Jackie Speier

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, today, 17 Americans awaiting organ transplants will die because a suitable donor was not available. These will be our mothers, fathers, children, and friends--some of the 100,000 of our fellow Americans on the national organ transplant waiting list. But unlike so many threats that are out of our control, this is something that each of us can change simply by signing up with your state program. Volunteering to be an organ or tissue donor is a simple, painless, and selfless act of love and generosity, the impact of which cannot be understated. A single organ donation can save up to 8 lives and the donation of one person's tissue can save the lives of up to 50 others. Each year, 28,000 men, women and children are saved through organ donation. Despite the 80 million of us who are enrolled in state donor registries, there is still a need for more. Sadly, one-third of those on the national transplant waiting list will likely run out of time before a donor is found. Madam Speaker, in honor of National Donate Life Month, I urge my colleagues, my constituents and my fellow Americans to register as organ and tissue donors.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, we are still learning the details of the new influenza outbreak threatening our country. I want to take a moment to praise our colleague, Chairman Obey, who tried to make sure that the Centers for Disease Control were prepared for a possible pandemic by providing funding in the stimulus package for flu vaccines and preparation. Unfortunately, the politics of ``no'' trumped common sense when, in order to get three Republican votes, the Senate removed $462 million for the Centers for Disease Control and $900 million for pandemic flu preparations. Mr. Speaker, the choices we make here in Congress are more than just cable news sound bites. Our choices have consequences. Let me remind my colleagues that the 1918 flu epidemic killed more people than all of World War I. We must reconsider and revisit the funding issue for pandemic flu preparation. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Washington Post featured a column by Eli Hopson from the Union of Concerned Scientists calling for a technology neutral, low-carbon fuel standard. The Congress and the administration should not be picking winners and losers when it comes to technology. We did that for ethanol and it led to dire unintended consequences as land once used for growing food was converted to fuel production and the price of corn has skyrocketed so those who need it for survival can no longer afford it. Meanwhile, innovators across America are achieving remarkable results. On a recent visit to a company in my district called Solazyme in South San Francisco, I drove an unmodified American car that ran on 100 percent fuel from algae oil produced right here in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, exciting projects like this are going on all across our country, and the only thing that the government needs to do to encourage them is to set a standard for low-carbon fuels that is technology neutral and then let the scientists and the innovators race to the top.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, in our budget vote this week we need to do three things: We need to get Americans back to work; we need to get them spending money again; and we need to get them to reduce their dependence on oil. Today, I will introduce a bill to address all three of these concerns. The Clean Car Rebate Act of 2009 will provide a direct consumer rebate check to anyone buying a fuel-efficient vehicle, beginning at $1,000 for a 2009 car getting 28 miles to the gallon, that is any car, foreign or domestic; and, increasing for more efficient vehicles, topping out at $2,500 for cars getting 33 miles to a gallon. The Clean Car Rebate Act is good for jobs, it is good for the American car industry, and it is great for our environment.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I have spoken with our subcommittee Chair, Mr. Moore, about the need to give similar hiring powers to Dr. Warren at the Congressional Oversight Panel, and soon will introduce legislation authorizing that. We ask the American people to take a huge leap of faith with us when we pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. It is imperative that we protect the taxpayers' investment by providing adequate staffing to conduct the vital oversight and accountability functions.

Ms. SPEIER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership. I rise today in support of S. 383 to authorize the Special Inspector General to hire the essential staff needed to follow the money and provide accountability for the billions of dollars taxpayers have invested in financial institutions. I must say, Madam Speaker, that this particular function is among the most critical in government today. Aggressive and competent oversight is absolutely necessary for any of these government programs to operate effectively. Last year, when the House voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, I raised concerns about potential problems that could hamper TARP. Among them, conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency were the most serious. I was encouraged that leadership was committed to keep a close watch on taxpayer money. This bill honors that commitment. Within weeks of the passage of the Stabilization Act I had an opportunity to speak with Gene Dodaro from the Government Accountability Office and Dr. Elizabeth Warren, Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel. Their reports to Congress have been illuminating in what banks have and have not done with the TARP funds. And both of these individuals have stressed the need for competent and knowledgeable staff to provide proper oversight. I first met Mr. Neal Barofsky, the Special Inspector General, at a hearing of the Oversight Investigation Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee, and found his testimony and answers to questions to be frank and extremely well thought out. Now, he may ruffle some feathers in this city that doesn't like having its feathers ruffled, but he is precisely the kind of person we need to do that job. I was disappointed to hear that Mr. Barofsky lacked the staff he needed to oversee such a massive outlay of taxpayer money. This bill allows the Special Inspector General to hire 25 retired annuitants. These are people who are retired from Federal service but who have the know-how, who have the ability and who, frankly, will cost us less money because we are not paying for the retirement benefits. These employees are desperately needed, as the article in yesterday's Washington Post provided.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise in both sadness and awe as I reflect on the passing of George M. Keller who, together with his late wife Adelaide, was a philanthropic titan on the San Francisco peninsula and across our country. Born in Kansas City and raised in Chicago, Mr. Keller moved to San Francisco with his new bride when he took a job with Standard Oil after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering--a degree delayed by George's service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Settling in San Mateo, George worked for Standard Oil (later Chevron) for half a century, eventually becoming the company's chairman in 1981. As chairman, he led Standard's 1984 bid to acquire Gulf Oil Corporation, at the time, the largest corporate takeover in history. Two years after retiring from Chevron in 1988, George and his wife established the George M. and Adelaide M. Keller Foundation. Madam Speaker, I am constantly reminded of the generosity of the Keller family. The 12th Congressional District's San Mateo County Health Center is a principle beneficiary of the foundation, having received millions of dollars in recent years. Much of that money went to helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community through the Keller Center for Family Violence Intervention. George Keller's work in our community touched virtually everyone. He served as Chairman of the Board of Belmont's Notre Dame de Namur University from 1982 to 1994 and as Chair of the Bay Area Council from 1985 to 1988. He and Adelaide's philanthropy has benefited many local institutions, including the Lighthouse for the Blind, the Exploratorium, the Coyote Point Museum and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In addition, the Keller Foundation has supported homeless shelters, firefighters and helped build a playground for special needs children in Burlingame. Adelaide, the love of George's life, passed away last year. She and George are survived by three sons, Bill, Bob and Barry, and six grandchildren. Madam Speaker, not all of us leave an indelible mark on our community when our time on earth is done, but George Keller certainly did, and we are all the better because of it.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, for more than a decade, Gene Marie O'Connell has faithfully served the city we share as CEO of San Francisco General Hospital, the city's primary safety-net hospital. Under her skilled and passionate leadership, San Francisco General achieved designation as a level one trauma center, the only one of its kind serving San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. Additionally, the hospital received the notable distinction of ``certified stroke center'' and has been deemed ``baby friendly'' by the World Health Organization--the only health care facility in the Bay Area with that designation. Gene Marie's own accomplishments are nearly as impressive as those of the hospital she serves so well. In 2007 she was named chair of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, an organization that represents more than 100 health systems nationwide. Ever cognizant of the needs of public hospitals and those they serve, Gene Marie made it a priority for the organization to improve the quality of patient care and to secure adequate Medicare and Medicaid funding. Gene Marie has further devoted her time and talents to the medical field as a board member of the National Public Health & Hospital Institute, the branch that handles the national association's research initiatives. Her achievements attest to her steadfast devotion to providing exceptional medical care and treatment while seeking solutions to the field's most pressing issues. As we both know, Madam Speaker, healthcare is an ever-changing arena. Despite this, Gene Marie's tireless dedication to the field and her genuine desire to positively impact the lives of those in need has remained constant. Such attributes attest to the magnitude of her influence on patients, co-workers, and members of the medical community who have benefited from her devoted care and faithful service. Bolstering a personal philosophy that emphasizes the importance of compassion and support, Gene Marie has proved indispensible in all the positions she has held. Prior to her post as CEO of San Francisco General, she served as the hospital's chief operating officer, the senior associate administrator for clinical services, the director of emergency services, and the director of staff development, research, quality assurance, and discharge planning. The incredible breadth of her experience in the medical field also includes time spent as the director of patient care services at the Department of Public Health's Community Health Network. Madam Speaker, the astounding accomplishments of Gene Marie O'Connell make us all proud. Through her leadership, San Francisco General has risen to the top of public hospitals and her initiatives guarantee that it will continue to be an innovative and compassionate member of our community. She has left an indelible mark on the hospital and all those it serves and her efforts ensure its persistent growth and prominence. Our community owes her a debt of gratitude and special thanks go to her supportive husband, Joel Hurwitz, and children, Tanya and Thorin, for sharing this very special woman with all of us.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, while Democrats in Congress are pushing for a recovery package to put Americans back to work, the recovery is delayed by the same Washington Republicans who helped craft the Bush- onomics that created this recession. In 1993, Washington Republicans said that the Clinton budget would lead to a job-killing recession. Instead, the Clinton economy created 22 million jobs in just 8 years. Compare that to the 2.6 million jobs lost just last year, in the last year of President Bush's administration. In 2001, Washington Republicans swore that their tax cuts would lead to the most robust economy we have ever seen. Instead, their theory went bust and drained the surplus that President Clinton had created and left us with a staggering deficit that we are now dealing with. The American people demanded in November for a change, and for a reason: Republican economic theories don't work and certainly don't put American people back to work. I urge Washington Republicans to join fellow Republicans like Governor Crist and Governor Schwarzenegger and help us enact President Obama's plan to turn this economy around.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, on April 18th, 1906, our beloved city of San Francisco experienced an earthquake and fire that devastated all but a handful of buildings and resulted in the deaths of more than 3000. When the temblor struck, at 5:12 a.m. on that spring morning, Herbert Heimie Hamrol was just three years old. When he passed away last week at the age of 106, Mr. Hamrol had outlived all other male survivors. Madam Speaker, Herb Hamrol was and continues to be a vital part of San Francisco's history. Every year, on the anniversary of the great quake, he would rise early and leave his Daly City home in time to gather at 5:12 a.m. at Lotta's Fountain with other survivors and well- wishers. While he remembered little of the actual quake--being just 3 years old when it happened--Herb was always generous with what memories he had. ``I remember my mother carrying me down the stairs,'' he told a reporter at last year's gathering. He also recalled camping in Golden Gate Park while ominous black smoke filled the skies and rubble lay in the streets. Herb was not just known to the historic-minded. Many San Franciscans knew him as the kind and helpful clerk at Andronico's Market on Irving Street, not far from his home after the quake, Golden Gate Park. Defying his advanced age, Herb Hamrol worked up until a week before his death. At 106 years old, he donned an apron and punched a timeclock forty years after many had chosen to retire. Herb Hamrol was born in San Francisco on January 10, 1903. He left school after the 8th grade for a job delivering meat for a butcher. He later worked as a phone company clerk and owned his own business-- Herbert's Food Shop at 16th and Geary--for forty years. In 1963, he joined Andronico's. Cecilia, the love of his life and wife for forty years, died in 1969. He told the Chronicle in 2003 that he kept a picture of her in his room and, ``Every morning I say 'good morning' to her.'' At last year's remembrance Mayor Gavin Newsom told the crowd of 350, ``There is no greater San Franciscan than Herb.'' Madam Speaker, our city, so many times blessed, was further endowed by the many years we were allowed to call Herb our own. Our condolences go to his large and loving family, including sons Burt and Bil Hamrol; daughter-in-law Carla; grandchildren Michele, Allison, Burt Jr., Jennifer and Cecilia; great-grandchildren Lauren, Dustin, Travis, Ceidric, Nicholas and Pamela; and great-great-grandchildren Alexis and Logan. During Herb Hamrol's century-plus life, he witnessed two world wars; the invention of television and the computer; the struggle for civil rights, women's suffrage and greater equality for all; advancements in medicine and science that included heart transplants and wonder drugs and putting a man on the Moon. Yet, through it all, Herb kept his life--and his advice--simple. When asked by a reporter to share some of the wisdom gathered in so many years on Earth, he offered a nugget as true today as it was on the day he was born: ``Don't spend every dime you get.''

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, our nation lost a shining light when Mr. Lahori Ram passed away earlier this month. Mr. Ram was born in 1944 in the village of Lalwan, Punjab, India and came to America in 1972 with $308 in his pocket. He toiled in the fields of the Central Valley, picking almonds and peaches for seventy- five cents an hour while putting himself through school, eventually earning a Master's Degree in Economics and landing a job with the United States Postal Service at San Francisco International Airport. When Lahori Ram arrived in America, he didn't know a single person. When he left us--far too soon--his friends were legion. Known as Uncle Ji to his extended family of Indian immigrants and their children, Lahori built a real estate empire in the Bay Area by buying and renovating rental properties. A staunch supporter of his adopted country, Lahori and his beautiful wife, Pritam Kaur, raised three delightful children and saw to it that they received a stellar education and embraced their parents' dual affection for both America and the ``old country'' of India. His two sons, Jagdev (Jack) and Ajaipaul (Paul), are practicing attorneys and daughter Jagdish (Jackie) is on her way to an MBA. In addition, he always had time for his daughters-in-law, Ramitpal and Nelam and doted on his only grandchild, Jasmyne. Madam Speaker, Lahori Ram was a passionate and progressive leader of the Indo-American community. He founded North America's first Sri Guru Ravidass Temple in Pittsburg, California in 1984. He tirelessly spread his message of equality for all humankind and encouraged education, hard work and love of family, community and country. Lahori Ram was a mentor for Indians wanting to get involved in the American political process and was the first Indo-American to be appointed to a statewide commission in California. At the time of his passing, he served on California's Economic Development Commission. Previously he served on the state's Technology, Trade and Commerce Committee and the Transportation Commission. Lahori and Prito Ram bought their first home in San Bruno in 1979. While he built a fortune--eventually owning more than 100 apartment units in the Bay Area--the family remained in their adopted community. His unexpected and sudden passing leaves many mourning the loss, but soon the mention of his name will bring only smiles as his many friends and relatives remember this good man, known worldwide for his grace, hard work and kindness. I am proud to have represented Lahori Ram and prouder still to have been his friend.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in bestowing our sincere thanks to Kendra Kasten, a woman who has devoted thousands of hours of volunteer service to her community and personally helped countless children better their reading skills. After devoting her professional life to teaching children and her precious free-time to lifting others up and never seeking recognition herself, Kendra is being duly honored by the Town of Hillsborough, California with their ``Community Care Award''. The Community Care Award ``honors a person in a salaried position with the School District or Town of Hillsborough or other vital community role.'' Ms. Kasten is the embodiment of the criteria set forth for the award, specifically in regard to having ``made a sustained and significant contribution that has broadly touched the lives of our children. These contributions are widely recognized as having lasting impact to our community.'' As both a parent and teacher, Kendra Kasten has given her all to the betterment of her community. A reading specialist, she currently works with Kindergarten to Second Grade students in small groups to help with the development of crucial literacy skills. Kendra also teaches weekly whole-class lessons to 2nd graders in the area of syllabication. Kendra's lesson plans come from years of teaching experience. She formalized and organized her experience at the urging of her colleagues and used it to benefit all teachers in her school district. Madam Speaker, in addition to teaching, this vibrant and amazing woman has volunteered in her children's classrooms and the Town Library and served on more committees than any one person could possibly squeeze into a single lifetime. Her husband, Hillsborough Town Councilman Tom Kasten, and children Jeff and Alyssa are fortunate to have such a dynamic partner and role model and also deserve our thanks for loaning their wife and mother to the community. It is with a great deal of pride that I recognize a true community leader and selfless volunteer--Ms. Kendra Kasten.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I have often said that women working together can accomplish great things. I rise this evening to pay tribute to such a group of women, born and raised in the depression in our favorite city, San Francisco, who have helped, consoled, networked, laughed, cried and raised their families together since meeting as schoolchildren some 70 years ago. This special group of ladies is known to themselves and in excess of 100 sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by the simple name: ``Club.'' The original eight members met as children in the Excelsior District. Marie Regalia (later Kennealy), Anne Desmond (Cordes), Ann Espinosa (Sanchez), Connie Slevin (Voreyer), Mary McBrady (Ghiorso) and Rose Damonte (Larsen) were students at Epiphany Catholic School and Grover Cleveland Elementary but played together at Crocker Amazon Park and remained together through High School and into adulthood. Along the way, they picked up new members Irene and Janet Loretto, Gena O'Brien, Shirley Kennealy, Jeanne McKevitt, Barbara Dykstra, Elli Morris and Lori Carlin. The group has raised 58 children between them, trading used clothes, toys and baby furniture and providing moral, psychological and baby-sitting help long before modern innovations like the internet, self-help books and Oprah. Madam Speaker, the women of ``Club'' represent the finest of America. Each has made a profound mark on her community--from serving on boards of charities, presiding over parish women's guilds, coaching and teaching young girls, and unselfishly passing on their hard-earned wisdom to anyone looking for guidance. After graduating from high school in 1950, the women pledged to meet regularly to compare notes and ideas on how to navigate their rapidly changing world. Most are daughters of immigrants who were raised in the customs and traditions of ``the old country'' and were now charged with charting their own course. For nearly six decades, they have stayed in constant touch, sharing lunches, laughs and the kind of camaraderie that comes only with a lifetime of mutual experiences. Together, they have celebrated births and weddings, grieved at funerals, offered support during divorces and other setbacks and lent a hand whenever any of them needed a lift. In addition, ``Club'' has held more than 100 showers for births, weddings and ordinations to the priesthood. The families of these confident and outgoing women know all-too-well the far-reaching influence of ``Club''. Indeed, few important decisions are made without running it by the group and woe to the husband who does something foolish or insensitive enough to top the agenda at a monthly get-together. Madam Speaker, you and I have both said that it is San Franciscans that make San Francisco such a special place. I can think of no greater example to illustrate this point than the vibrant, beautiful and passionate ladies known to all who have made their acquaintance as ``Club.''

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, Mayor Christine Krolik of the Town of Hillsborough, California has served her community well, ever since moving there more than a decade ago. Now, the community is rightly honoring her with the Hillsborough School District Associated Parents Groups' ``Citizen of the Year Award''. Mayor Krolik is a woman of boundless energy and keen intellect with a limitless can-do attitude. Her cheerful disposition and amazing ability to organize chaos into a cohesive plan are unmatched. To the benefit of her community and our country, Christine has used her awesome powers for good, volunteering for causes great and small, political and charitable, serious and fun. Since beginning her professional career more than 20 years ago as an actor and director in New York, Ms. Krolik has shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with grateful students and peers in Glenside, Pennsylvania; Greenwich, Connecticut and Gulfstream, Florida as well as her adopted home, northern California. As Literacy Manager and Special Project Producer for the beloved Magic Theater at San Francisco's Fort Mason, Christine again put her love for theater and impressive performance ability to work for the betterment of the greater community. Christine's passion for helping others is aptly displayed in the many roles she has filled with the Concours d'Elegance, Hillsborough's principal fund-raising event to benefit its schools. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Hillbarn Theater and the Shelter Network, assuring that every segment of California's 12th Congressional District benefits from her hard work and considerable ability. It is more than fitting for the Associated Parents' Groups to bestow this honor on Mayor Krolik. Long before she joined the Town Council in 2004, Christine served her community by devoting many hours of volunteer work and she is always the first person anyone calls when they need something done quickly, professionally and cheerfully. Madam Speaker, I salute Mayor Krolik and thank her husband, Jeff, and sons John and Billy, for sharing Christine with a very appreciative community.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, Rodel Rodis, attorney, author and educator, has been a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees of San Francisco Community College District for eighteen years from 1991-2008. Since his appointment in 1991, Rodel was elected and re-elected by San Francisco voters in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. During his tenure, he was chosen by his peers to serve as President and Vice President of the Board three times. In addition to his service on the Board, Rodel has volunteered his limited additional time but abundant energy to serve as Chairman of the Association of Community College Trustees, National President of the Association of Asian/Pacific Islander Community College Trustees, founder and Northern California Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations and President of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California. A natural leader, Rodel previously served two terms as President of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission where he was instrumental in the decision to transfer fifteen acres of SFPUC property in the South Balboa Reservoir to City College where it will be put to great use for the benefit of the general public, hosting, among other projects, a Joint Use Facility and Performing Arts Center . Rodel Rodis' achievements are many. While a Trustee, he worked with the Board to advance equality of opportunity through the Latina/Latino Services Network; African American Scholastic Program; Asian Pacific American Student Success; Women's Resource Center and Multicultural Infusion Project. He was also instrumental in passing local bond measures for renovating campus facilities and expanding the use of technology throughout the system. As we both know, Madam Speaker, San Francisco is a community of diverse neighborhoods. Mr. Rodis recognizes this and has been a strong advocate for the new Mission Campus, the Chinatown/North Beach Campus and the Wellness Center. Throughout Rodel's career, he has been far more than just an elected representative. His passion for education and his commitment to fairness, equality and the expansion of opportunities for all San Franciscans has made Rodel something of a community touchstone--a person whose wisdom, good humor and professionalism remind us all of what it means to be a citizen. Madam Speaker, the good work of the San Francisco Community College District makes all of us proud. I am confident that it will continue to provide excellent educational opportunities and career training even without Rodel Rodis' leadership, but his shoes will no doubt be hard to fill and his nearly two decades of public service will long be appreciated.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker and Members, it is a remarkable day today because we will vote to insure 11 million American children. But the real question is, do we want to continue to be a third world country because we are the only industrialized Nation in the world that does not provide health care to its children. Twice our outgoing President has vetoed similar bills. But what is the cost of not providing medical coverage to our children? What is the cost of routine medical conditions clogging our emergency rooms? What is the cost of healthy children sharing classrooms and playgrounds with classmates afflicted with undiagnosed and untreated contagious diseases? Nearly three-quarters of the uninsured children qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP but are not enrolled. And with job losses, multiplying at a record pace, these numbers will only increase. I urge my colleagues to support this measure because simply put, we cannot afford not to.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Pacifica City Councilman Calvin Hinton, who retires this month after twelve years of admirably and honorably serving his community. Madam Speaker, the United States Marine Corps once recruited with the slogan, ``We're looking for a few good men.'' In 1945, they got exactly what they were looking for with Cal Hinton. Little did they know that the young recruit from Indiana would go on to serve his country in so many ways. Following his service in World War II, he moved to Northern California where he attended The College of San Mateo, University of San Francisco and Stanford University. Cal Hinton first served his adopted hometown of Pacifica by joining the Fire Department in April, 1959. There, his work ethic and natural leadership ability propelled him through the ranks until, after a stellar term as Fire Captain, he was named Chief of the City of Pacifica Fire Department on January 13, 1970. Chief Hinton remained in that job until his retirement in 1983. In 1996, Cal offered his services in a different capacity by seeking--and winning--a seat on the city council. Twice more the voters of Pacifica returned him to office. Earlier this year, Cal showed just how tough he is when, while recovering from hip replacement surgery, he was struck by an out-of- control suv while walking in downtown Pacifica. The vehicle hit Cal before coming to a stop inside a local restaurant where fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. As for Cal, he broke the same leg where he just received the new hip. Despite being 81, he was able to bounce back and, before long, returned to the City Council. Retirement will allow Cal to spend more time with his family, including his lovely wife Marilyn. Madam Speaker, California's 12th Congressional District, and indeed our nation, is better off because of the service of Calvin Hinton. On behalf of you and the United States House of Representatives, I thank him for a lifetime dedicated to helping others.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, soon San Mateo County will lose its premier administrator when County Manager John Maltbie retires after two decades at the helm. John has served the county ably since taking office in 1989. He has shown, time and again, how thoughtful, steady leadership can make all the difference in the quality of service a county offers to its residents. John oversees a government operation employing more than 4,800 people, who serve a growing and diverse population nearing three quarters of a million residents. Under John's leadership, San Mateo County was the first County in the State to develop school-based children and family services, a MediCal- managed care system for medical and mental health patients and a work- first model for welfare reform. A strong proponent of collaborating with his peers in and outside of government, John continued San Mateo County's long history of forming and continuing mutually beneficial partnerships with other local governments, businesses and organizations. Some of these partnerships are the City/County Association of Governments; Peninsula Partnership for Children, Youth and Families; San Mateo County Telecommunications Authority and the Library Joint Powers Authority. John has also worked closely with local cities to develop a nationally recognized model for county-wide emergency medical services. Madam Speaker, during John Maltbie's tenure, the county has seen the completion of a state-of-the-art, 225-bed San Mateo County Health Center. He has also overseen the building of a new main jail, administrative office building, parking garage, three medical clinics, three social services district offices and a new County Court facility. John's service in Public Administration began in 1972. Prior to San Mateo County, he served in multiple roles in Santa Clara County and was City Manager for both Milpitas, California and Glendale, Arizona. John holds a Masters of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in Public Administration, from San Jose State University. He has taught at several colleges and universities, including Arizona State University, College of Notre Dame and San Jose State University. A true public servant, John passed his community commitment on to his children, Jeff and Jayme, who have both worked in public service. They will no doubt enjoy more of their father's time, but Madam Speaker, the real benefactors of John's retirement will be his lucky grandchildren: Ella, Emma and Zoe. Please join me in wishing John Maltbie a long and joy-filled retirement.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, an era is coming to an end in the Jefferson Union High School District. Jean Brink, first elected in 1988, is retiring as a Trustee after 20 years of productive and selfless service. Like so many in public service, Jean first got involved as an active and concerned parent. Her two children, Adam and Laura, attended the District's Oceana High School, where Jean quickly became as well-known as her son and daughter. In five straight elections, the voters of the Jefferson Union High School District returned Jean to office, relying on her level head, passionate commitment to education and keen understanding of the School District's greater role in the community. Madam Speaker, Jean is the kind of public servant that we could all take a lesson from. While overseeing the modernization of district schools and facilities and working for the passage of two bond measures, Jean remained vigilant against waste and abuse and always kept a watchful eye on the taxpayers' hard-earned money. Jean Brink earned the title ``Trustee'' because ``trust'' is what Jean is all about. As a board member, she guided the District through difficult economic times while always making sure that the needs of students were foremost on the minds of administrators. While committed to the basics, she understood that high school is one of the last times that many students have a chance to participate in artistic endeavors. She has been a strong supporter of art, music and drama programs, not just by providing financial and administrative support, but by attending nearly every band concert, school play and art show produced in the district for the last 20 years. Madam Speaker, a generation of students benefitted from Jean Brink's service. We will miss her, but she has certainly earned her retirement. Jean can now spend more time on her other interests, including swimming and volunteering for such worthwhile projects as the Oceana Natatorium's ceramic mural and the Pacifica School Volunteers. We all know how much time public office takes away from one's family. I want to thank Jean's supportive husband, John Brink for loaning his talented and remarkable wife to the community. Son and daughter-in-law John and Kristin Brink and daughter and son-in-law Laura and Doug Ritenour will, no doubt, love having more time with Jean, but I have a feeling the person who will benefit most from Jean's newfound free time is her precious and adorable granddaughter, Serena Ritenour.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I would like our chamber to recognize a giant in the non-profit community, Sheryl Young, Chief Executive Officer of Community Gatepath, which serves San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties. Sheryl oversees one of the largest and oldest local non-profit organizations in our nation. Each year, the organization serves more than 8,000 children, adults, seniors and their families, as well as the countless professionals who support them. For close to 90 years, Community Gatepath, with a budget of $11 million, has provided programs, support services, education, and information to those most vulnerable in our society. Sheryl's staff of 150 employees are dedicated to making their motto more than just words. These good people have their hearts committed to Turning Disabilities into Possibilities. Sheryl Young has more than two decades of managerial experience and her keen business sense has lifted Community Gatepath to new levels. She has an almost unnatural ability to build sustainable non-profit programs. Sheryl has drawn from the best of non-profit and for-profit management styles to craft the unique organizational model that works so well for Community Gatepath. Sheryl is a gifted administrator who leads by example and is always poised to attempt new programs or explore new tools to better service the developmentally disabled community. She is an inspiration to her staff, board of directors and the community leaders who work with her. As proof of Sheryl's standing in our community, ``The Sheryl Young Community Impact Award'' has been established to pay tribute to persons, businesses and organizations who make an impact in their community by helping people with disabilities. Sheryl is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders. She also earned a Masters of Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, a Masters Degree in Special Education from Ball State University and a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Purdue University. Madam Speaker, I first met Sheryl while she worked for San Mateo County and I was a County Supervisor. A member of my staff had a sister who gave birth to a child with Down Syndrome, named Heidi. The new mother was grief-stricken because she had been told by doctors that she would be unable to raise Heidi by herself and should turn her daughter over to a residential treatment center. I reached out to Sheryl and she did not disappoint. She called numerous community agencies, eventually contacting Poplar Center, which was the predecessor to Community Gatepath, and asked if there was any other alternative to giving up the child. Not only was the organization able to help Heidi, but they nabbed a remarkable volunteer, too. Sheryl was so impressed with the program at Poplar Center that she stayed involved. Shortly thereafter, Sheryl's heart and her head convinced her to leave county government and accept an offer to lead the Poplar Center. By the way, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to note that this year, Heidi will graduate from high school after having lived with her family since she was born. Madam Speaker, I have known Sheryl Young in many capacities. She has been my constituent, my colleague, my boss and, more significantly, my dear friend. Sheryl has been a loving role model to her daughter, Megan Viera, who, with Sheryl's support, has graduated from college and is ready to begin a life of her own. Sheryl is at once kind, fun-loving and intensely driven. When you work with Sheryl, you work hard, but you also enjoy every minute of it. Madam Speaker, please join me in thanking Sheryl Young for being a tenacious, spirited, inspired leader who, no doubt, lifts us all.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, as happens too often in this age of legislative term limits, the state of California is losing a wise, dedicated and accomplished public servant. Assemblyman Gene Mullin, who was first elected on November 5, 2002 to represent the 19th District of California, will retire at the end of this year. Assemblyman Mullin represents a district that I, too, once served. I know the people there and I know that no one could serve them better than Gene. I cannot overstate my fondness and admiration for this man. He went into public service for the right reason: To serve. Any conversation with Gene is never about Gene. While many are called ``selfless'', with most it's just a word. Gene truly does put others first--constituents, family, students, even strangers. All who come into contact with him know that when Gene Mullin gives you his word, you can take it to the bank. Gene served his community long before they chose him to represent them in the legislature. For 32 years, he taught government and coached basketball at South San Francisco High School. In the 1970s, he was tapped by city leadership to serve on the town's Planning Commission, where he was instrumental in attracting Genentech to the city in 1976. This started a bio-tech boom in South San Francisco and is a major reason why the city is on better financial footing than other municipalities. In 1979 the City Council named Gene Mullin ``Citizen of the Year.'' In 1995, Gene Mullin joined the South San Francisco City Council, where he served for seven years, including two terms as Mayor. Upon his election to the Assembly, Gene quickly made a name for himself as a quick study, hard worker and consensus-builder. He retires as Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Education and previously served as Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Assemblyman Mullin has worked to ensure education funding for students and teachers. He authored bills to restore the $500 million borrowed from the California State Teachers Retirement System and has pushed programs to assure the quality of child care services. He has also been instrumental in efforts to provide affordable housing for all Californians. Prior to his government service, Gene was a gifted and much-loved educator. Not only do many of his students still mention him as a favorite teacher and role model, but he was honored as San Mateo County's Teacher of the Year in 1991 and the California Teachers Association's 1996 State Teacher of the Year in Politics. Gene Mullin graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of San Francisco in 1960 and holds a Lifetime Secondary Teaching Credential, also from USF. Madam Speaker, our state is in serious need of dedicated and intelligent public servants in our legislature. Gene Mullin will be sorely missed in Sacramento, but our loss is his family's gain. A dedicated father, husband and grandfather, Gene can now spend more time with his lovely and vivacious wife, Terri, his two children, Jennifer and Kevin, and three grandsons, Austin, Jonathan and Colton. Gene has lived his entire life in the Bay Area and we are all richer because of it.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, Wednesday night, before returning to Washington, I had a telephone townhall in my district with over 5500 constituents. I'm here to report that they are angry. They are angry that the Government allowed Wall Street mega-banks and manipulators to act so irresponsibly that they have led our economy to the brink of disaster. They are angry that for over a decade, greed and abuse have been considered higher virtues than oversight and regulation. Madam Speaker, I'm angry, too. Because of the mess we're in, school districts back home have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in their reserve accounts. A San Bruno man who worked for 30 years at United Airlines is seeing his pension dissolve before his eyes. And Tony, an independent businessman from San Carlos, will likely have to close his remodeling business if he is unable to get short-term credit for supplies. Now we hear that the State of California may have to declare bankruptcy. These reasons are why I will vote for this bill. But Madam Speaker, no one should interpret this vote as approval of the situation we find ourselves in. This anger will not easily dissipate. We must commit ourselves in the next Congress to re-regulate the markets and repair the damage that years of ineptitude and inattention have wrought on our economy.

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, Wednesday night, before returning to Washington, I had a telephone townhall in my district with over 5,500 constituents. I'm here to report that they are angry. They are angry that the Government allowed Wall Street mega-banks and manipulators to act so irresponsibly that they have led our economy to the brink of disaster. They are angry that for over a decade, greed and abuse have been considered higher virtues than oversight and regulation. Madam Speaker, I'm angry, too. Because of the mess we're in, school districts back home have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in their reserve accounts. A San Bruno man who worked for 30 years at United Airlines is seeing his pension dissolve before his eyes. And Tony, an independent businessman from San Carlos, will likely have to close his remodeling business if he is unable to get short-term credit for supplies. Now we hear that the State of California may have to declare bankruptcy. These reasons are why I will vote for this bill. But Madam Speaker, no one should interpret this vote as approval of the situation we find ourselves in. This anger will not easily dissipate. We must commit ourselves in the next Congress to re-regulate the markets and repair the damage that years of ineptitude and inattention have wrought on our economy.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, we never should have reached this point. But a perfect storm of greed and poor risk-management on Wall Street, along with a decade of lax oversight and deregulation, has our markets teetering on the edge of collapse. We should never have reached this point--but here we are, and we must lead. Leadership and our democracy require elected officials to make difficult decisions. Last Saturday Congress was presented with Secretary Paulson's plan. The proposal was a blank check for bad actors. It carried no oversight and, indeed, placed an administration appointee beyond the arm of the courts. This is not Paulson's plan. This legislation is crafted with taxpayers, not bankers, in mind. This begins a new era of strong congressional oversight. If we, the Congress, are asking the American taxpayer to foot the bill, then we must protect their investment. At the beginning of the week, I laid out specifics that needed to be in this bill: taxpayers deserved an equity position, there needed to be guarantees that taxpayers wouldn't be funding exorbitant executive compensation packages, and that this would not be a lump-sum and a blank check without the ability to stop payments if this proves the wrong solution. These taxpayer protections were included. To protect taxpayers going forward, Congress must bring back the firewalls between investment houses and banks repealed by Gramm-Leach- Bliley; we need strict controls on exotic financial instruments that provide great wealth for a few at the expense of the rest of society like ``naked short selling,'' and we need conflict of interest measures that ensure Wall Street does not subvert the public's trust in any way. Some have characterized our action here as the Government butting into the free market. On the contrary, what we are doing is reasserting the Government's rightful role in maintaining the stability of our economy for the good of all Americans. Congress finds itself choosing between two unfortunate choices-- between a massive Government expenditure or inaction that could lead to a calamitous collapse of our economy. It would be easy to vote against this bill, it would also be irresponsible. I was not sent to Congress to be a slave to public opinion polls, but to make decisions after listening to my constituents, hearing from experts and fashioning solutions that are in the public's best interest. Inaction in the face of adversity is not an option. Inaction is not leadership. None of us want to be here, none of us is happy about the decision before us, but our duty is to act in the best interests of everyone. More hardship is on the horizon, like greater unemployment, a run on banks, and further collapse in value of a great many Americans' only financial security: Their homes and their pensions. I look forward to working with Chairman Frank and with the Speaker as this House protects the American taxpayer and stabilizes our financial markets.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, among the most vulnerable in our society are those in our elder population. That is why I have such profound respect and deep gratitude for the good work done by Alma Via of San Francisco. Alma Via is an assisted living and memory care community that services the senior community in the San Francisco Bay Area. They celebrate five excellent years of service this fall, on November 1, 2008. Alma Via is a member of Elder Care Alliance, a nonprofit faith-based organization committed to serving and enriching the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of older adults. Their sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy, Burlingame, and the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, bring a 130-year tradition of service to their communities and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for elders through creative programs and supportive services. The Elder Care Alliance is composed of six communities in California and serves 700 elders. Their programs include special services for those with early to late stage dementia and without them, many of these older Americans would possibly not receive treatment. Their loving and professional communities are staffed by 620 dedicated staff members who provide daily care for residents in a manner that respects and celebrates the dignity and inherent worth of each person. Madam Speaker, I can personally attest to the excellence and compassion of the Sisters of Mercy. Wherever they choose to serve, their mission always moves their community and the world forward. The good work provided by Alma Via and the Elder Care Alliance is certainly no different. I ask you to join me in commending them for the important and necessary role they play in society by working tirelessly to help an expanding number of adults who desire to remain vital and active in their later years.