districts like Cleveland Heights will also be hit the hardest. ``I have no fancy tax shelters. Ninety percent of those subject to AMT, including me, face this tax solely on account of paying high income property taxes and having children. Without immediate changes to the AMT and our outrageous high property taxes, people will continue to move out of Cleveland Heights with consequential loss of an income tax base, decline in property values, and a loss of diversity. ``In my neighborhood alone there are over 20 homes for sale, the majority leaving on account of the taxes. The AMT exacerbates the problem as a significant proportion of these high taxes can no longer be deducted to reduce taxable income. This double whammy will affect Cleveland Heights residents as well as those in other inner ring suburbs proportionally more so than others.'' He suggests two changes. AMT should not consider any income earned or taxed in one city or State of residence or any real estate tax on one's principal residence in order to increase taxable income. Secondly, he suggested that school funding cannot rely so heavily on real estate taxes. It is signed by Tony Mastroianni. He is a young doctor and young lawyer. And I just wanted to submit it for the Record so he knew I presented this information for my colleagues for review with regard to AMT. I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak. Cleveland Hts., OH, March 22, 2005. Hon. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Stephanie: When we worked in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office we prosecuted matters deemed criminal by statute. For how it will potentially decimate our district and others, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) ought to be considered criminal. The AMT increased my federal tax liability by over $13,000. This increase did not result so much from any income level but rather was directly related to the fact that Cleveland Heights has among the highest property tax rates in the state and the state of Ohio is among the states with the highest income tax rates. The AMT was enacted in response to individuals earning over $200,000/yr who reduced/eliminated tax liability through various tax shelters. Because the AMT has not been adjusted for inflation and tax cuts, households with children earning over $50,000 will be subject to the AMT. Those residing in high tax districts like Cleveland Heights will be hit the hardest. I have no fancy tax shelters, 90% of those subject to AMT, including me, face this tax solely on account of paying high income/property taxes and having children. Without immediate changes to the AMT (and outrageously high property taxes), people will continue to move out of Cleveland Heights with consequential loss of an income tax base, decline in property values and loss of diversity. In my neighborhood alone, there are over 20 homes for sale; the majority leaving on account of the taxes. The AMT exacerbates the problem as a significant proportion of these high taxes can no longer be deducted to reduce taxable income. This `double whammy' will affect Cleveland Heights residents as well as those in other inner ring suburbs proportionately more so than others. Allow me to propose two suggestions: AMT should not consider any income earned/taxed in one's city/state of residence or any real estate tax on one's principal residence in order to increase taxable income. Itemized deductions are already limited based on income level; there is no need to further penalize individuals for buying a single residence and having children: we need kids (and to feed them) to grow up and pay into social security! Go after real tax shelters; School funding cannot rely so heavily on real estate taxes. Real estate taxes in Cleveland Heights are among the highest in the state and Cleveland Heights is fourth in spending per pupil in Cuyahoga County. Ed Kelley and other inner ring suburb mayors have been meeting to determine ways of equitable school funding so that people do not flee Cleveland Heights on account of obscene property taxes. As mentioned above, not being able to deduct such taxes is adding insult to injury. The AMT is a national problem that clearly exacerbates an ongoing problem in Cleveland Heights. I hope that you and your colleagues can remedy this soon. If you need additional information or would just like to listen to me complain, I may be reached at work (440) 743-4749, or at home xxxxxxxxxx xxxx. Thank you. Sincerely, Tony Mastroianni.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui), it gives me great pleasure to speak on the floor this morning with regard to Bob Matsui. As a former judge, I do not believe a better name could be placed upon a courthouse for someone who stood for justice and integrity and looking out for the little people. I am pleased to have an opportunity to be here this morning to support the legislation, and I bring something no other Member has brought to the gentleman from California yet: my sister and her husband are moving to Sacramento and are building a house. I am bringing the gentlewoman two more votes, and I will introduce them to the gentlewoman when I have an opportunity.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Bush Administration's 2006 budget which will in essence shortchange the American people. It fails to include the cost of the war in Iraq, increases the cost of health care for our veterans, and cuts billions in education, health care, housing, and environmental programs, while adding more than $4 trillion to the deficit in the next 10 years. What is more amazing is that while the President has made the privatization of Social Security his top priority, he has failed to provide any details for his proposed program. Most notably, the budget omits the cost of the proposed privatization which according to independent experts will cost more than $4 trillion in the first 20 years. Additionally, his budget continues the raid on the Social Security Trust Fund, borrowing and spending all of the money from the Social Security Trust Fund over the next five years. The President's failure to provide a clear and honest accounting of the difficult trade-offs between increases in the debt, benefit cuts, and tax increases necessary to fund the White House's privatization proposal is another attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the Americans. But, Mr. President, I want you to know that the American public is not fooled by this false rhetoric. So today I want to speak on behalf of the over 160,000 people in my district and the more than 48 million people across this country who currently rely on Social Security benefits. These are not just retired Americans, but also people with disabilities and those who have lost a parent. Many of them are seniors who without their Social Security benefits, nearly half would be living in poverty. Instead of privatizing and enacting a plan that will gamble benefits in the stock market we should be working on a plan to make Social Security solvent for the long term. We owe it to the American people who have worked all their lives and paid into this program to strengthen, not weaken Social Security. And we deserve better than this reckless and irresponsible budget.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the most influential Popes in modern history. Pope John Paul II was born Karol Jozef Wojityla on May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. During his childhood the Pope was very athletic and an exemplary student. He had a passion for the outdoors and the theatre. In 1942 he felt a calling to the church. He was ordained a priest at the age of 26. Subsequently, he served as Archbishop of Krakow, Poland and was appointed a Cardinal. On October 16, 1978, Cardinal Wojityla became Pope John Paul II. He opened the door for future non-Italian Popes as he was the first since Adrian VI in 1522. He was also the first Pope of Polish ethnicity. Pope John Paul II impacted people of all ages world wide, especially young people. Creating World Youth Day in 1986, the Pope showed his commitment to young people worldwide. His hope was to instill the values of freedom, hope; truth, and justice in youth so they could work towards bettering the future of humanity. Religious tolerance and acceptance were Pope John Paul's core ideals. He had a profound respect for other religions. During his childhood, he had many Jewish friends and expressed a long-standing respect for the Jewish faith. He expressed sorrow for historic hostilities toward Jews and prayed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Judaism's most Holy site. John Paul II was also the first Pope to visit a Mosque and visited more than 20 Islamic countries. Pope John Paul II went to great lengths to encourage religious tolerance. In 1986 the Pope invited a diverse group of 90 religious leaders to Assisi, Italy to pray and recognize the role world religions have in promoting understanding and tolerance. An advocate for human rights, peace and justice, the Pope was the most traveled pope in history. He visited over 120 countries in every continent except Antarctica and met with a diverse group of World Leaders. Pope John Paul II was the first Pope to meet with the President of the United States. His commitment to the love of people and the love of his religion transcended political boundaries. In 1998 Pope John Paul II became one of the first leaders to visit communist Cuba and meet with Fidel Castro. Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005. Pope John Paul's II captivating personality and commitment to the church and humanity ingratiated him into the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The members of the House of Representatives remain mindful of John Paul's II message of tolerance, hope, peace, and justice.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Arts Advocacy Day. As Congress considers the budget and appropriations bills for fiscal year 2006, the importance of the arts should be recognized for a number of reasons. First, the arts contribute significantly to local economic development. As of January 2005 in the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio there were 1,212 arts-related businesses that employed 10,174 people. This data, from Dun & Bradstreet, indicates that between 2004 and 2005, arts-related businesses grew at a faster rate than total U.S. business growth. At the same time, as total U.S. jobs shrank by 1.9 percent, the decline in arts-related businesses was 0.8 percent, in other words less than half that rate. Arts-related businesses are clearly good for business and good for the economy. But the arts have greater effects than these. An examination of SAT scores from the College Board in the period 2002 through 2004 reflects a startling effect. Data from Ohio students that studied Art History, Dance, Drama, Music, Photography/Film, or Studio Art reflected higher Verbal and Math SAT scores than students that didn't study any of these subjects. To further quantify this effect, let me provide an example: Ohio students in music performance reflected a Mean Verbal SAT score of 554 in 2004 and a Mean Math score of 552. In contrast, Ohio students not exposed to arts courses demonstrated a 2004 Mean Verbal SAT score of 497 and a Mean Math score of 511. This forty point differential benefit is very easy to understand. Nationally, similar effects were reflected in the test scores of students that studied a variety of arts disciplines: Art History, Dance, Drama, Photography/Film, or Studio Art. As schools focus on raising test scores, the importance of arts cannot be overstated. But conflicting attitudes and practices exist in Ohio's schools. A 2000 survey by the Ohio Alliance For Arts Education reflected that more than 70 percent of those surveyed in Ohio's public schools believed that music and visual arts are as important as other academic subjects. Yet, in practice over 11 years, public schools demonstrated overall reductions in arts and music education. Fewer private schools (than public schools) required achievement in the arts as a graduation requirement. But a higher percentage of private schools believed that creative writing, music, visual arts, and drama are as important as other academic subjects. Here, theory and practice don't match. It is clear that the arts enhance student ability. During this time of enhanced accountability and high stakes academic testing, it would make sense to ensure that every child, kindergarten through twelfth grade, is provided an opportunity to participate in the arts. Many school districts are experiencing financial difficulty. To that end, instead of punishing schools for failing test scores, we should provide them with the resources needed to implement quality arts education programs--which correlate with increased test scores. Arts education enhances literacy. And we should go further than haphazardly sticking in a few programs here and there. Quality matters. We must be concerned about the quality of subject matter as well as teacher training and development. The No Child Left Behind Act, NCLB, has recognized the arts as a core academic subject, making arts programs eligible for inclusion in broad funding categories such as teacher training, school reform, and technology. In spite of this designation, NCLB has led to the erosion of arts education. Economically disadvantaged schools don't have sufficient resources to cover enhanced intensive math and English studies, and quality arts education programs. A 2004 report by the Council for Basic Education found that ``the greatest erosion of the curriculum is occurring in schools with high minority populations--the very populations whose access to such a curriculum has been historically most limited.'' We must do better. The arts impart discipline, improve literacy, and enhance cultural understanding. If we have determined that students and teachers need to be held accountable, we must also ensure that schools, particularly schools that serve disadvantaged students, have adequate resources to provide strong instruction in math and English, as well as the arts. Complex problems like student achievement require varied solutions and rich curricula. Finally, as Congress considers the fiscal year 2006 appropriations bills, we should support increases in public funding. Each dollar of funding to the National Endowment for the Arts leverages at least $7 from other sources to support full time jobs. This returns revenue to the Federal Government in income taxes at a rate of nearly eight to one. That's not a bad investment. Public spending on the humanities through programs such as the National Endowment for the Humanities initiative We The People, advances understanding of American history, culture, and values. Increasingly, we live in an interdependent world in which cultural understanding is a key aspect of cooperative efforts ranging from economic development to security cooperation. I salute the arts industries and cultural organizations of the Eleventh District of Ohio as well as the individual artists, educators, and advocates. I thank the arts community for effectively conveying its importance on Arts Advocacy Day, and hope that we as a Congress continue to demonstrate a level of support that will enable the arts to thrive.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my dissatisfaction with the President's Fiscal Year 2006 budget that zeroes out funding for Amtrak, eliminates funding for high-speed rail, and provides $360 million to the Surface Transportation Board to maintain existing commuter operations should Amtrak shut down. The shutdown of Amtrak would cause wide disruption and hardship. Millions of passengers--many of whom can't afford a car or a plane ticket--would be stranded. Millions of travelers would be added to already congested roads and airports. Residents of 106 U.S. cities, which have no air service and are well over 25 miles away from the nearest airport, would have to find new transportation alternatives. Amtrak's 20,000 workers would be out on the streets looking for new jobs. Local economies and businesses that have benefited from Amtrak's service would suffer. Amtrak serves my state of Ohio with four long-distance trains: The Capital Limited (daily Chicago-Cleveland-Pittsburgh-Washington, DC); The Cardinal (tri-weekly Chicago-Cincinnati-Washington, DC-New York); The Lake Shore Limited (daily Chicago-Cleveland-Buffalo-Boston-New York); and The Three Rivers (daily New York-Philadelphia-Akron- Chicago). During Fiscal Year 2004 Amtrak served the following Ohio locations: City and ridership; Akron--7,930; Alliance--2,324; Bryan--6,204; Cincinnati--11,632; Cleveland--35,394; Elyria--2,651; Fostoria--1,935; Hamilton--1,483; Sandusky--4,098; Toledo--59,661, and Youngstown-- 4,417. Total Ohio Ridership: 137,729. Amtrak expended $9,567,180 for goods and services in Ohio in Fiscal Year 2004. Much of this money was spent in the following locations: Cleveland, $2,458,778; and Columbus $ 1,540,264. During fiscal year 2004, Amtrak employed 88 Ohio residents. Total wages of Amtrak employees living in Ohio were $4,609,915 during this period. The Railroad Retirement and Unemployment programs, which cover employees of all railroads, freight and passenger, would be depleted. According to the Railroad Retirement Board, without the participation of Amtrak, employer and employee payroll taxes would need to be increased from the current 16 percent to 27 percent in 2027. Those tax increases, however, would ultimately be insufficient and serious cash flow problems for Railroad Retirement would begin in 2031. Cash reserves for the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account would be exhausted by 2006, and nearly $297 million would have to be borrowed from the Railroad Retirement account to make up for losses. Ultimately, Amtrak's unemployment benefit costs would be borne by other railroads. In Fiscal Year 2004, Ohio had a passenger rail ridership of 137,729. While the United States once had a passenger rail system that was the envy of the world, a lack of capital investment has stalled the advancement of corridor development throughout the country. Dependent upon an annual federal appropriation, Amtrak's national network is constantly threatened by under-investment, lack of a clearly articulated federal rail policy, and an uncertain future. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my outrage over a budget that cuts out a program that carried 25 million passengers in 2004; operates a nationwide rail network, serving over 500 stations in 46 states on 22,000 miles of track with approximately 20,000 employees; and operates 300 daily intercity trains, approximately 850,000 commuters each day depend on operating agreements with Amtrak, Amtrak-owned infrastructure, or shared operations.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for increased awareness and aid to the impoverished citizens of Haiti. Haiti gained it's independence in 1804 from France, becoming the first independent Black nation. Today, Haiti has over 8.3 million people, with 80% living in abject poverty. Haiti is one of the most impoverished nations in the Western Hemisphere. Less than 45 percent of all Haitians have access to potable water. The life expectancy rate in Haiti is only 53 years. The unemployment rate is estimated to be around 60 percent; and the literacy rate is approximately 45 percent. Eighty out of 1,000 Haitian children never see their first birthday. Half the population of Haiti earns $60 or less per year. The total expenditure on health per person is $54 (compared to $4,499 in the USA and $483 in Mexico). Health conditions in Haiti are very poor. Such examples include: Haiti is one of the most impoverished nations in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth poorest country in the world. Ninety percent of all HIV and AIDS infections in the Caribbean are in Haiti: over 300,000 infected people have been identified and deaths from HIV/AIDS have left 163,000 children orphaned. Haiti's infant mortality rate is staggering: 74 deaths per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality rate is approximately 1400 deaths for every 100,000. Only 1 in every 10,000 Haitians has access to a physician, and less than 40 percent of Haitians have access to potable water. Cases of TB in Haiti are more than ten times as high as those in other Latin American countries. Tuberculosis remains a major cause of adult mortality; rates are thought to be the highest in the hemisphere. Cases of TB in Haiti are more than ten times as high as those in other Latin American countries. The United States spends billions of dollars every year supporting various military and foreign operations across the globe and yet, basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and education often have a lower priority in our expenditures. These basic human needs are a right of every citizen on our planet. We should want for our sister and brother, what we would want for ourselves, and put this belief into action. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for increased awareness and aid to the impoverished citizens of Haiti. I stand with Representative Barbara Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus to draw attention to the plight of the Haitian people.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 45, recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education. Music allows us to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritages, and also to explore the realms of expression, imagination, and creation resulting in new knowledge. Therefore, every individual should be guaranteed the opportunity to learn music and to share in musical experiences. Studies show that learning music can improve math and science skills, language skills, and increase spatial I.Q. Music is also designated a core academic subject in the No Child Left Behind Act (No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, Title IX, Part A, Sec. 9101 (11)). A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reports that music training, specifically piano instruction, is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills necessary for learning math and science. The experiment included four groups of preschoolers: one group received private piano/keyboard lessons; a second group received singing lessons; a third group received private computer lessons; and a fourth group received no training. Those children who receive piano/ keyboard training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than the others. These findings indicate that music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science and engineering. In times of stringent fiscal resources public schools are often compelled to sever certain types of programs like music and arts education. Some schools are forced to seek outside sources of funding for such programs. During times of scare resources and rigorous budget climates many programs valuable to our children's early childhood development have been sacrificed. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for H. Con. Res. 45 and school-based music education.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I rise today to join the many friends of Richard James Butler in recognition of his life and the commemoration of his 73rd birthday. His many years of dedication to his family, community, and service in the United States Army and the United States Postal Service are praiseworthy. Richard James Butler was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 6 in of the year 1932 to Samuel Butler and Gladys Butler. The third of eight brothers and sisters, he attended and graduated from East Technical High School where he was a standout on the track team. In 1952, the year after his graduation, showing a strong sense of duty to his country, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was injured in the line of duty in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill in 1953. For his courage, bravery, and valor, Richard was awarded a Purple Heart. In 1955, Richard married the object of his affection, Ruth Washington. A man of self-reliance, he undertook in architecture while still employed at the United State Postal Service. He contributed to the design and building of the homes in which he and his beloved Ruth raised their three children: Michael, Marcus, and Marla. While an employee of the United States Postal Service, Richard was very active in the American Postal Worker's Union serving various offices, including that of Union President. He was also elected to the position of National Business Agent, representing union members in individual disputes with the Postal Service. After retiring from the Postal Service in 1990, Richard continued his work as a National Business Agent until his passing on the morning of July 5, 2002. He was known as a strong provider, teacher, protector and friend with a smile regarded as one of the warmest. Though we will be greatly missed, his tenacious spirit and untiring love will remain an inspiration to us all. On behalf of the Congress of the United States and citizens of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, I join in the celebration of life of Richard James Butler.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to one of the most influential Native American women of the late 19th Century, Sarah Winnemucca, whose statue will be accepted into National Statuary Hall this 1st of March 2005. Statuary Hall, a true testament to the great diversity of our Nation's heroes. Sarah Winnemucca was born to the Northern Paiute tribe in 1844 near the Humboldt River in Western Nevada. At the time of her birth, Northern Paiute and Washos were the only inhabitants of the land. At the age of six, she was introduced to caucasians and was at first frightened. She did admire their luxuries and culture. As she grew older, her grandfather, as well as many other Paiute, welcomed their ``white brothers.'' By age 14, she knew five languages and became an interpreter for the military. As she reached maturity, all Native Americans were moved onto reservations and problems for her people began to mount. During the Bannock War on 1878, many Paiute's were held prisoner and their land was taken. In 1880, Sarah traveled to Washington, DC to plead for the release of the prisoners and the restoration of their land. However, her requests were not granted. For the remainder of her life, Sarah was dedicated to giving lectures on the East Coast to promote Native American rights. In her lectures, she advocated the idea that her people could and should run their own lives without the interference of Federal authorities. On October 17, 1891, Sarah died of tuberculosis at the age of 47. Just before her death Sarah founded a school for young Indian children in Lovelock, Nevada. In 1883, she published the first book written by a Native American woman, ``Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims,'' which gave a Native American viewpoint of settlers in the west. In her book, she wrote of Thocmetony, the name she was given as a young child, and of the legacy for which she aspired, ``Somebody will always admire me; and who will come and be happy with me in the Spirit-land? I shall be beautiful forever there. Yes, she be more beautiful than my shell- flower, my Thocmetony!'' Although it is not the Spirit-land of which she speaks, soon we will all be able to admire her beauty forever in Statuary Hall, and more importantly admire the beauty of her dreams and the work she did to make these dreams a reality.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to commemorate the 80th birthday of a living legend here in the United States Congress and a man who is revered and respected throughout this country, my predecessor, Congressman Louis Stokes. Born February 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, Louis Stokes was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from Central High School. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army during the Second World War. After three years of service he returned to Cleveland where he attended Western Reserve University and later earned his Doctor of Laws Degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School in 1953. On November 6, 1968, Louis Stokes was elected to the United States Congress, becoming the first African American member of Congress from the State of Ohio. He served 15 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, ranking 11th overall in House seniority. Louis Stokes played a pivotal role in the quest for civil rights, equality and social and economic justice throughout his tenure in the United States Congress. He served on numerous committees throughout his tenure including the House Select Committee on Assassinations, the Ethics Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee. He was the dean of the Ohio Congressional Delegation and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. His work in the area of health led to his appointment as a member of the Pepper Commission on Comprehensive Health Care, and he was the founder and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. His resume in its entirety is too lengthy to be recorded in this resolution as it is adequately recorded in the Congressional Record. On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District, I join with his wife Jay, children, Shelley, Angela, Louis and Lori, grandchildren, family and friends in wishing Congressman Louis Stokes a very happy and blessed 80th birthday. You have been a trailblazer for so many who have followed in your footsteps. I thank you for your continued support and guidance throughout my career. May you have many, many more.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Con. Res. 30, supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is not over. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African-Americans make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, and account for half of the new HIV cases reported in the United States. HIV/AIDS is devastating Black people in Africa and America, and we must act now to turn this epidemic of our time around. Overall, it is estimated that half of new HIV infections occur among teenagers and young adults aged 25 years and younger. Numerous studies suggest that African-American young people represent the majority of these infections. Something must be done, and we must all do our part. In the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS was primarily considered a gay white disease in the United States. Today, however, the HIV epidemic infects and affects African-Americans more than any other population. It's not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk for HIV/AIDS. African Americans suffer the ``vast majority'' of deaths from AIDS- related causes, according to a Health and Human Services report. More than half of the new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 32 states between 2000 and 2003 were among African-Americans, although African-Americans represented only 13 percent of the populations of those States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report. During the same period, 69 percent of women who tested HIV-positive were African-American, and the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among African- American women is 18 times the rate among non-Hispanic white women. In addition, African-American men in 2003 had the highest rate of new HIV/ AIDS diagnoses than any other racial/ethnic group, about seven times the rate among white men and twice the rate among African-American women. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for H. Con. Res. 30, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Something must be done, and we must all do our part.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Con. Res. 26, Honoring the Contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of dedicated and determined young men who enlisted to become America's first African-American Airmen and earned their silver wings to become the Nation's first Black military pilots in March of 1942. I would like to recognize Tuskegee Airmen Richard Enty, Charles McGee, and Eugene Guyton who were born in Cleveland, OH, and were among the most admired and respected African- American pilots in the country. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is only proper to remember the courageous and historic accomplishments of these brave pilots. The military selected Tuskegee Institute to train pilots because of its commitment to aeronautical training, and between 1941 and 1945, trained over 1,000 Black aviators for the war effort. The Tuskegee Airmen, under the command of COL Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., flew successful missions over Sicily, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. The Airmen completed 15,500 missions, destroyed over 260 enemy aircraft, sank one enemy destroyer, and demolished numerous enemy installations. In addition, these brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft. Over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, and 14 Bronze Stars. The accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen proved that they were highly disciplined and capable fighters, and through their example, millions of Americans of every race were encouraged to pursue careers in air and space technology. Mr. Speaker, I reiterate my strong support for H. Con. Res. 26.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 69, honoring the life and accomplishments of the late Ossie Davis. Ossie Davis was a devoted African American, husband, father, actor, director, soldier, activist, and pioneer. He was born in 1917 in Cogdell, GA and was the son of a railroad worker. Ossie Davis was passionately involved in civil rights issues and efforts to advance the cause of African Americans in the entertainment industry. Known for taking roles that tackled racial injustice, he understood the importance of black song, black music, and black arts. His career as an actor began in 1939 with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. It was there that he met and mingled with some of the most influential figures of his time, including Langston Hughes, A. Phillip Randolph and W.E.B. DuBois. His acting career was interrupted when he was asked to serve in the Army during World War II. He served in Libya at an African American medical unit as an Army Surgical technician, where he stabilized some of the 700,000 soldiers wounded in that war. In 1948, Ossie Davis debuted on Broadway in ``Jeb,'' a play about a soldier returning home. His co-star was Ruby Dee, his wife of 56 years, whose stage career paralleled his own. The couple went on to write, direct, and star in several films, most notably ``Cotton Comes to Harlem'' in 1970 and ``Countdown at Kusini'' in 1976. Ossie appeared in over 80 productions and was honored by the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in 2004. I had the unique opportunity to meet and spend time with Ossie Davis over the years, and cherished every moment. He was a man of character, wisdom, dignity, and excellence. He embodied a sly humor and genuine kindness that many will remember him by. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the life and accomplishments of the late Ossie Davis, a true pioneer and advocate of African Americans in the entertainment industry and in life.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 46, supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month. All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive. Mentoring is the presence of caring individuals who, along with parents or guardians, provide young people with support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples. Mentoring can and does help young people succeed, no matter what their circumstances! A mentor is a caring adult friend who devotes time to a young person. Mentors can fill any number of different roles. Yet all mentors have one thing in common: they care about helping young people achieve their potential and discover their strengths. Mentors understand they are not meant to replace the role of a parent, guardian or teacher. A mentor is not a disciplinarian or decision maker for a child. Instead, a mentor echoes the positive values and cultural heritage parents and guardians are teaching. A mentor is part of a team of caring adults. A mentor's main purpose is to help a young person define and achieve their own goals. And those goals will vary, depending on the young person's age. Since the expectations of each child will vary, it is the mentor's job to encourage the development of a flexible relationship that responds to the mentor's skills and interests and the young person's needs. Recent Research Brief published by Child Trends and titled, ``Mentoring: A Promising Strategy for Youth Development,'' found that youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience a number of positive benefits. In terms of educational achievement, mentored youth have better attendance; a better chance of going on to higher education; and better attitudes towards school. In terms of health and safety, mentoring appears to help prevent substance abuse and reduce some negative youth behaviors. On the social and emotional development front, taking part in mentoring promotes positive social attitudes and relationships. Mentored youth tend to trust their parents more and communicate better with them. They also feel they get more emotional support from their friends than do youth who are not mentored. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for H. Res. 46. By sharing fun activities and exposing a youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive choices, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement and introduces the child to new ideas.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Jerry Milano was one of Cleveland's most aggressive, flamboyant and skilled defense lawyers. He was equally respected by veteran trial lawyers and the young lawyers, who were ``just learning the ropes.'' Attorney Kenneth Seminatore remembers being ``educated'' by the seasoned trial lawyer Milano. ``I learned a great deal about attitude and technique from him. In the courtroom, Milano was magic. He never used notes when talking to the jury. He had an uncanny ability to focus on the facts that were important, that would persuade a jury, and which appeared to be coming from his heart, not a script.'' Seven years ago Milano's friends in the Cuyahoga County Defense Lawyers Association honored him with its Lifetime Achievement award. They roasted him by sharing stories of his nearly fifty year career. According to a friend ``Jerry had a terrific sense of humor. And that he just laughed and laughed.'' Jerry Milano had a reputation of being a tough, thorough and always prepared advocate for his clients. He also had a reputation of being a kind and generous man who counted among his friends one-time adversaries. Many stories have been told over the years of his many generous acts on behalf of other lawyers, friends and persons he only knew as acquaintances. Stories have been told about some of Jerry Milano's courtroom antics. Many of the stories describe humorous, good natured acts before the bench. Some of the stories, while humorous, led to the mischievous lawyer having his wrist slapped by the presiding judge. His comic behaviors, never mean spirited, showed his quick wit and light-hearted sense of humor. Attorney Jerry Milano, a graduate of Kent State University and Cleveland Marshall College of Law, tried cases of great notoriety. His clients, his opposing counsel, the presiding judge and jury had an opportunity to witness a professional. He defended his clients aggressively, competently, and according to the Canons of Ethics. After more than fifty (50) years of practice in Ohio, Florida and Alabama, Attorney Jerry Milano retired because of illness. As a young assistant county prosecutor, I watched in awe, and gained valuable insight, as Attorney Milano examined a prosecution witness. As a judge I enjoyed trying cases with Jerry. He made the prosecutors do their jobs. As friends, Jerry and Rita Milano have been with me through all of my ups and downs. Thank you for your friendship. On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of the 11th Congressional District, Ohio, I extend condolences to Rita, Jay and Debbie Milano on the loss of a loving family man and friend. I join the Bar in celebrating the life and times of a legal superstar.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Cuyahoga County Bar Foundation and Cuyahoga County Bar Association's 59th annual Public Servants Merit Awards, which will be held on Friday, February 11, 2005, in Cleveland, OH. As a veteran of the Cuyahoga County judiciary, I am honored to congratulate these individuals who have offered decades of faithful service to the bench, bar and public of Cuyahoga County. Kathleen Ann Beluschak, Cleveland Municipal Court Presiding and Administrative Judge Larry A. Jones' nominee, has spent more than 30 years with the Cleveland Municipal Court, and for almost 3 years, she has been the Court's Administrative Services Office Manager. A graduate of West Tech High School, the longtime Cleveland resident lives with her husband Joe near Hopkins Airport with their two dogs, both of which were rescued and brought into the family by Kathleen. She traces her commitment to public service through a number of generations. In fact, two of her grandparents worked for the municipal and federal governments, her mother and uncles were public employees, as is her husband, sister, and 25-year-old son. At the beginning of her career, she thought the recipients of the awards to be ``really old,'' she has now determined to reconsider that opinion. Pat Cain has been a Probate Court employee since 1981. Nominated by Presiding Judge John J. Donnelly, Pat has primarily worked as a cashier at the Probate Court. Pat worked at other public agencies before joining the Court. Now a resident in Parma with his wife, Jane Varga, an attorney, Pat's blended family includes four adult children and five grandchildren. An active volunteer in many state, county, and local campaigns, particularly judicial races, Pat enjoys time with his family, particularly at their summer home in Marblehead. He highly values wildlife and its protection, and he works hard to provide support at his home for many different species of birds. Nominated by Juvenile Court Administrative, Judge Joseph F. Russo, Josephine E. Jackson is the Acting Superintendent of the Court's Juvenile Detention Center. After earlier duties in security at local department stores, Josephine has been employed by the court since 1984 in a number of positions in the management of the Detention Center. Josephine's education in the Cleveland Schools continued into a master's program at Cleveland State University. She is challenged daily by working with youths in a correction environment, including those that have mental illness and special needs. In all facets, she encourages her staff to try and provide positive reinforcement to help the children at the Detention Center excel positively in life. She and her husband of nearly 25 years, Bill, live in Moreland Hills. As a part of her efforts to make the Detention Center a positive experience, she organizes regular, seasonal activities, including holiday cookie parties and a summer festival which benefits the Children's Fund. The nominee of Gerald Fuerst, County Clerk of Courts, Mark Lime has been a Clerk's Office employee since 1977. Starting as a docket clerk, Mark has worked his way up to his current position of Criminal Branch Manager. A Parma resident, he and his wife Deborah have raised four sons, the youngest of whom is a junior at Parma High School. Mark has lived in Parma for many years and attended Padua Franciscan High School and Cuyahoga Community College. Mark is a dedicated coach, active in golf, baseball, and soccer teams on which his four sons have played. Since 1976, Mary Joyce Ruddy has been employed at the Common Pleas Court's General Division. Presiding and Administrative Judge Richard McMonagle's nominee, Mary Joyce has been Jury Bailiff since 1992. She is in charge of getting jurors to individual court rooms, ensuring jurors' compensation, helping keep all jurors as happy as possible, and most importantly, spearheading the public relations effort encouraging reluctant jurors to serve. A Lakewood resident and graduate of St. Augustine Academy, Mary is mother of Nora, a 14-year-old Magnificat freshman. Family is central to Mary's life, and in recent years, she has spent many hours assisting her parents in their final illnesses. She now spends her time with eight nieces and nephews, all of whom are under the age of 9, and with her siblings. Cheryl Maureen Simon has been an employee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court since 1981. Chief Judge Randolph Baxter's nominee, Cheryl is Administrative Manager of the Court's Administrative Department, where she has responsibility for budget, procurement, administrative services, personnel, and other functions. A resident of Moreland Hills with her husband, David, and son, Matt, Cheryl enjoys skiing and traveling. For over 21 years, Gail F. Valerino has been a judicial secretary with Ohio's Eighth District Court of Appeals. Originally, she worked for retired Judge Joseph J. Nahra, and since early 1999, she has worked for Administrative Judge Michael J. Corrigan, who nominated her for this year's award. In addition to administering the chambers of her Judge in every respect, she has, during Judge Corrigan's year as Administrative Judge, acted as his liaison with the Court's Administrator with regards to the entire Court's organization. Educated in the Parma Schools, she lives in Parma Heights with her son and daughter, and is active in boys' and girls' softball and T-ball leagues. She is also a participant in her Church's volunteer activities. She relaxes by reading and spending time in Marblehead.