Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Chairman, in my congressional district, I have a wide range of schools. I have some schools that were built before I was born, and you can guess maybe how old those schools are. Some of them are in deplorable condition. Then I have some school districts which, thanks to the voters because they are a little better off, they bond and they have really up-to-date school buildings. I have been happy to have been at the ground breaking or the ribbon cutting for those buildings, and the people have certainly done well to bond themselves for that. But there are other school districts that are abjectly poor, their tax base is miserable, and the school buildings are miserable. Children learn better in decent buildings. And human nature being what it is, good teachers to a great extent are more likely to stay in better buildings. This bill was wisely based upon the title I formula so those schools that are really stricken in my district now would be able to apply for these grants and, under the title I formula, would be able to receive some Federal dollars to help them replace buildings which I say are worse off than a jail that was torn down in my district because a judge declared it unfit for human habitation. This is a good bill. It will put dollars where they are most needed to help children learn better. We know they learn better in a better building. I urge support for this bill.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, as the designee of the chairman of the committee, I offer a manager's amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. I thank Chairwoman Slaughter and the Rules Committee for their work and for making this amendment in order. Madam Chairman, this bill would address three critical issues facing our country: closing the achievement gap, boosting the economy by creating thousands of construction jobs, and reducing school energy costs and protecting the environment. This bill provides long overdue investment in public school facilities around the country. And this amendment would improve the bill by ensuring that schools could use these funds for modernizations, renovations, and repairs including green roofs; abatement of polychlorinated biphenyls and mold and mildew; and various security measures. Highlighting the need for improvements to science and engineering laboratories, libraries, career and technical education facilities, especially those related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to facilitate access to schools by different modes of transportation; strengthening language ensuring charter schools' eligibility for these funds, which was asked for from the other side; expanding local flexibility by adding ``Green Globes'' to the list of green rating systems; adding reporting requirements to ensure local accountability; and clarifying that no funds may be used to employ undocumented workers and requiring that school districts receiving these funds have a policy requiring a criminal background check on their employees. I want to thank the many Members whose input is reflected in this amendment: Representatives Arcuri, Baird, Crowley, Hastings of Florida, Hooley, Klein of Florida, Lee, Matheson, McCarthy, Mitchell, Patrick Murphy, Richardson, Sutton, Welch, and Wu. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Richardson).

Mr. KILDEE. The gentleman from California suggested that this bill would impose Federal control over local decisions. But, again, representatives of local parents, teachers, principals and superintendents are in strong support of this bill. The Counsel of Great City Schools says it gets these funds to schools with a minimum of red tape. Now they are the ones that are really on the front line. We have our level of expertise here in this Congress on education, but the groups I have mentioned are really on the front lines every day and they see the need out there, and they feel that this bill would distribute these funds for this purpose with a minimum of red tape. I believe that to be the case. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition, although I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. We have looked at the amendment and we feel we can accept it on this side. I would urge a ``yes'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. First of all, I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) for his work on this bill and for all his work here in the Congress. He has been a distinguished Member of this Congress, one who loves this institution. And as he goes off in other pursuits, I certainly wish him well. I look around this Congress, and you see on both sides of the aisle people for whom you have great respect, and he certainly has my respect. His interest in science and technology makes him the natural one to have the expertise in this and apply that to our K-12 schools. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I claim time in opposition, but I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Church's founding. A celebration was held on June 1st in Grand Blanc, Michigan to mark this momentous occasion. The First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc was founded in 1833 when 26 settlers came together to establish a place of worship. Their guiding beliefs were a dedication to God, religious liberty, belief in the literal translation of the Bible, separation of Church and state, and the autonomy of the local Church. The 26 individuals were Daniel Williams, Alfred Brainerd, John Tupper, Alden Tupper, Newall Tupper, Harrison Tupper, Alexander Tupper, Phile Miner, John Fritz, Robert Winchell, Philander Williams, Betsy Tupper, Hannah Tupper, Isabelle Tupper, Asenath Brainerd, Sarah Brainerd, Alice Miner, Susanna Fritz, Electa Williams, Sophrona Straw, Almira Phelps, Lovina Gilbert, Sarah Perry, Lovina Williams, Jason Austin, and Eunice Austin. The first meetings were held in a barn and the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc became the first Protestant Church between Pontiac and the Straits of Mackinaw. Over the years the congregation has grown. The Church was officially dedicated in 1851 and over the years the congregation has expanded the building and facilities to suit the growing needs of the faithful. In addition to the classrooms and dining hall, a new fellowship hall and a 400-seat sanctuary have been added. The Church was named a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1974 and a National Historic Site in 1983. Under the current leadership of interim pastor, Reverend Darrell Foltz, the congregation continues to work under the principles of vision, faith and courage to meet the challenges of our world. The congregation meets these challenges every day armed with their spiritual guidance and love of God. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc for celebrating their 175th anniversary. The bell that was installed in 1837 continues to ring today calling the faithful to worship. May it continue to ring for another 175 years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on celebrating 133 years of worship and outreach in Flint, Michigan. On Friday, May 30th the congregation of Quinn Chapel recognized this milestone at a special anniversary program. Quinn Chapel AME Church has a long tradition in Flint. This tradition began in the home of Mrs. Nancy West, where in 1875 she first opened her doors for prayer services. Quinn Chapel reached out to the community, becoming a positive influence on families looking for opportunity in the early days of Michigan. As Flint grew, so did Quinn Chapel. In 1877 the congregation moved from Mrs. West's home and into a new location on Seventh Street. A decision was made in 1912 to build a new sanctuary and the brick structure was dedicated in 1922. The music program gained national recognition and the Senior Choir took first place in a national music contest during the 1940s. When the City of Flint decided to build the municipal center in 1955, Quinn Chapel had to relocate again. The first Church service was held in the new structure on Lippincott Boulevard on December 25, 1960. Bishop Joseph Gomez formally dedicated this sanctuary in 1961. Designated a Historical Site by the State of Michigan, Quinn Chapel AME Church has fulfilled their African Methodist Episcopal motto, ``God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Man Our Brother.'' Under the leadership of their Pastor, Reverend Stanley U. Sims, the congregation continues to provide the residents of Flint with a place to worship in a faith filled community. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding this community for their dedication to Christian life. For 133 years Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has led services for its members and provided a foundation for the spiritual lives of many in Flint. I pray they will continue their blessed work for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as the congregation celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Church's founding. A celebration was held in Saginaw, Michigan on May 31st in honor of this momentous occasion. Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1933 by King Wicker, Otha Wicker, Mildred Wicker, Alton Wicker, Margaret Wicker, Jerry Wicker, Odessa Fields, Bobbie Lou Anthony, Irene Blunt, Robert Taylor, and Reverend S.J. Scott. Shortly thereafter Reverend S.J. Elliott became the first appointed pastor and was active in developing and organizing the Saint Luke congregation. Under Reverend Elliott's pastoral guidance Saint Luke built its first Church where members could gather and worship. In 1955 the congregation was expanding and they began to look for a new home. The prayers and hard work of the membership were successful and they purchased the Church and parsonage on Tuscola Street in June 1958. Through the hard work and generosity of the congregation, the mortgage was paid in full and burned in a joyous celebration on October 19, 1969. Over the years the congregation has added a new organ, a communion rail, a grand piano, a furnace, air conditioning and the Church and parsonage underwent extensive renovation. While the physical structure of Saint Luke has changed, the congregation of Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has not wavered from its purpose--faith and devotion to God. Under the leadership of Reverend James C. Hendricks, Saint Luke has embraced the motto, ``From Good to Great--Generation of Excellence.'' Through the guidance of Reverend Hendricks, the members are inspired to meet the daily challenges of life with vision and courage. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the clergy, staff and congregation of Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. For 75 years they have brought praise and honor to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and may He continue to bless them for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to Constance Rau as she retires from the Flint Community Schools. A celebration is planned for May 22 to recognize her work and contributions to Flint area youth. Connie Rau's work with the community began long before Flint Community Schools employed her. From 1975 to 1985 she was a senior therapist with the substance abuse program at Flint Osteopathic Hospital. She became a program manager at Insight Outpatient Chemical Dependency Clinic and then became the director of Children and Adolescent Services with the Genesee County Commission on Substance Abuse Services. It was during this time that Connie also started to write a column in the Flint Journal entitled ``Considering Kids'' and she was an instructor at Mott Community College. She also was an intern field supervisor for several area universities. As a member of the Flint Community Schools Youth Projects staff, Connie has had tremendous impact on the children of Flint. She was instrumental in organizing several programs that directly benefited the most vulnerable children in the Flint school system. She coordinates two intervention programs for the Genesee County Family Court, the Youth Projects Diversion and the Youth Projects Diversion--Attendance Court. She established the ``Roast and Toast'' fundraiser for student activities, She established the ``Shoes that Fit'' Flint Chapter, the Language Exchange program, and the Teen Female Expo. Working with Quota International of Flint, Connie launched the Cops and Kids program. Recognized by the Woodrow Stanley Foundation for her work with children, Connie is a co-founder of the Mayor's Committee for National Youth Service Day recognizing the thousands of Community service hours the youth of Flint have contributed to improving the quality of life in their hometown. In addition to her work with children, Connie is active in Peace Lutheran Church, at various times she has held the positions of Director of Education, Director of Finance, and currently is Director of Stewardship. She is on the Board of Directors for the Intake, Assessment and Referral Center and she is a mentor in the Big Brother, Big Sisters Lunch Buddies program. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Constance Rau as she retires from the Flint Community Schools. She has spent her life devoted to children and has enriched their lives through her work. All will miss her insight, innovative spirit and enthusiasm for her work and community. However, we know that she will always be meaningfully involved.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Eddie Johnson of my hometown, Flint Michigan. Eddie Johnson is a World War II veteran and is part of the Honor Flight Network contingent of veterans traveling to Washington DC to visit the National World War II Memorial. Eddie Johnson joined the United States Army at the age of 18 on May 21, 1941. He served until January 6, 1946. During his service he taught himself to read and write. He was promoted and became one of the first Black Staff Sergeants in World War II. He was in charge of an Engineering Platoon in the 93rd Division; Company A 318th Engineer Combat Battalion. He served through the Bismarck-Archipelago, New Guinea, and Northern Solomon Campaigns. He is a Veterans of Foreign Wars--Lifetime Member of the Dr. George Washington Carver Post 3791, Past Post Commander and Member of the American Legion Dorie Miller Post 306. He is honored to have his own display at the Military and Space Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan. After his discharge from the Army, Eddie utilized the GI Bill to study tailoring and TV and radio repair. He moved to Flint in 1953 with the intention of starting his own business. Instead, he hired into General Motors V-8 Plant and worked there for 23 years. He went on to become head of security for Genesee County Community Mental Health, worked with the MTA-Your Ride program, and is head of security at Southeast Christian Church. Married to Betty, Eddie has 8 children and 5 step-children. He is the patriarch of a 5 generation family. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Eddie Johnson for his service to our country and his continuing devotion to the memory of his fellow patriots. May we always treasure men and women like Staff Sergeant Eddie Johnson for their sacrifice and fidelity to our Nation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2008 Flint Central High School Alumni Association honorees. The eigtht honorees will be recognized at a dinner to be held on May 15 in Flint, Michigan. This year the Alumni Association is honoring Henry Hatter, Lynn Chandnois, Dr. Catrise Austin, Lawrence R. Gustin, Judge Robert E. Weiss, Dean Ludwig, James Beaubien and posthumously Gracie Field. The distinguished alumni are: Henry Hatter is a member of the class of 1954. Henry worked for Buick Motor Division for 38 years, responsible for the plant-wide waste water environmental program. Active in the Republican Party, Henry served in the Electoral College and will be a 2008 Alternate Delegate at the National Republican Convention. Lynn Chandnois is a member of the class of 1944. He played professional football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was named ``NFL Player of the Year'' by the Washington Touchdown Club. He has been given the title of ``The Greatest Football Player Flint Ever Produced.'' Dr. Catrise Austin graduated from Central High School in 1988. Through her medical practice, VIP SMILES, she specializes in treating entertainers and persons in the public eye. She has been named as one of America's top dentists by Consumers Research Council of America. Lawrence R. Gustin graduated in 1955. Larry worked for the Flint Journal for 23 years. He published three award winning books and created the Flint Journal Picture History of Flint. During his time working for Buick public relations he started the magazine, ``Inside Buick.'' Judge Robert E. Weiss is a member of the class of 1956. Judge Weiss served as Special Litigation Counsel in the Watergate Civil Proceedings. He went on to be elected as Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney from 1979 to 1993. He was a Genesee County Probate Judge in the Family Division when he was appointed the Chief Judge in 2006. The distinguished educators are: Dean Ludwig was Flint Central High School's principal from 1984 to 1995. He began his career at Flint Central High School teaching Social Studies. He was Assistant Principal at Flint Central High School before taking the helm at Whittier Junior High School. He assumed the position of Principal at Flint Central in 1984. Jim Beaubien began his career with the Flint Schools in 1963. He served as the Flint Central Community School Director for many years, organizing after school activities for students and the community at large. He served as the school's Principal from 1998 to 2002. Gracie Field is being honored posthumously. She was the school's English Literature teacher for approximately 50 years. She sponsored the English Club, the Shakespeare Club and was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts. She devoted her life to bringing the words of great English writers to her students. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these distinguished alumni and educators. May their lives and dedication be an inspiration to the current and future students of Flint Central High School.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Illustrious Potentate of the Oman Temple No. 72, Ronald Reece, Sr. Ronald was feted at the 52nd Annual Potentate Ball held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on Saturday, May 10. Ronald Reece, Sr., moved to Saginaw, Michigan, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1961. He attended Arthur Hill Technical High School where he was captain of the track and basketball teams. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1972 and started working at Saginaw Steering Gear in September of that year. He retired from his inspector position in July 1996. Active in the community, Ronald is a motivational speaker for youth working with churches and organizations. He created the ``Dick and Jane Saving System'' and was recognized as an African-American Man of Distinction in 1997 for his work helping minorities achieve a brighter future. In 1998, Ronald and his wife, Barbara, received the Community Leadership Award for their work at the First Ward Community Center. They have received many awards for their involvement with various organizations in Saginaw and Buena Vista and they are contributors to the Buena Vista High Scholarship Commission. Ronald and Barbara have been married for 35 years and have five sons: Ronald Jr., Shannon (deceased), Kieston, London, and Ju'Neil. The Oman Temple No. 72--A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Incorporated, has benefited over the years from Ronald's leadership and dedication. Under the Prince Hall affiliation, Ronald has held the positions of Worshipful Master of H. York Harrison Lodge #32 in Saginaw; Past 2nd Lieutenant of Saginaw Valley Consistory #71, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; and Past Thrice Potent Master--Flint Lodge of Perfection #71. He currently serves as Thrice Illustrious Master--Omega Council #30, Royal and Select Masters; Captain General--Tri City Commandery #19, Knights Templar; and Captain--Flint Chapter #17, Holy Royal Arch Masons. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to applaud the life and work of Ronald Reece, Sr. May he continue to serve the community for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to E. Yvonne Lewis as she is elevated to Supervisor of Women for the Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ. A banquet will be held in her honor on April 28th in Flint Michigan. E. Yvonne Lewis grew up in Saginaw Michigan. Her parents, the late Drs. Hurley J. and Martha Coleman founded the Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ in Saginaw. As the 5th of 11 children, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Ferris State University, and from the University of Michigan-Flint a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Community Psychology degree and a Masters of Health Education degree. She is the mother of 3: Tiffanie, Tanya and Maurice. She is now a member of the Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. After receiving her license as an Evangelist of the Church of God in Christ in 1978, E. Yvonne became the Coordinator of the National Church of God in Christ Young Ladies for Scholastic Motivations, of the Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention. She also served as an active member of the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southwest Michigan under the leadership of Bishop Earl J. Wright Sr. and Mother Francis Curtis. Bishop Roger L. Jones selected her in 2007 to become the Supervisor- Elect for Women in the Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction. In this role she will serve as the leader of women and work closely with Bishop Jones guiding the Church through the coming year. E. Yvonne Lewis is the Executive Director of Faith Access to Community Economic Development. She serves on the boards of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, the Michigan Cancer Consortium, Co-Founder and Past Chair of the National Community Committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Research Centers, founding member and Past Chair of the Caucus of Public Health and the Faith Community of the American Public Health Association, and the Advisory Board for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating E. Yvonne Lewis as she is elevated to the position of Supervisor of Women. May Christ continue to bless her in her work and leadership for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Saginaw Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute as they mark 27 years of service to the community. A testimonial banquet will be held on Saturday, April 19th in Saginaw celebrating the anniversary. A. Philip Randolph stands at the vanguard of 20th century labor leaders. Together with Bayard Rustin, a leading civil rights and labor organizer, they forged an alliance of the civil rights movement and the labor movement to fight for the rights, privileges and freedoms of all people. After the passage of the Voting Rights Act they joined together and founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute to continue this fight. From its founding in 1965 as an organization of black trade unionists, the A. Philip Randolph Institute has been at the forefront of the continuing struggle to bring equality and economic justice for workers throughout our country. Madam Speaker, the Saginaw Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute is the cornerstone of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of everyday citizens in the Saginaw area. They are steadfast in their resolve that we can achieve social, political and economic integrity for all persons no matter what their color or background. I commend them for their hard work and resolute spirit and wish them continued success for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, for organizing this Special Order. Improved funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start are integral to every child having the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. The Child Care and Development Block Grant enables 1.8 million children from more than 1 million families to receive child care and provides essential resources to help states improve the quality of that care. Reliable, high-quality child care supports parents' productive employment and helps children enter school ready to learn. Head Start is our country's model for a successful comprehensive early learning program for low-income children. It combines early education, health care, social services, and nutrition services with a strong focus on parent involvement and support and builds on the strengths of local communities. The bipartisan 2007 Head Start reauthorization, which I was proud to have introduced, included many positive provisions that will move the program forward by expanding access and enhancing quality. But, increased investment is critical to meeting those goals. More than 100 of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, recently joined me to urge the Appropriations Committee to reverse the Administration's funding policies that have led to thousands fewer children attending Head Start than in 2002 and put 200,000 children at risk of losing child care assistance by 2009 without increased funding. Whether or not America's most vulnerable young children and their families will reach their potential depends in large part on our investment in these programs.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Henry Fuller, Jr. on his 10th anniversary as Pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. The congregation is holding a celebration of the 10th anniversary of pastoral service on Saturday, April 12th and April 13th. Pastor Fuller received his bachelor's degree from the United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary--Flint Branch. He received an honorary doctorate from United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana. He preached his first sermon on December 12, 1971 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He was inspired to organize a mission in Holly, Michigan in 1973. The mission became Faith Baptist Church. Between the years 1983 to 1998, Pastor Fuller headed the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana. On April 18, 1998, Pastor Fuller returned to his roots and became the Pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to leading the congregation, Pastor Fuller has held several positions with the church and in the community. He has served as president of the Northeastern District Sunday School and BTU Congress of Christian Education of the Northeastern District Missionary Baptist Association in Muncie; president of Indiana Consolidated Congress of Christian Education of the Indiana Consolidated State Convention; served on the finance board of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; was a writer with the Publishing Board Sunday School and BTU Literature National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; as an instructor at the Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Indiana; and served as moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist District Association, 2000-2007. He currently serves as the president of the Wolverine State Missionary Baptist Convention; member of the board of trustees of American Baptist College of ABTS Nashville; Chairman, Wolverine State Baptist Convention Constitution Committee in Saginaw; President, United Bible Institute of UTS, Flint Branch; Instructor, United Bible Institute Flint; Instructor, Great Lakes Baptist District Leadership and Education Congress: Instructor, Wolverine State Baptist Congress; Instructor/Preacher, Baptist Ministerial Alliance in Flint; Chairman of the Clergy Division, United Way of Lapeer and Genesee Counties; Executive Board Member At-Large, National Baptist Convention USA; Treasurer, Todd-Phillip Children's Home, Wolverine State Baptist Convention. Pastor Fuller also serves on the Strategic Planning Committee with the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education; and on the Mayor's Community Advisory Board in Flint. He received the ``Moderator and Builder of the Year'' award from the Wolverine State Baptist Convention Women's Auxiliary. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the work of Pastor Henry Fuller, Jr. and congratulating Pastor Fuller, his wife, Marilyn W. Fuller, and their four children. Pastor Fuller inspires his congregation every day, provides leadership to the Baptist community, and strives to improve the lives of the people of Flint. I pray that he will continue his work for many, many more years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, earlier this month, the Michigan Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission announced that the General Motors Corporation will receive the Richard H. Austin Long-Term Traffic Safety Award, ``for being a corporate and auto industry leader in promoting traffic safety issues,'' in the State and nationally. The award was presented at the group's annual awards luncheon on March 13, 2008, in East Lansing, Michigan. This prestigious award is named after a true leader in traffic safety, the late Richard H. Austin, who served as Michigan Secretary of State from 1971 to 1994. Secretary Austin, who was known as, ``Mr. Traffic Safety,'' was a pioneer in promoting passage of State seat belt use laws and in promoting measures for child passenger safety, drunken driving prevention, and motorcycle safety. The commission's announcement notes that GM, ``has made significant contributions in addressing key traffic safety concerns including safety belt use, child passenger safety in and around vehicles and drunk driving through partnerships and collaboration, advocacy, financial support and voluntary time commitments to traffic safety organizations by company executives and employees.'' The announcement states that when, ``efforts were underway to upgrade Michigan's seat belt law from a secondary to a primary law, GM led the collaborative efforts,'' to support it. I am pleased to note that as a result of this upgraded law Michigan has one of the highest State belt use rates in the Nation at 94 percent. Among the other specific activities for which GM is being recognized is its Safe Kids Buckle Up partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide. Under this program, child safety seats are checked by trained experts for proper installation; safety seats are provided to families in need; and education is provided to help assure that children are not left alone in vehicles and they are not allowed to play in trunks. Further, adults learn to walk around a parked vehicle to check for children before they start the engine and children are taught that it is never safe to play in driveways, parking lots or on sidewalks when vehicles are nearby. There are 25 Safe Kids coalitions and chapters in Michigan, and, over the last 10 years under the GM-Safe Kids program, approximately 45,000 child safety seats in the State have been inspected and another 13,500 have been provided to families in need free of charge. In addition, several permanent child seat inspection stations have been set up, run by Safe Kids, and four mobile car seat checkup vans donated by GM are operating in the State. Madam Speaker, I have had the opportunity to witness the work of Safe Kids Flint, which is part of the Hurley Medical Center. The dedicated men and women who work at these events volunteer a significant amount of their time and talent to assure that children are riding safely in vehicles, and they provide very valuable information to parents. Safe Kids Flint has reported that 19 lives have been saved after families who attended one of the organization's events were involved in crashes. I am pleased to join in congratulating General Motors for this recognition of its exceptional corporate citizenship in working to protect the citizens of Michigan through the Safe Kids partnership and many other safety activities.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the second annual Cesar Chavez Citizens March in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. The March will be held on March 29th to coincide with the 81st birthday of Cesar Chavez. The Hispanic Latino Collaborative of Genesee County is sponsoring the Citizens March. The March will start on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint, proceed down Chavez Drive, and conclude back on campus with a luncheon and reception. A fundraiser to help the United Farm Workers will be held in conjunction with the March. Flint Michigan was the first community in the Nation to pay tribute to Cesar Chavez by naming a street in his honor 21 years ago. Cesar Chavez was an indefatigable fighter for the rights of migrant workers. He founded the National Farm Workers Association and the United Farm Workers. His 5-year nonviolent boycott against California grape growers attracted international attention and led to the signing of the first union contract with the United Farm Workers. In 1994, one year after his death, Cesar Chavez was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Hispanic Latino Collaborative of Genesee County for bringing to the forefront the life and work of Cesar Chavez, and keeping his memory alive for future generations. Cesar Chavez changed the world for the better and his life is an inspiration to all persons seeking justice, parity, and enhanced working conditions for everyone.