Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Salem Housing Community Development Corporation, located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. On April 14, civic and community leaders will gather to honor Salem Housing at a Celebration and Awards Banquet entitled, ``20 Years of Building Community.'' Salem Housing was created in 1984 by 5 neighborhood organizations and a church on Flint's north side. These 6 groups were brought together by common concerns about the deteriorating housing stock in their shared neighborhood: vacant and deteriorating houses, a declining homeownership base, and low-quality rental housing with high rents. They also shared concerns for those families who had to live in these deteriorated housing structures due to lack of financial resources, or unavailability of other housing options. As a result, they formed the Salem Housing Task Force, with a mission to ``improve family living conditions by providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for families of limited income, and to act as a catalyst to restore the neighborhoods within its service area.'' This area encompassed a 132- block region, bounded by Pasadena Avenue on the north, Saginaw Street on the east, Wood/Begole on the south, and Dupont on the west. In 2001, the Salem Housing Task Force officially became the Salem Housing Community Development Corporation. They retained their goals of affordable homeownership, and the results have included the restoration of long vacant and blighted homes, helping homeowners renovate their existing homes, and they continue to work with local neighborhood organizations to improve and beautify their streets. In addition, they have provided training and information for skills including home repair and money management. Mr. Speaker, for 20 years, the Salem Housing Community Development Corporation has helped many Flint residents gain the satisfaction that comes with owning their own home, and they have helped cultivate civic pride as well. I am appreciative for all they have done to make our community a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in commending them for their efforts over the past 20 years, and wish them much success in the future.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Flint Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., who on Saturday, April 9, will hold their 44th annual Sojourner Truth Founder's Day Awards Luncheon. During this ceremony, awards will be presented to nine deserving recipients. The Sojourner Truth Awards are given each year by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., as a reminder of the endless effort which freedom demands of those who would be free and to recall the fact that slavery comes in many forms: enveloping the spirit as well as the body. In this regard, the Club annually acknowledges those members of the community who have shown to represent these ideals with dignity and distinction. One such award is the Club's Frederick Douglass Award, which this year will be given to the Honorable Archie L. Hayman, Chief Judge of the 7th District Circuit Court in Genesee County. A lifelong resident of Flint, Judge Hayman received degrees from C.S. Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint, before receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1985 from Detroit College of Law. After stints at General Motors and his own private practice, Judge Hayman was elected to the bench of the 68th District Court in 1995, and was appointed to the Circuit Court one year later by former Governor John Engler. Judge Hayman has consistently shown a willingness to improve the community, as evidenced by his involvement with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, NAACP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint, and many others. The next award is the Positive Image Award, and its recipient is Mrs. Mancine Broome. Mrs. Broome is known throughout the City of Flint as one of its most ardent community activists. In the political arena, she was an integral part in successful campaigns to elect her late husband, Sylvester, to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. Other campaigns followed, as did several citywide activities designed to enhance community spirit. Mrs. Broome has often been found as an active member or leader of groups including the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame, Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Bishop Airport Authority, and the National Association of Media Women. In addition to her long history of activism, Mrs. Broome has worked with Flint Community Schools as Supervisor of Graphic Arts and Printing Services for 38 years. The Club Appreciation Award goes to Ms. Gloria J. Coles. In 1984, Ms. Coles moved to Flint to become Director of the Flint Public Library, a position she held for 20 years, until her recent retirement. As Director, Ms. Coles led her staff in establishing the Library as a community focal point, a central location for enriching lectures and programs, and a hub for technological advances. During her tenure, Ms. Coles was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the State Library of Michigan, and in 1991, served as Board President. She also chaired Michigan's White House Conference Committees in hopes of setting a federal agenda for our nation's libraries. Ms. Coles has also been active with the Fairwinds Girl Scout Council, the United Way, and the Michigan Humanities Council. Alexzandria Poole, a senior at Grand Blanc High School, and Otis Wiley, a senior at Carman-Ainsworth High School, have been selected to receive this year's Youth Achievement and Academic Award. Miss Poole is a multi-talented young woman who balances a 3.902 grade point average with activities such as singing, playing and tutoring piano and viola, and studying Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. Mr. Wiley has excelled in the classroom, where he earned a 3.423 grade point average, and also on the athletic front. During his high school career, Mr. Wiley made it to the State Finals in three sports: football, basketball, and track and field, and has been honored for his efforts on local, state, and national levels. Despite his hectic schedule, Mr. Wiley still finds time to volunteer for various church and community projects. Also being honored during the ceremony are the winners of the Flint Club's Essay Contest: Miss Diamond Nelson (1st Place), Miss Breeanna Walker (2nd Place), and Miss Michelle A. Cochran (3rd Place). Last, but certainly not least, the Sojourner Truth Award itself this year will go to Ms. Pamela Loving, President and CEO of Career Alliance, Inc. Serving in this position since 1997, Ms. Loving oversees a multi-service organization that provides workforce development strategies and assistance for residents of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties from all walks of life. Each day, 800-1,000 people utilize Career Alliance's services in hopes of learning and/or developing skills that will enable them to increase their effectiveness in the workforce. Ms. Loving draws on extensive experience in the private, public, and corporate sectors to achieve her goals. She is a tireless advocate for promoting civic and community awareness, and improving the quality of life for all those she comes into contact with. Currently Ms. Loving serves as Co-Chair for Governor Jennifer Granholm's Community Challenge, as well as the Board of Directors for the Focus Council, Mission of Peace Housing Development Agency, Flint District Public Library, and Hamilton Community Health Network. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the YWCA Nina Mills Award, and the Jewish Federation Senator Donald Riegle Award, among many others. Ms. Loving is a true role model and is deserving of the highest respect. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club's longstanding commitment to community service, and their mission to seek answers toward critical issues in the areas of health, education, employment, and economic development. These awardees have exemplified the highest of qualities, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating them all.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today, and to ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the unification of Bay City, Michigan. This momentous occasion will be marked by a series of events to take place on Sunday, April 10, 2005. In 1857, a village, made up of land once used as a campground for the Chippewa Indians, was formed east of the Saginaw River. In 1865, this village, known as Bay City, was formally incorporated as a city. The years that followed saw other villages established in the area, including several to the west of the river. In 1877, three of these communities-Banks, Salzburg, and Wenona, consolidated and formed West Bay City. The two communities coexisted and thrived with separate mayors, city councils, police and fire departments, schools, public utilities, and city services, until a campaign to unite the two began, with the hopes that a larger city would increase revenue and promote expansion. After several consolidation referenda, as well as actions on the part of the Michigan Legislature, the concept of a united Bay City became reality on April 10, 1905, when a common council, consisting of 34 aldermen from 17 wards in the combined city convened and made history. Mr. Speaker, in the 100 years since the unification of Bay City and West Bay City, we have seen a town rise from a collection of small lumber villages to one of Michigan's largest and most vibrant cities. The shipyards and sawmills of the past have given way to worldwide corporations that create opportunities each day. Bay City's rich heritage is seen in its renowned architecture and diverse history. For generations, the kind hearts and friendly manner of the residents have made Bay City a warm welcoming community. They are the true nucleus of the city. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Robert Belleman, City Manager, for his vision in recognizing the need to acknowledge this milestone in Bay City's history. I am proud to call him my colleague, my constituent, and my friend. Mr. Speaker, once again I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bay City, Michigan on the 100th anniversary of its unification.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church on celebrating 125 years of worship, fellowship, and outreach in Bay City, Michigan. On Sunday, October 16, the congregation of Messiah will recognize this milestone during a special service and dinner to be held at the church. Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church found its roots in Bay City in 1880, when 50 individuals, immigrants from Sweden, came together and formed one of the most spirit-filled ministries in Bay County. During the past 125 years, Messiah has made a significant impact on the community. The members of Messiah have consistently heeded the call of Christ to assist all those who are in need of spiritual healing. The inspiration for living by Christian ideals is repeated again and again in the lives of the staff and laity of the church. In the intervening years, with God's blessing, and through the dedicated efforts of many, pastors and lay people alike, the membership has grown to 600 people, embracing a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Spiritual growth spurred physical growth, as the building itself had no choice but to expand to accommodate the new congregants. The original small frame building has given way to the present substantial brick building on the same location, now designated as a historic site by the State of Michigan. Although the building has changed, the high purpose of worship and community service remains the same. I pray that during this glorious milestone the members and community of this magnificent church will come together and do as the Bible tells us in Psalms 33:1-4: ``Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is right and all His work is done in truth.'' For 125 years, Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church has been a dynamic force for the public good. At every time of social need or upheaval, the congregation has resoundingly responded by living the Gospel spoken every Sunday in the sanctuary. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the continuity of Christian life that has resonated for more than 12 decades and resonates today through Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to honor James O. Peoples, Jr., for 48 years of dedicated service as the Church's Director of Music. On Sunday, March 13, 2005, the congregation of Foss Avenue will recognize Mr. Peoples' accomplishments during a celebration, which will include a musical program and reception, to be held at the church. James Peoples, Jr. has been blessed with a natural talent and passion for music. His obvious abilities were refined as he studied Management and Music at C.S. Mott Community College, and later Music Theory at Cook Conservatory of Music. James's education did not end there, as he spent 11 years under the direction of various professionals in a wide array of styles including opera, classical, and lyrical melodies and harmony. Since 1956, Mr. Peoples has performed the Lord's work as Director of Music for Foss Avenue Baptist Church. As Director, he has managed over 200 voices and staff, and recorded three albums. In addition, from 1987 to 1992, he served simultaneously as Director of Music for the Wolverine State Baptist Convention and Musical Director of the National Baptist Convention. Mr. Peoples has also acted as Director of the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Peoples is best noted for his work with anthems, hymns and spiritual arrangements. He has conducted music workshops throughout the state, and in March 2003, he was recognized as Music Director of the Year by the Wolverine Baptist Convention Women's Auxiliary. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Mr. Peoples is also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Speaker, Psalms 66:1-2 says: ``Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.'' For 48 years, the members of Foss Avenue Baptist Church have indeed made a joyful noise, and it is because of people like James Peoples, Jr. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in honoring Mr. Peoples' contributions to spreading the Lord's word.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this motion which will address a very urgent problem. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Yes, I am, Mr. Speaker, in its current form.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, my motion to recommit is simple. It provides extra assistance to workers whose jobs have been outsourced and veterans who are returning from conflicts overseas. Mr. Speaker, half a million jobs have been outsourced over the past 3 years. An additional 830,000 jobs are expected to be outsourced in 2005 and 3.3 million by 2015. Up to 6 million jobs may be sent overseas in the next 10 years. These statistics represent lost jobs for American workers. Fewer jobs means that American workers will struggle to provide for their families and fall further into debt. The administration has turned a deaf ear to the needs of these workers. American workers who lose their jobs due to outsourcing need significant assistance and resources to obtain new employment. This motion would provide this help. Likewise, many veterans returning from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq may need skills and training to obtain or retain their jobs. Reservists who have spent a year or more overseas have put their careers on hold to serve our country. This amendment would provide the help they need. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members who want to help our veterans and those who have lost their jobs to outsourcing to support this motion. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, current law requires that services be provided to both in-school youth and out-of-school youth. Nothing in the Act prevents States from spending all of youth funds on out-of-school youths. In fact, as many as 17 States spend more than 30 percent on out-of-school programs. The majority of States are challenged by current out-of- school requirements. Eliminating services for in-school youth cuts funding for programs designed to keep youths in school, to develop workforce skills, to prepare for post-secondary education, and provide after school and summer opportunities. H.R. 27 limits the business community's ability to work with schools and prepare emerging workforces. In many communities, you have that cooperation between the business community and the schools. H.R. 27 restricts services for rural youths. Many rural in-school programs provide workforce development and on-school support service for students who are at risk for dropping out. I think it is very, very important that we maintain the in-school youth program, and that is the purpose for me offering this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield two minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In summary, I urge a no vote on this bill. In 1998, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) who is a very good friend of mine, we will always remain friends, we have great respect for one another, we wrote a very good bill in 1998, WIA, and I hope we would do likewise this time; but I find myself unable to support this bill. The bill, among other things, I do not mean to be harsh, but among other things, encapsulates President Bush's response to the woman in Omaha who told him that she was presently working three jobs to ensure that she could provide for her family. And the President responded, ``Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that.'' Mr. Chairman, we can do better than that. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment as a designee of the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney), the author of the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington, D.C. (Ms. Norton).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. This bill is nearly identical to the WIA bill that passed this House last Congress on a near party-line vote. It was a bad bill then, and it remains a bad bill now. H.R. 27 represents a missed opportunity to ensure that more, not less, job training happens for the millions who are unemployed or looking to upgrade their skills. This legislation fails to increase the amount of actual training services that will be provided to unemployed, dislocated, and underemployed workers. Instead, this legislation focuses on moving around and changing the bureaucratic elements of WIA without focusing on getting more resources to the consumers of these programs. H.R. 27 is largely the same proposal backed by the administration for the past 2 years. Just a few weeks ago, President Bush spoke to individuals in Omaha, Nebraska. There he met a woman in her late 50s who is a mother of three children. She told him that presently she was working three jobs to ensure she could provide for her family. The President's response was the following, and I quote exactly: ``Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that.'' What insensitivity. Is this the attitude of this administration when it comes to the challenges of working adults and families? I think this quote from the President speaks for itself. It will go down in history with Marie Antoinette's famous quote: ``Let them eat cake.'' Mr. Chairman, this bill is not going to help this mother of three or the millions of Americans seeking job training. This bill is objectionable for four primary reasons. First, the bill block-grants the adult worker, dislocated worker, and employment service program. This effectively repeals the Wagner-Peyser Act and the employment service, the national program used to match job seekers with employment opportunities. Termination of the employment service will translate into higher unemployment and less jobs. The elimination of the employment service and Wagner-Peyser marks another example of the Republican majority terminating a New Deal program. Wagner-Peyser was first enacted in June of 1933 in the first term of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It is shameful that we are eliminating a 70-year-old program that has helped so many achieve and maintain work. In my hometown of Flint, Michigan, we had two parts of the unemployment office, one where you applied for the unemployment benefits and the other where you went in and were seeking a job and they would put the unemployed and an employer together. That would be decimated by this bill. Second, H.R. 27 allows Governors to siphon off resources currently providing veterans, adult learners, and individuals with disabilities with critical services. Instead of helping vulnerable and needy individuals, these resources would fund infrastructure costs of the one-stop centers. Many of these individuals have nowhere else to turn to receive help, and this bill would exacerbate this problem. H.R. 27 requires programs which provide these critical services to give up resources, but it also takes away any say over how they are allocated or used. They no longer will have a voice on the local boards. We should not be taking funds from these programs. These lost resources will translate into disruptions and lost opportunities to people who presently rely on these services. We should provide a separate source of funding for these one-stop centers. Third, the bill allows discrimination in hiring based on religion with WIA funds. The bill turns back the clock on decades of civil rights protections in our job training programs. This is simply wrong. Focus Hope in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the best, if not the best, job training program in the State of Michigan. Focus Hope was run until his death by Father William Cunningham, a classmate of mine in the seminary. He trained thousands of people in inner-city Detroit as a Catholic priest assigned by his bishop there, and he did not care whether those who were training people to run a lathe, to do engineering or whatever it was, he did not care whether they were Catholic, whether they were Protestant, whether they were Morman, Muslim or had no faith at all. All he cared was they knew how to teach what they were teaching. That was a very important and effective program. He did not need to discriminate to carry out his duties. I strongly urge Members to support the Scott amendment today that will be offered later during debate to remedy this major shortcoming in this legislation. Finally, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 27 creates personal reemployment accounts which voucherize the job training system and cuts individuals off from other training services. The money they do not spend to get a job, they can keep and use for any purpose. Workers do not need a bribe to get back to work. Research on similar schemes have proven that PRAs are not an effective means of providing job training. Mr. Chairman, this bill does not respond to the needs of underemployed and unemployed individuals. It misses an opportunity to improve our job training system. I urge Members to join me in opposing passage of this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.