Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I have spoken with the gentleman from Rhode Island about this amendment. I think we should work to address this issue in conference, Mr. Chairman. It is sound policy to help put at- risk children on a healthy trajectory earlier in their lives. Helping families and communities build children's emotional skills in the early years will lead to increased academic achievement. This amendment is a strong proposal to do just that, and I will support the efforts of the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) to address this issue in conference.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I would like to echo the comments of the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) regarding this program. Congress did not intend to make eligibility changes in section 117 of the Carl Perkins Act. I will work with my colleagues to address this issue in conference.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 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\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind). (Mr. KIND asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink). (Mrs. MINK of Hawaii asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey). (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), a member of the core group that helped put together this bill. (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today's consideration of H.R. 1 marks the end of many busy and work-filled nights and weekends over the past 4 months. I strongly believe that this bill enacts meaningful bipartisan education reform by striking the right balance. Clearly from the final resolution of issues in the reported bill, we all gave some, and some probably feel they gave too much. But the result is a bipartisan bill. Several provisions in the bill are especially worthy of mention. With regard to title I, I am pleased that the amendment protects and preserves many of the core advances that the last reauthorization of ESEA in 1994 instituted, and maintains our existing requirements to develop and implement challenging standards and aligned assessments. Preserved are title I's targeting of resources to high-poverty school districts and schools. Also maintained are vital national priorities such as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the Civic and International Education Programs which are key priorities of mine. Most importantly, I believe the strong accountability requirements we have added to ESEA greatly improve the bill. These include a requirement to ensure that all children reach a proficient level of performance. Increased teacher quality requirements and a focus on turning around failing schools through the investment of additional help and resources are indeed critical. In a time when we are in an increasingly competitive world, we can no longer tolerate low-performing schools that place the education of our children at risk. Very simply, this means providing additional resources and intervention to help students in those low-performing schools reach high standards. If schools are still failing after substantive intervention, then consequences must indeed exist. Fortunately, this bill does not include divisive issues that would distract us from our efforts to gain a bipartisan consensus. H.R. 1, as introduced, did contain many of these provisions including private school vouchers, Straight A's, and cessation of educational services. The inclusion of these provisions could undo the careful bipartisan compromise that this bill represents. I do not question the motivation of Members who have sought or will seek to offer and support these issues, but I am positive that the passage of such amendments will jeopardize bipartisan support of this bill. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), my ranking member, for his leadership and many hours of hard work on what is a major piece of legislation. I also want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner), he did yeoman's service; and the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink); the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer); the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle); the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson); and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for their hard work on this bill. They and their staffs, along with Sandy Kress from the White House, deserve a tremendous amount of credit for this truly bipartisan bill. I am proud of this bill. I am pleased with having worked with those on both sides of the aisle. I think all of us share that pride, and the children of this country will be better for it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated more than 50 years to making our community a better place. On June 3, 2001, Father Amos Wischmeyer, of St. Mary's Catholic Church, will celebrate his Golden Jubilee. Father Wischmeyer was ordained in 1951 and began his career at Holy Trinity in Fowlerville and then St. Phillips in Battle Creek. He later went on to serve at St. Joseph's in Gaines and St. Mary's of the Lake in New Buffalo. In 1967, he followed the Lord's calling to serve as the Pastor for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Swartz Creek, where he has served for the past 34 years. One of the high points of Father Wischmeyer's priestly life was when he was able to meet Pope John Paul II in January of 2001. He was the great privilege and opportunity of having a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. It was a truly memorable experience for Father Wischmeyer. Since his assignment to St. Mary's in 1967, pastor Wischmeyer has been an effective advocate for the disadvantaged. He continually extends his arms to help anyone in need. Throughout his service at St. Mary's, Father Wischmeyer has also managed to keep the Parish School open and fully operational, enriching children's lives with faith and allowing them to open their hearts to God. For the past 50 years, Pastor Wischmeyer has worked tirelessly to spread the Word of the Lord. He has made this his goal and dedicated his life to working not only within the parish, but also throughout the community to achieve this goal. Continually putting the needs of others above his own, Father Wischmeyer is an exemplary and loyal servant of God. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to acknowledge the fine work of Father Amos Wischmeyer. His dedication to proving food, clothing, shelter and education to anyone at anytime, without hesitation, serves as a fine example to us all. Our community would not be the same without the presence and influence of Father Wischmeyer. I know our community is a better place to live because of his spiritual mission. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join in congratulating his 50 years of pastoral service.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1 is a good bipartisan bill; but I oppose this rule for several reasons, one of which is the denial of any Democratic amendment on school construction. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government has spent millions and millions of dollars on State and local prisons during my time here in Congress, and virtually nothing on public school renovation and construction. About 15 years ago, a Federal judge in Flint, Michigan, my hometown, ordered the closing of our county jail, built in 1930, stating that it was unfit for human habitation. A few years later, we blew that jail up in compliance with that court order. That jail was newer and in better condition than many schools in my congressional district, including Homedale Elementary School in my own neighborhood which is in deplorable condition. We should really be ashamed when we spend money on prisons and find some reason not to spend money on school construction and renovation. Let us at least have the opportunity to vote on school construction. It is a very nonintrusive way to help our schools, school construction and renovation. What are we really afraid of? We have crafted a reasonable bipartisan education bill. Let us have a reasonable rule for floor action.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act (NAHASDA) reauthorization bill. The NAHASDA, enacted in 1996, was the first piece of comprehensive housing legislation directed solely to Native American and Alaska Native people. The Act provides basic housing, basic plumbing, basic water infrastructure, heat, and electricity to many of our country's Indian reservations. That is why I support the reauthorization of NAHASDA, an Act that has already gone so far in meeting the housing needs of our First Americans. The success of NAHASDA is clear. In the five years since NAHASDA's enactment, twenty-five thousand housing units have been constructed or are in development. With severely overcrowded conditions in more than fifty percent of homes in tribal areas, and more than forty percent of homes with serious physical deficiencies, the need has been demonstrated and is slowly being met. While development under NAHASDA is encouraging, it is estimated that there is still an immediate need for 200,000 housing units. NAHASDA promotes tribal self-determination. Under the Act, tribes administer their funds directly instead of the regional housing organizations administering their funds. The Act also encourages the involvement of private sector entities and promotes innovative financing. Mr. Speaker, the NAHASDA reauthorization bill will build upon the success of the past five years by providing more housing development on our nation's Indian reservations. Housing is the backbone of economic and community development. It creates jobs and drives tribal economies. It is a basic need that can strengthen progress in other areas like education and health care too. I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman J.D. Hayworth for his dedication to Native American issues, and for introducing this bill today. It is my hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support this bill for what it is--a renewed commitment to the well- being of the Native American people of this nation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a pioneer in Michigan politics, Richard Austin. Mr. Austin passed away this weekend at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The story of Richard Austin's life is a story of the American dream. It is certainly a story of many firsts and many accomplishments. Born in 1913 in Alabama, Austin's coal miner father passed away when he was only 11 years old. His family moved to Detroit. He had to give up a scholarship to Wayne State University in order to support his family. But he continued to take night classes at the Detroit Institute of Technology while working full time selling and repairing shoes. In 1941, Austin became the first African-American certified public accountant in Michigan. He made a point of hiring other African- American accountants in his business. In 1969, he was the first African-American to run for the office of mayor of Detroit. Although he lost that race for mayor, the next year, he ran successfully to be Michigan's first African-American secretary of state, and Michigan's first African-American state-wide elected official. As secretary of state from 1970 to 1994, Richard Austin fought to make Michigan the first state in the Union to enact a mandatory seat belt law. He also pushed a motorcycle helmet law and simplified the process for renewing driver licenses. One of his greatest accomplishments was the passage of Michigan's `motor-voter' law. Once again, Michigan was the first state to put in place this system which allows people to register to vote at the same time and place they renewed their driver licenses. The national motor voter law was not enacted until 18 years later. Mr. Speaker, Richard Austin was more than a pioneer in Michigan politics and a leader in national highway safety and voter registration. Above all, Mr. Speaker, what made Richard Austin such a special and rare individual was his strong sense of decency, integrity and grace. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife of 61 years, Ida, and his daughter, Hazel.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to recognize one of the crowning jewels of my district. On April 26, government and community leaders will gather in Pontiac, Michigan to formally unveil the new program headquarters of Lighthouse of Oakland County, the Robert and Mary Flint Campus of Caring. This wonderful facility, named after its two primary benefactors, was completely constructed with the selfless donations of time, materials, and money from hundreds of individuals who realize the significant impact Lighthouse has made in the community. Lighthouse of Oakland County began in 1972 as an ecumenical ministry at Pontiac's St. Vincent de Paul Church, designed to assist low-income families and senior citizens in need. Nearly 30 years later, it remains committed to these ideals, providing a full range of human services to help lift the less fortunate from poverty to independence and self- sufficiency. With an army of volunteers and charitable donors, Lighthouse provides service through three subsidiaries Lighthouse Emergency Services, Lighthouse PATH, and Lighthouse Community Development. With branches in Pontiac and nearby Clarkston, Lighthouse Emergency Services responds to families and seniors with an immediate need for food, medicine, transportation, or temporary shelter. Last year, the two branches assisted more than 76,000 people, many of whom are among Oakland County's working poor. Lighthouse Pontiac Area Transitional Housing, or PATH began in 1991 and provides a safe, structured environment for 24 women and their children referred by homeless shelters. PATH offers counseling, job training, child care, and instruction in parenting and life skills. With an 84% success rate, many women have gone to become independent and productive members of society. In 1992, Lighthouse Community Development initiated a neighborhood revitalization program whose goal was to increase affordable housing for low-income families. Through the efforts of community volunteerism and donations, a cluster of vacant and abandoned houses was transformed into the Unity Park housing development. Community Development continues to renovate and repair homes, build new single family housing, maintain neighborhood yards, and also provides financial management training. Lighthouse's value has been recognized by many, as evidenced by its many collaborations with churches, community programs, and businesses. They have received numerous rewards and citations and serve as one of Michigan's best managed non-profit groups. Mr. Speaker, I am exceptionally proud to have Lighthouse of Oakland County in my district, and I am grateful for people like Robert and Mary Flint, the Lighthouse staff, and its Executive Director, Noreen Keating. With the new facility, the Campus of Caring will provide programs for computer training center, business and banking, senior independence, and life skills, among others. Through their work, many disadvantaged citizens will indeed reach their full potential. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to please join me in congratulating Lighthouse.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join my friend from Ohio, Mr. Ney, myself, and over 100 of their colleagues, to support the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2001. Congress has long recognized the importance of assuring and protecting the right of workers to collectively bargain. Over the years, federal laws have been extended to guarantee collective bargaining to different sectors and now the only sizeable group of workers without the rights to collectively bargain are employees of state and local government. Fire fighters and police officers take seriously their oath to protect the public and as a result they do not engage in worker slowdowns or stoppages. The absence of the right to collectively bargain denies them the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their livelihoods and families. The Public Safety Employer-Employee Act establishes basic minimum standards that state laws must meet and provides a process to resolve impasses in states without such laws. States that already have collective bargaining laws would be exempt from the federal statute. Furthermore, this bill prohibits strikes and does not call for mandatory binding arbitration. Firefighters and police men and women risk their lives every day to protect the public. At the very least, they should be allowed to bargain for wages, hours, and safe working conditions. This bill helps workers, management, and the general public, because employer-employee cooperation leads to cost savings and better delivery of services. This bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, International Union of Police Organizations, National Association of Police Organizations, and the Fraternal Order of Police. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2001.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Pontiac, Michigan branch of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., who on April 7, will hold their annual Sojourner Truth Scholarship and Awards ceremony and present awards to 12 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 Douglas Award, which this year will be given to Rev. Douglas P. Jones of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, MI. In addition to his duties as head of the congregation of two thousand, Pastor Jones is one of the area's most influential and respected citizens. He is the founder of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, former Director of the Pontiac Area Urban League, and has been at the forefront of such projects as the Youth in Government and Business Program, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, among many others. The next award is Black Woman Achiever Award, presented to those women making significant strides in their professions. This year, there are four such people. The first is a colleague of mine, Oakland County Commissioner Brenda Causey-Mitchell of Pontiac. Prior to serving on the County Commission, she served for many years as a Trustee and ultimately President of the Pontiac School Board. She has also been a well-respected member of the city's executive staff. For many years she has worked diligently toward the improvement of our community. Another such trailblazer is Pontiac Police Captain Pamela Chambers. Captain Chambers is a true trailblazer: In 1989, she became the Department's first Black female Sergeant, and as such, she is the first to achieve the rank of Captain. By focusing on community policing, she has helped foster a stronger relationship between the city and the police. The third award goes to Makeda Newby. It is fitting that Ms. Newby was born the same year American astronauts landed on the moon; at a very early age, she decided that her goal in life was to fly airplanes. While at Tuskegee University, she studied and flew with Chief Alfred Anderson, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. She graduated from Tuskegee with both a Bachelor's Degree and a private pilot license. She went on to the J. Paul Getty Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, where she became a certified instructor, and the school's first Black female instructor. Last year she was hired by International Freight Leasing, where she will pilot planes filled with automobile parts throughout the United States and Mexico. The fourth honoree is Ms. Margarita Garcia-Boylston. Ms. Boylston decided in 1987 to begin a business with Mary Kay Cosmetics. As she built this business, she worked a full-time job, raised two teenaged girls, graduated with honors from Oakland Community College and Cleary College. As a Mary Kay representative, Ms. Boylston has received many prizes and rewards for her success. Recently she was promoted to the position of Elite Sales Director, and became Senior Sales Director just three months later. The Club's Community Service Award goes to two individuals, Cheryl Scott and Malkia Geni Maisha. Ms. Scott, known as Shari to her friends, cares very much about giving back to her community. She has tutored academically challenged students throughout Pontiac, and has been an advocate for the Michigan Animal Adoption Network and the recently founded Michigan Animal Protection Agency, where she serves as a Board member. Ms. Maisha works part-time with the Michigan Metro Girl Scout Council in the Pontiac School District, helping teach a curriculum that involves self-esteem, diversity, citizenship, and many other qualities that will help these young ladies grow to be well-rounded members of society. Ms. Maisha also serves as an Executive Board member of the North Oakland NAACP, and is Secretary for the Metropolitan Minority Chamber of Commerce. Shira Washington, a senior at Pontiac Central High School, will receive this year's Clara Hatchett Musical Scholarship. With a 3.94 GPA, Ms. Washington is a member of the National Honor Society Softball Team, Drama Club, and is President of the A Capella Choir. She has been recognized throughout her high school career for her superior singing ability as well as her The Ombudswoman Award is given to the group's most active member, and this year, that person is Irma Johnson. An elementary school teacher in the Pontiac School District, Ms. Johnson has been a part of the Club for more than 20 years. In addition, she is very active in the community and in her church, where she serves as a member of several ministries and is Sunday School Superintendent. She strives to be aware of all activities and changes, while actively pursuing a Master's Degree in Reading and Language Arts. Another colleague of mine, Mr. Richard Williams, is being honored with this year's Bridge Builder Award, for his tremendous work in improving communication and interaction between Pontiac and the county administration. As Director of Community and Minority Affairs, reporting directly to the County Executive, Mr. Williams has proven himself invaluable as an advocate for the city. He has worked with numerous groups designed to improve our schools and develop more affordable housing. As an ordained minister, Richard has also been a vital part of the Oakland County Ministerial Alliance. An award of special recognition is being given to Ms. Tommaleta Hughes. Originally from Detroit, Ms. Hughes joined the Pontiac School District as a teacher, after graduating from Tuskegee University in 1969. She taught elementary school for 15 years, sometimes serving as Head Teacher, operating as building administrator when the Principal was not in attendance. In 1984, she became Principal of Whitmer Human Resources Center, which two years later was recognized as one of the 26 most improved schools in the state. She moved on the School District's administrative level, where she became Director of Personnel and then Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Employee Relations, the position she held until her retirement in June of last year. Wanting to remain a strong advocate for children, she ran for and currently holds a position as a member of the Pontiac School Board. Ms. Hughes is a true community activist. She has worked on several local government boards, and has been a member of the Pontiac Optimists Club and Kiwanis. She is also a Life Member of the North Oakland NAACP. Last, but certainly not least, the Sojourner Truth Award itself this year will go to Mrs. Sarah Frances Grady. A Michigan native, Mrs. Grady is a retired computer assembly worker from Rochester, MI who selflessly devotes much of her time volunteering in the Pontiac community. A recipient of the Michigan Association for Leadership Development's Outstanding Volunteer Award, she has served at St. Elizabeth Home for 42 years, helping bathe and feed clients, and also worked at the Pontiac Mini Police Station for several years. For 500 nights, she participated in a march against drugs in the city. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club's 35 year 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 107th Congress to please join me in congratulating them all.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise and pay tribute to the men and women of the Lapeer County, Michigan, Sheriff's Department. These brave men and women constantly and diligently work to improve and defend the quality of human life. On May 11, the Department will honor one of its own, as friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate the retirement of Sgt. Phillip Thick after more than 30 years of service. Phillip Thick was born in my hometown of Flint in 1949. His family moved to Lapeer, where he graduated from Lapeer High School in 1967. From there, Phillip went on and graduated from the police academy, and later attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico. Phillip has enjoyed a tremendous career in Lapeer County. From his beginnings as a police cadet, he became a Detective/Sergeant in 1970, and has maintained this position throughout his career. During this time he became qualified as an expert in fingerprint identification, fire scene investigation, traffic investigation, photography, and drowned body recovery. He became a Deputy Medical Examiner and was state certified as an AFIS Operator last year. In 1995, Sgt. Thick was honored by his peer as Deputy of the Year. Sgt. Thick's contributions outside the police force are just as significant. In addition to being a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, he is a member of the AFIS Internet Association, and the Lapeer Masonic Lodge. His experience as a photographer has allowed him to become a member of Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. Mr. Speaker, I am exceptionally proud to have a person in my district like Sergeant Phillip Thick. It takes a special kind of person to patrol our streets and ensure our citizens' safety, and thanks to his dedication and commitment to justice, Lapeer County is a better place. I would also like to recognize Phillip's wife, Christina Lisa, and his children Matthew and Amanda. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join me in congratulating Phillip and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the loyal men and women of the Lapeer County, Michigan, Sheriff's Department. On May 11, the Department will honor one of its own, as friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate the retirement of Officer Gary Lee Timmer, after nearly 30 years of outstanding service. Born in Almont, MI, in 1946, Gary Timmer's family moved to Imlay City, where he graduated from Imlay City High School in 1965. He entered the Police Academy in 1969 and joined the Imlay City Police Department soon after. He remained there until 1972, where he then became a member of the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department. During his time with the Department, Gary has excelled in the proper use of firearms. In 1980, he was certified by the Detroit Firearms School as a gun range expert. The Washtenaw Firearms School bestowed the same certification upon him in 1991, along with an expert certification in semiautomatic weapon use. He has taken the responsibility to use these skills to instruct others. As a long time instructor at local gun clubs, as well as a member of the National Rifle Association, Gary teaches and promotes weapon safety and teaches a hunter's safety course. Mr. Speaker, many people in the Lapeer area have greatly benefitted from Gary Lee Timmer's insight, experience, and commitment to preserving peace and order. He has helped make the streets safe for all its citizens, especially its children. I would also like to recognize his wife Amy, his children Curt and Shelley, and his six grandchildren. He has obviously been as strong a role model for them as he has for the people he protected for three decades. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join me in congratulating him for his dedication to justice.