Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a Northwest Indiana business pioneer and the founder of Bank Calumet, Joseph Meyer. Joseph was born in Wisconsin in 1878. As a youth, whenever he could, he traveled with his father who was a professional photographer. His father was particularly interested in photographing various aspects of nature and often took his son into fields and forests. The young Joseph soon learned a great deal about plants and nature in general. But this happy arrangement lasted only a few years because the father died when his son was not yet a teenager. As a result of the family's financial difficulties, Joseph was sent to an orphanage, where he received a technical-vocational education. Upon graduation from high school, Joseph had to leave the orphanage. He went to Milwaukee where he lived with a grandmother, who provided room and board which enabled young Joseph to take a low paying job in the printing industry. he recognized that he needed practical experience before he could go out on his own. Eventually, he felt he had enough experience, so with a small loan from his grandmother, he set up his own print shop in her basement. Slowly he accumulated enough savings to open his own print shop on East Water Street. He was a good printer, but not yet a good financial manager and he did not know how to locate a financial advisor. Moreover, Milwaukee was suffering from a recession at that time. Finally, he was out of money and had to close his shop. His first business venture, therefore, was a failure. Joseph Meyer then moved to Chicago, where printers were in demand, and obtained a job with a large industrial printer until it was shut down by a long and violent strike. Next he took a job in the print department of The Hammond Times. But the desire to have his own business was strong. By saving everything he could from his job at the paper and with a small bank loan, he was able to afford an old printing press which had to share space in his modest home with his wife and young family. Joseph soon heard about crooked gaming devices and learned how these machines were tampered with to cheat the public. So in 1908, he wrote a short book exposing this scheme and printed it himself--two pages at a time. This literary effort was well received and very profitable. His initial thought was to expand his printing business, but he remembered his failed print shop back in Milwaukee. He realized that his next business would have to be guided by a plan and that he would need help with the financial side. In thinking about his skills, he knew he had two strengths. He knew a lot about printing; after all, that's what he had been doing for several years. But he also knew a great deal about nature and plants. Over the years, he had built on the basic knowledge he had gained from those early field trips with his father. He became interested in the curative power of native plants and the advantages of natural substances as dietary supplements. For his life's work, he decided it made sense to combine both these talents--his knowledge of printing and his love of nature. He grew and harvested plants in the vacant land around his Hammond house, on land that no one seemed to care about at the time. Marketing of these health foods and medical items would be through a catalog. Since he would print the catalog himself, his profit would be enhanced. He mobilized his eight children and taught them to distinguish the valuable plants from ordinary weeds and had them help in the harvesting. His children were also put to work in the family dining room, assembly-line fashion, to fold and bind the catalog. Eventually, he was able to purchase fertile land to grow the plants he needed and in 1925 construct a handsome Tudor style building to process and manufacture his products. That building still stands among the Borman Expressway near Calumet Avenue. In a few years, this business, then and now known as the Indiana Botanic Gardens, grew larger and his catalog was sent first throughout the Midwest and later all over the country. Today, Indiana Botanic Gardens, which is now located in Hobart, continues to thrive under the direction of a Joseph Meyer descendant. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, the country had slipped into a very severe economic downturn. Many businesses closed. But this time, Joe Meyer's business did not fail. In fact, the Botanic Gardens continued to expand. It turned out that the herb and health food business was largely recession proof. His direct-from-the-manufacturer mail order business provided products at a lower price than his competitors, and his home remedies were cheaper and more readily available than regular medical doctors. But he did have one serious problem. The economic downturn was so severe that he couldn't find a sound yet convenient financial institution to hold his deposits. In fact, in the year 1933, Joseph Meyer was faced particular dilemma in that all of Hammond's banks had failed. He had no local place to deposit the dimes and quarters and dollars that were arriving in cash every day at his plant. A group of Hammond community leaders with a financial background approached Joseph Meyer about starting his own bank, but this was a big step. He would have to risk everything he had achieved and he did not know anything about banking. However, over the years he had learned a lot about running a business, the need for expert assistance and how to find that talent, the vital necessity of having a business plan, focusing on your objective, assembling the right team, and making sure that new income grew when sales grew. This time, he had the capital, but he had to decide whether all the other things could be put in place. With careful reflection, and attention to detail, he assembled his team and opened the Calumet State Bank on March 4, 1933. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Bank Calumet is still largely owned by Joseph Meyer's family. It is the largest locally owned bank in Lake County, with 16 offices and nearly $800,000,000 in assets, a book value of over $78,000,000, and a multi-year string of record profits. From the very beginning, Joseph Meyer infused his personality into the new bank. If you look at the early ledger book, you will see that the first day deposits totaled around $73,000. Almost that entire amount came from Joseph--either from his personal funds or from businesses he owned. But Joseph Meyer wanted to reach out to the broader Hammond community. He knew people had lost much of their savings when Hammond's banks failed. That loss had produced a deep distrust of banking, yet he also knew people's money really would be safer in his well-run bank than at home in a jar or under the mattress. So he hit on an idea that would reassure the general public. He took some of his own government bonds and put them up as collateral to back the bank's deposits. Now people could be certain that even if the bank failed, there would be something to stand behind and guarantee their deposits. Calvin Bellamy, current President and Chief Executive Officer, tells me that the same commitment to customers and community guides the present management of Bank Calumet. Before returning to that subject, let me first say something about the Bank's Main Office, which at nine stories is still the tallest building in Hammond. The 100,000 square foot structure at 5231 Hohman Avenue was begun in 1924 to house the First Trust and Savings Bank which failed in the Great Depression. The building's steel frame is covered by Indiana limestone and at the base by polished Minnesota granite. The main lobby has its same original and magnificent chandeliers. The American walnut ceiling--at least 35 feet from floor level--is decorated with painted and inlaid designs. The original marble floors and columns still grace the lobby. In 1934, the bank moved from its original location at 5444 Calumet Avenue to the present Hohman location. The transfer of the bank's assets and cash required a heavily armored motorcade. Fayette Street was guarded every few feet by machine gun toting marksmen perched on roof tops along the route. $650,000 traveled down the street that day, a very attractive target in those Depression plagued times. Fortunately, all went well. Today, the bank continues to serve as an outstanding corporate citizen and partner with the people of Hammond. I want to briefly highlight the bank's particular commitment to Hammond's neighborhoods and the education of the city's children. Hammond is a city of neighborhoods. And its future will be determined by the strength of those neighborhoods. In 1989, the bank's management began wondering what they should be doing to strengthen Hammond's neighborhoods. They began with five separate focus groups, each drawn from a different part of the city. As they dialogued, it became clear that Hammond's housing stock, though still mostly in moderate to good condition, needed attention. So beginning later that year, the bank announced its Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP). Through NIP, the bank began offering home improvement financing to residents of Hammond at one percent below its normal rate and on terms more flexible than its usual underwriting standards. This program has been offered every year since 1989. Each year the bank sends a brochure to all homeowners in Hammond. Now in its eighth year, the bank has made over 800 NIP loans. From antidotal evidence, bank officials have strong reason to believe that without this extra effort, much of the home improvements financed by NIP loans would not have occurred. They can say for certain whatever home improvement financing that would have occurred anyway would have been at higher cost to the homeowner. If nothing else, the NIP discount has made rehabilitation of Hammond homes a more affordable proposition. Besides the Bank's commitment to rehabilitation and remodeling Hammond homes through its Neighborhood Investment Program and various credit counseling activities, they also give a great deal of attention to the Hammond public schools. For about a decade the bank has had a formal partnership with Wallace Elementary School. Some of the partnership's key elements include an active Student of the Month Program, banking curriculum taught at the school, and student tours and job shadowing at the bank. Aside from these specific details, the partnership boils down to this: several bank officers have a great deal of personal contact with these students, providing a mentoring experience for these eager young learners from a diverse, moderate income neighborhood. In 1997, Calumet Bank felt the need to expand its involvement with the Hammond schools. More and more, its loan officers are seeing credit reports on young people only out of high school a few years already developing credit problems. Excess use of credit cards slow payment of bills and careless management of their checking accounts, these and other problems are causing people in their twenties and thirties to have difficulties obtaining affordable home, auto and other financing. Given these challenges, the bank wanted to be part of the solution. So in the spring of 1997, they proposed to Hammond School Superintendent Dr. David Dickson a program they call MONEY MATTER$. What they are offering to do is go to all four Hammond high schools and have contact with every senior. MONEY MATTER$ would consist of a three part series--first on the history of money and the role of banks in the economy, next on the proper use of credit and understanding the role played by each individual's personal credit report, and finally a session on how to manage a checking account, including the proper use of ATM cards. Calumet Bank has also formed a President's Council whereby four students from each high school meet with senior bank officers over lunch for more in-depth discussion of banking issues and also career opportunities in banking. This group will meet for the third time on March 5, 1998. The bank's goal is to stimulate dialog since they recognize that businesses also need to learn more about what youth are thinking. As you can imagine, these school-based activities represent a very significant time commitment. There are also some dollars involved, but the bank feels this extra effort and expense are important to the future of Hammond and Northwest Indiana. As a community bank, Bank Calumet's leaders realize their future depends on the community's future. Since Joseph Meyer founded his bank 65 years ago it has undergone several name changes. But whatever the name, its commitment remains true to Joseph Meyer's original philosophy of service to their customers and their community. As bank President Bellamy expresses it, ``If the people of Hammond-- individuals, government, and businesses--continue to work together as partners, our city's future will be at least as exciting as our past. Those of us in leadership positions today have benefitted from the experiences of our predecessors and it is no less our duty to continue the work of building for an even better future.'' Mr. Speaker, Joseph Meyer was not instantly successful. In fact, he suffered a business failure before he found his stride. Yet, despite personal and business setbacks, he eventually made a success of himself, and provided an invaluable asset to the people of Hammond as well as the rest of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month and its 1998 theme, African-Americans in Business, I would like to draw your attention to seven distinguished residents of Indiana's First Congressional District. These business people have achieved stunning success while generously giving of themselves to the community. Nathaniel Z. Cain is a native of Gary. With his wife, Jacqueline, they raised 3 children, Fred, Jeff and Natalie, and now have 3 grandchildren. Nate started his business career in the automobile industry after serving 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He began working at a Ford dealership in Gary in 1969, began buying stock ownership in dealerships in 1986, and, in 1996, bought the same Ford dealership in Gary in which he had begun his career in 1969. He currently serves as President and Dealer-principal of Tyson Ford and Tyson Lincoln-Mercury and Vice-President of Melrose Lincoln-Mercury. Nate has been recognized and rewarded for his outstanding achievements throughout his career. He was awarded 4 medals for his service in Vietnam: the National Defense Service medal, two Vietnam service medals (1st & 2nd awards), and the Vietnam campaign medal. He received numerous awards at the Tyson Motor Corp. in Joliet, Illinois, and in 1996 received the ``100 Champions Award'' for the top 100 Lincoln-Mercury Dealers. He has also been listed on Black Enterprise magazine's Top 100 Black Auto Dealers List since 1990. Throughout his career, Nate has been involved in his community, serving on various boards and councils, including the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, the Gary Mental Health Association, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, the Board of Trustees of the Gary YWCA, the National Auto Dealers Association, the Ford-Lincoln- Mercury Minority Dealers Association, and the Chrysler-Plymouth Minority Dealers Association. His story is clearly a tribute to economic success and civic devotion. Sharon L. Chambers is an insurance agent with State Farm in Gary, where she lives with her daughter, Sheena. Sharon received a degree from Indiana University and started her own insurance agency in 1984. Sharon has received the ``Outstanding Young Women of America Award,'' and, last year, she was inducted into Gary's first Women's Museum of Cultural Development. Sharon started her own agency with no customers and, for years later, was the number one insurance agent in the State of Indiana. She truly made it on her own. However, Sharon does not focus the story of her success on herself. She talks about the support of Gary citizens, and about the numerous young African-American women who have worked in her office as Marketing Representatives, five of whom have started their own businesses and four of whom have returned to college. Imogene Harris is a Gary native, who earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and undertook graduate studies at Valparaiso and Purdue Universities. She was a teacher with the Gary School Corporation for 12 years and became President and Publisher of the family-owned Harris Printing Co. and INFO News in 1978. She and her husband, James T. Harris, have worked at their business for nearly 48 years. Imogene is actively involved in the community and works with the Gary Chamber of Commerce Board, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana Board, the Gary Accord Board, and the NAACP. Additionally, she holds membership in numerous organizations, including the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Great Lakes Broadcasting Board, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Delaney United Methodist Church. She has been honored by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the NAACP (nationally and locally), NCNW and many other organizations. In addition, Imogene has received the Gary Frontiers' ``Drum Major Award'' and the ``Distinguished Hoosier Award.'' She has continually distinguished herself as an individual committed to equality, actively working to eradicate racism and prejudice through providing a forum in which issues can be addressed in a productive manner. She has been committed to the improvement of Gary for 50 years and much of the progress that has been made can clearly be attributed to her. Roosevelt Haywood came to Indiana from Mississippi in 1948, and he attended Indiana University. He has a wife and seven children and is currently the owner of Haywood Insurance Agency in Gary. Before going into the insurance business, Roosevelt was a member of the United Steelworkers' Local #1014. Roosevelt built his successful business on his own, but he has been an active member of the community while doing so. He is currently Vice-President of the Gary branch of the NAACP, Vice-President of the Gary Black Insurance Agents and Brokers Association, a Deacon-Trustee at his Baptist Church, and a Board Member of the Brothers' Keeper. His record of civil service is extensive. Roosevelt worked as a State Chairman of the Fair Share Organization, a civil rights group that broke down the discrimination barrier over a decade ago in Gary, Michigan City, and East Chicago, Indiana. He founded and served as President of both the Gary United Council of Midtown Businessmen and the Gary Toastmasters International. He also served as Vice-President of the Minority Business Steering Committee and on the Advisory Board of the Urban League. He served as President of the Ambridge-Mann Community Board and the Indiana Association of Black Insurance Professionals. Finally, he served as a member of the Gary Library Board, the Gary Parks and Recreation Board, the Lake Country Economic Opportunity Council, Inc., and the Gary Common Council. The Reverend F. Brannon Jackson and his wife, Doris, are another Northwest Indiana success story. Reverend Jackson came from Mobile, Alabama in 1946, and became pastor of his church on December 1, 1965. Doris graduated from East Chicago Washington and studied fine arts at the Chicago Art Institute. She opened her own boutique in downtown Gary, and has been in business for almost 17 years. While Reverend Jackson has served as President of the Ordinary General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, Chairman of the Office of Convention and Meetings for the National Baptist Convention, USA, and Treasurer of the City of Gary's Commission on Economic Development, Mrs. Jackson has supported his efforts in a tangible way by keeping her own shop in downtown Gary, while many of her neighbors moved their businesses elsewhere. Both Reverend and Mrs. Jackson have stood by and sustained downtown development and committed many hours to making Northwest Indiana safe for worship and shopping. They are two beacons in the Gary Community, providing both economic and spiritual leadership. Dorothy Leavell is the Editor and Publisher of the Crusader Newspapers, which are published in Gary and Chicago. Dorothy attended public school in Arkansas and Roosevelt University in Chicago. In June of 1998, the Chicago Crusader will celebrate 58 years of continuous publishing, and the Gary Crusader will celebrate 37 years of operation. Dorothy took over the newspapers upon the untimely death of her first husband, Balm L. Leavell, Jr. She had been working there for 7 years as an Office Manager and Business Manager before taking over the helm of the Crusader Newspapers in 1968. Dorothy's newspapers have never missed a single issue. Dorothy has been involved in numerous civic and humane organizations. She founded and sponsored the ``Odyssey Club,'' a teen club at her church, dedicated to raising funds and items necessary for teens to further their educational and career goals. Her contribution to community service has earned her many awards over the years, and she has been recognized with distinction by: the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Holy Name of Mary School Board; Prospair Ladies Social Club, and the National Association of Black Media Women. She has received the Operation PUSH ``Family Affair Award''; ``Fourth District Community Improvement Association Award'' in Gary; ``Dollars and Sense Award''; Mary McLeod Bethune Award''; the ``Publishing Award'' from the National Association of Negro Business and Profession Women's Club, and the ``NNPA's Publisher of the Year Award'' in 1989. Dorothy has been a member of the National Newspaper Publisher Association (NNPA), for more than 25 years, and she is currently serving her second term as president of NNPA, which represents more than 215 African-American newspapers in the United States. Dorothy has always had a keen interest in art, and she donated her personal art collection valued at over $50,000 to the DuSable Museum of African-American History in Chicago in the 1970's. Dorothy is currently married to John Smith, and she has two grown children, Antonio and Genice Leavell. She also raised a niece and nephew, Sharon and Leonard Gonder, and has four grandchildren. Mamon Powers' college education at Campbell College in Mississippi was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the European theater during World War II. He served for almost three and a half years, and was discharged as a Sergeant Major in April 1945. He then followed his sweetheart north, and settled in Gary to work in the steel mills. But Mamon did not end up working in the mill, instead deciding to try carpentry. Relying on the experience the had gleaned through this father's long association with the trade, he joined the Carpenters' Local #985, and was the first black carpenter's apprentice in the program. He worked at Means Brothers Construction Co. during the day and at night worked at getting his degree from Horace Mann, from which he graduated in 1949. He was then noticed by his long-time mentor, Andrew Means, who offered him a Vice-Presidency at Means Developers. Mamon studied Mr. Means' building techniques and financial planning, and in 1955 formed his own partnership with drywall contractor, Hollis Winters. Winters Powers Construction Co. built homes for 9 years before Mamon decided he wanted a company that was truly his own. In 1967, Powers & Sons Construction Co. began. Amidst a city that was changing economically and politically, Mamon changed with the time, branching out into commercial construction, and bringing two of his sons into the business with him. In 1971, Powers & Sons won its first million-dollar contract, and, in 1987, it was named one of the top businesses in the Nation. Black Enterprise magazine has recognized this feat for eight years. Mamon has contributed to many civic and charitable organizations and continues to volunteer and donate his time by lecturing at the various Gary schools on careers in the construction industry. Powers & Sons continues his personal commitment on a professional level by providing scholarships to area youths. These people are remarkable not just for their astounding business success. They are doubly remarkable for having achieved such success in arenas which were just beginning to open up for African-Americans. Marcus Garvey's prediction, that African-Americans could accomplish what they willed, has been borne truthful by people like these fine citizens of Northwest Indiana. But the `bootstraps' mentality is only one aspect of Garveyism, and these people's success can be measured in more than just professional terms. These Northwest Indiana leaders exemplify the true extent of success African-American business leaders have achieved; these men and women have not only made successes out of themselves, they have, and continue to, make successes of their communities, by devoting as much of their time and energy to others as they do to themselves. Sharon Chambers talks about the African-American women she has mentored, Mamon Powers talks about the man who mentored him. Roosevelt Haywood talks about participating in organizations which broke down the racial barriers facing African-Americans in the area, and Dorothy Leavell describes donating art in order to inspire other to achieve. The Reverend and Mrs. Jackson couple their work for economic growth with a devotion to community spiritualism. Nate Cain followed his career in the military with a long history of devoting his time to local youths. And Imogene Harris followed a career in teaching children with a career in teaching the community as a whole. George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.'' These seven people have indeed been tender, compassionate, sympathetic and tolerant. And they have met with great success, both personal and professional, because of it. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my esteemed colleagues, Lou Stokes and Maxine Waters, for arranging today's Special Order on Black History Month. Lou and Maxine truly lead the House of Representatives in promoting racial consciousness, and their tireless work on behalf of African-Americans is unparalleled. With his recent retirement announcement, Lou promises to leave a significant void in the House of Representatives. We will miss him, but I look forward to others benefitting from the example he has provided, as well as continuing his legacy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to a noble initiative proposed by Dr. Anthony S. Lenzo of Crown Point, Indiana. Dr. Lenzo has toiled selflessly for many years in an attempt to designate a ``Weekend of Prayer, Meditation and Thought on the Futility of War and the Desperate Need for Peace in the World.'' His goal is to have the United States submit his resolution to the United Nations. Dr. Lenzo feels that, as a global leader and the chief proponent of peace, the United States should be the country to propose such a resolution. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization constitution itself reads, ``since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.'' His own words most eloquently express his intentions. According to Dr. Lenzo, who recently retired from teaching elementary school and from his position as a colonel in the Army Reserves, peace is still a possibility: ``With the entire world, together with its political and religious leaders, all praying for peace at the same time, marked with parades, speeches, dinners, fireworks, and whatever else is necessary to make this the most important event of the year, it has to have impact on everyone and further the cause of peace.'' Dr. Lenzo continues, ``It will be a thankful day when we can once again live in peace * * * peace in the world, peace within our nations, peace in our neighborhoods, peace on our streets.'' He dismisses claims that this is impossible: ``Years ago it was said that it was impossible to find a cure for polio, but we did; impossible to find a cure for smallpox, but we did; impossible for the Berlin Wall to come down, but it did; impossible to overcome Russian communism, but we did! The endless list of accomplishments that were once thought to be impossible are now realities. Peace in the world can also become a reality.'' During the course of his campaign, Dr. Lenzo has met with great success. Between 1992 and 1994, he received responses from 30 states, 9 of whom instated a weekend of prayer for peace at his request. He has received responses from Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the Pope, and Elizabeth Taylor. Nearly all who hear Dr. Lenzo's plea to champion peace commend his campaign. The last time I called your attention to Dr. Lenzo's initiative, in January 1991, we were just four days away from the United Nations' deadline for Saddam Hussein to remove his troops from Kuwait. Five days after I spoke of Dr. Lenzo's project, we deployed military forces in Kuwait. Now, again, we are nearing a stand-off with Iraq. And again, Dr. Lenzo works to remind us of the gravity of the actions we contemplate. As we negotiate and strategize and consider all our options, Dr. Lenzo tells us to keep in sight the end we all seek. His suggestion that we step back and remember to whom we are accountable is vitally relevant at this time. In the words of John Milton, ``Peace hath her victories, no less renowned than War,'' and Dr. Lenzo's work is surely one of those victories. I admire Dr. Lenzo's insight and encourage all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to seriously contemplate his ``Weekend of Prayer, Meditation and Thought.''

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, January 15, 1998, tragedy struck Northwest Indiana when Dorian David Rorex, a police officer with the Gary Police Department, was fatally shot by a drug dealer. Dorian made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the effort to protect our community. On the day he was killed, Dorian was working with a team of detectives in an undercover sting operation to put illegal drug dealers behind bars. In the process of making the arrest, however, a drug dealer turned on Dorian and fired his gun repeatedly, putting an abrupt end to the life of a man who had been dedicated to helping protect others. The black bunting that hung over the police station door in Gary, Indiana, was a reminder of the sadness that hung on the hearts of all the people who have been affected by this terrible incident. It affected all the citizens of Northwest Indiana who suffered loss, knowing that the plague of illegal drugs and the violence they breed had taken the life of a courageous public servant who had been working to protect them. Dorian's colleagues, the officers who knew him and worked with him, are now forced to deal with the pain and anger of a lost partner. Most of all Dorian's family, his mother, father, fiance, and his young son, David, must face this terrible pain that this tragedy has brought them. They must now struggle to come to terms with their painful loss. As we all work to move on from this point, we can take solace from the Bible and St. Paul, who said: ``Let us not grow weary in doing good. For in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.'' Dorian Rorex did not grow weary of doing good, and he did not lose heart. In all of his life's endeavors he worked to help people. He was a member of Tarrytown Baptist Church and a graduate of West Side High School. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who served in Operation Desert Storm. While serving as a member of the Gary Police Department he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the S.W.A.T. team, and served as an Honor Guardsman. Dorian's life ended too soon, but his life was full, and he lived it with honor and a sense of duty to others. In all of our endeavors to make our community safe, we were encouraged by his energy. We were made young by his enthusiasm, and, when things weren't perfect, we were warmed by his friendship. His commitment to his colleagues, his department and his city was complete. Dorian's love for his family was absolute. And, though we'll never know ``Why?'' Dorian was taken from us, we can take heart in knowing that at least part of the reason he gave his life was so that the world his son, David, inherits will be the best he could make it. And with that, in some small way, we can all try to make sure that Dorian's hope for a better world for David, and all of our sons and daughters, is fulfilled.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reflecting on his life and work, I was reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicacy of liberty. Dr. King's life, and, unfortunately, his vicious murder, should remind all of us that we must continually work and, if necessary, fight, to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and true in that battle for liberty. The spirit of Dr. King lives on in many of the citizens in communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the 21st century. In particular, several distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District were recognized during the 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 1998, at the Gary Genesis Center in Gary, Indiana. In the past year, these individuals have, in their own ways, acted with courage, met challenges, and used their abilities to reach goals and enhance their communities. Lake County Prosecutor, the Honorable Bernard Carter, was honored with the 1998 ``Marcher's Award'' for his contributions to the struggle for equality of civil rights. As the first African-American County Prosecutor in the State of Indiana, Bernie has been an outstanding professional in his fight for the civil rights of all minorities and women. He has been a role model for our young people and an outspoken and issue-oriented leader in the justice system. In addition, Mr. Curtis Strong received the 1998 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ``Drum Major Award'' for his outstanding contributions to fighting segregation. Curtis has held leadership roles with both the NAACP and the Fair Share Organization, in which he has demonstrated against racial injustices in housing, education, employment, and police brutality. Curtis was also a top labor union official who fought for minority inclusion in union leadership, skilled crafts jobs, and seniority appreciation. Both Bernard Carter and Curtis Strong should be applauded for their important civil rights efforts in Northwest Indiana. I would also like to recognize the following Tolleston Junior High School students: Janne' Bryant, Antoinette Correa, Tiffany Finch, Brandi Frith, Lakisha Girder, Leyona Greer, Damara Hamlin, Ayonna Hood, Leah Johnson, Jacleen Joiner, Candice Jones, Taariq Muhammad, Ayashia Muhammad, Ilisha Muhammad, Reneda Pryor, Whitney Sullivan, David Suggs, Courtney Williams, and Joey Willis. These distinguished students are members of the Tolleston Junior High School Spell Bowl Team, which won the 1997 Indiana State Bowl Championship in spelling. In addition, the following students from Northwest Indiana won the 1997 ``I Have A Dream'' Youth Assembly essay contest this past July in Little Rock, Arkansas: Dayna Maria Ingram, of West Side High School; Wesley Adam Gordon, of St. Michael School; Katherine R. Rzepka, of Andrean High School; Tavetta Pulliam, of Horace Mann High School; and Daniel J. Davis, of Valparaiso High School. The accomplishments of these outstanding individuals are a reflection of their hard work and dedication to scholarship. Their scholastic effort and rigorous approach to learning have made them the best in the State and in the Nation. They have also brought pride to themselves, their families, their schools and their communities. Their success is also a credit to the outstanding ability and leadership of their teachers. In particular, Margaret Hymes and Charles Wells should be commended for the devotion they have demonstrated as coaches for the Tolleston Junior High Spell Bowl Team. Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these individuals reflects many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he espoused. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and rose to the occasion. They set goals and worked to achieve them. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other colleagues to join me in commending their initiative, resolve, and dedication.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate The Times newspaper as it celebrates its receipt of two first-place and two third-place honors in the Hoosier Press Association's 1996-97 Ad Award Contest. The Times has also been named the Hoosier State Press Association's ``Blue Ribbon Newspaper of the Year'' for 4 consecutive years. In the highly competitive field of newspaper advertising, garnering two first-place and two third-place honors serves as a testament to the outstanding quality of The Times, its close-knit relationship to the community, and the high caliber of its staff. The award winning Times staff includes: Betty Durochik, Lisa Tatina, Dan Lavin, Kathy Campbell, Mary Alexander, Cindy Carstenson, and Mike Scamihorn. Betty Durochik and Lisa Tatina took first-place honors in the miscellaneous category of the Hoosier Press Association's contest for their work on the ``Home for the Holidays'' advertisement section. Dan Lavin and Kathy Campbell received first-place honors in the Special Projects, Promotion or Special Sections that have one common theme category for ``Calumet City's Retail Dining Directory.'' Cindy Carstenson and Mike Scamihorn received third-place honors for ``Taste of Chocolate'' Recipe Cards in the best Non-Inserted Promotion category. Betty Durochik, Lisa Tatina, and Mary Alexander placed third for ``Welcome to Schererville'' in the Downtown Council, Shopping Center or Community-wide Group of Merchants category. The Times was judged in the division for newspapers with a circulation of greater than 10,000 by members of the Ohio Newspaper Advertising Executives Association. The Hoosier Press Association's 1996-97 Ad Award Contest demonstrates a continuation of the proud and outstanding journalistic tradition upon which The Times was founded. The newspaper's maintenance of this strong tradition is especially evident in its receipt of the Hoosier State Press Association's ``Blue Ribbon Newspaper of the Year Award'' for 4 consecutive years. Earning this award has given The Times the distinction of being one of Indiana's finest newspapers. Founded in June of 1906, The Times was established by Canadian stock and grain operations industrialist, Sidmon McHie, to serve as a vital source of local information for Northwest Indiana. Originally called the ``Lake County Times,'' the newspaper was based in downtown Hammond on Fayette Street and Hohman Avenue. The paper grew and prospered over the years, and its name was changed to The Hammond Times in 1933. In 1967, with the addition of a bureau in South Lake County, the paper's name was changed to The Times. Ownership of The Times continued in the McHie family trust until May, 1962, when the paper was sold to Robert S. Howard, President and founder of Howard Publication, Inc. Under the direction of Howard Publication, The Times relocated to Munster, IN, in 1989, and currently publishes seven uniquely zoned editions. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other esteemed colleagues join me in commending The Times on its award winning performance. Through the hard work and dedication of its employees, past and present, The Times has remained true to its mission of being a vital source of information for the communities of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Ivy Tech College for ranking first out of 25 Indiana colleges and universities offering technical education programs. This honor, which is being awarded to Ivy Tech State College for the second consecutive year, is a tremendous honor for the northwest Indiana Ivy Tech campuses, as well as the communities they serve. Ivy Tech is a major provider of technical education in northwest Indiana. The college continues to build upon its success by keeping abreast of the technological needs of northwest Indiana. Within the past year, Ivy Tech has added several new specialities and programs in accordance with the demand for specific business and health care technologies. Ivy Tech currently offers a physical therapist assistant program, which was developed in cooperation with the Methodist hospitals, to meet the demand for physical therapist assistants in hospitals and other healthcare settings. In addition, Ivy Tech has developed a banking and financial management speciality, in conjunction with Bank One, to enhance the education and skill level of banking employees, as well as others interested in the banking and financial services industries. Ivy Tech's East Chicago, IN, campus currently offers a new speciality in construction technology to assist in developing the skills of individuals interested in steel framing and other areas of construction. These new fields, along with Ivy Tech's many other programs, will not only enhance the employment potential of area residents, but improve the region's potential to provide the jobs and services necessary for long-term economic stability. Perhaps the best indicator that Ivy Tech's efforts have been successful is their increased enrollment. Within the past two years, the college has shown a steady rise in student enrollment at all three of its northwest Indiana campuses, located in Gary, East Chicago, and Valparaiso. Ivy Tech attributes this growth to its success in generating a greater public awareness of its capability in the area of technology, as well as the partnerships it has forged in providing the region with a more highly skilled workforce. The northwest Indiana Ivy Tech campuses relish the honor of this first place ranking because it reinforces the college's standing commitment to providing Indiana residents with state-of-the-art technical education programs. Today, more than ever before, training in technology is at the forefront of education across the country. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Ivy Tech State College on the outstanding recognition it has received. The quality educational programs this institution has offered over the years, have provided a wealth of opportunity for many in northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the recognition and I appreciate the gentleman from New Jersey as well as the gentleman from Mississippi yielding time to me, and I would also start out by associating myself with the remarks made by both the gentleman from New Jersey as well as the gentleman from Mississippi on the proposed fast track authority that we in this Chamber will be voting on sometime Sunday. Mr. Speaker, we live in a global economy and we are engaged in a global competition. I know this and so do the tens of thousands of working Americans that I represent. The people I represent in northwest Indiana are not afraid of competition. They embrace it, because they work hard and do their job better than anyone else in the world. The steel workers and other working men and women I represent are happy to trade their products in the world's markets, but in trading their products, they do not want to trade away a living wage. For half a century, the people of America, at the cost of thousands of lives and trillions of dollars, have fought and worked to export the unique American value of democracy. As we look back on history and at the world today, we can see we have achieved success in doing so. But as we stand here today, we must think about exporting another important American value, the value that hard work is rewarded. This is a value that I was taught growing up in Gary, Indiana. I was taught that if one studied in school and worked hard in life, one would be rewarded with a living wage that would allow you to get married, buy a house, have children, send them to school, and then enjoy an economically secure retirement. But in today's debate on fast track, instead of working to export the American value of hard work globally, we are diminishing the value of work for all. The competition that will arise from the trade strategy we are debating today will not result in a race to the top, but in a drop to the bottom. And my fundamental concern is that if we in this House and others in this government do not export the value of labor and reward hard work in America, no one else will. I find it interesting that prior to the adoption of NAFTA 3 years ago, a local industry told me that they supported the agreement because it would be good for us. Prior to NAFTA, the same industry had a trade surplus with Mexico. Since NAFTA, that industry has a trade deficit with Mexico 20 times as large. But they have never complained. Why? Because their bottom line has not changed, and in fact, it has increased. They invest overseas, paying people less and make more money. Unfortunately, the thousands of employees they have left stranded in places like Gary, Indiana; New Chicago, Indiana, have no recourse. In abrogating their responsibility, the responsibility to fairly reward hard work, these corporate citizens of the United States of America have dashed the American dream of many of the people we represent. We must not take the world economy as we find it and adapt to it, as so many people have suggested we do. We must make the world economy adapt to our fundamental American economic principle that hard work pays. It pays in the form of a living wage to working people. It might not happen this year; it might not happen next year, it might not happen in 20 years, but if it happens 50 years from now, our grandchildren will look back and say that we today here in this place did not break our covenant with the next generation of American citizens. I would ask all of my colleagues to join with me in opposing giving President Clinton his fast track authority.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Calumet Township Trustee, Dozier T. Allen, Jr., on his 30- year anniversary as an elected public official. Dozier will be honored for his years of dedicated service to the communities of northwest Indiana at an anniversary celebration, which will be entitled ``Tribute to a Statesman.'' The event will be held on Thursday evening, November 20, 1997, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN. Dozier's family and friends, as well as many prominent community leaders, will attend this special event. A native of Gary, IN, Dozier Allen began his political career in 1967, with his election to the post of Gary City councilman-at-large. With this election, he earned recognition for being the first Gary-born African-American to serve as councilman-at-large, and during his 5 years in this position, Dozier faithfully served several council committees, including Ordinance, Building and Grounds, Public Welfare, Police and Fire, and Housing and Urban Planning. Through his active participation in these committees, Dozier was instrumental in passing many important city ordinances and resolutions. Some such initiatives resulted in securing more money from the State of Indiana for education in Gary, securing Federal assistance for drug rehabilitation initiatives, and the annexation of Calumet Township to Gary. While still a councilman-at-large, Dozier won the 1971 election for Calumet Township Trustee. Since then, he has been elected to seven consecutive 4-year terms, during which he has hired and managed over 500 employees, and effectively administered over $300 million to assist more than 1.4 million impoverished families. During Dozier's 25-year stewardship, the Township Trustee's office has had an impeccable record. As township trustee, Dozier has also devoted much of his time to serving on several prestigious councils and committees, including: the Indiana Township Association's Metro Committee; the Governor's Indiana Metropolitan Poor Relief Council; the Lake County Welfare Board; the Lake County Mental Health Board; and the Indiana Township Trustee Association, of which he is still a member. During his distinguished political career, Dozier has earned the distinction of being elected to a major executive public office longer than any African-American citizen in the history of Indiana. Dozier expressed his devotion to public service long before his election to office, however. He first served his country in combat during the Korean war. For his outstanding service in the National Guard, Dozier received a Bronze Star, a United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and an honorable discharge. Upon returning from the war in 1954, Dozier immediately became involved in the Gary young adult branch of the NAACP, and he actively participated in the elections of countless black public officials. In 1960, Dozier was one of the founders of Muigwithania, the first local African-American organization to have an independent impact on electing black public officials. Since that time, he has probably supported more campaigns for Gary citizens to become elected officials than any other person. Dozier's humanitarian efforts have also positively impacted the community he serves. Over the years, Dozier has served as a board member or officer in countless organizations, always making a serious effort to contribute in a productive manner. In 1972, as a charter board member of the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease, Dozier successfully raised over $18,000 locally. Sensitive and compassionate in the face of human suffering, health and human service initiatives have always been a priority for Dozier. Other successful fundraising efforts in which Dozier participated, including raising over $12,000 for the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 1982-83, and over $10,000 for the Poor People Hunger Revival in 1985, which replenished exhausted township funds. In recognition of his outstanding community service efforts, Dozier has received many awards, including: the Serenity House Appreciation Award; the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award; the Indiana Township Trustees' Association's Distinguished Service Award; the Indiana Department of Mental Health Outstanding Service Award; the American Red Cross Outstanding Service Award; the John F. Kennedy Leadership Award; and the NAACP Humanitarian Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Dozier T. Allen on his years of outstanding service to the communities of northwest Indiana. The hard work and leadership he has displayed, while positively impacting the lives of many, is truly admirable.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hammond, IN, as it prepares to celebrate its 78th anniversary on Sunday, November 16, 1997. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Rev. Doctor A.R. Burns and the members of 78th Anniversary Committee, Yvonne Alexander, Shirley Sheppard, Ruby Peppers, Paul Lewis, Leo Harwell, and Jennifer Collins, for the hard work they have put forth in organizing this special event. The anniversary festivities will begin with a church service at 4 p.m., and will feature an exciting program of guest speakers. A church of very modest beginnings, Mt. Zion was founded in 1919 by a group of Christian believers who desired to establish Hammond's first African-American Baptist Church. The African-American population in Hammond was small at that time, however, and the few people who began the church had meager resources. Therefore, a small, rented storefront building became the first home of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The parishioners worshiped at this humble location for several months under the leadership of Reverend Phelps of Gary, IN. As its parishioners experienced financial difficulties brought about by a lack of job opportunity in Hammond, Mt. Zion struggled to support a minister and find an adequate place of worship. As a result, the church was moved to several locations and was led by a variety of pastors. However, in spite of the trials they faced, the small group of parishioners continued to grow and prosper. Within a year of its founding, Mr. Zion had already established a senior choir and became officially organized by Reverend Jackson of Indianapolis, IN. In 1921, Rev. William Davis, of Morgan Park, IL, became pastor of Mt. Zion, and he brought with him a vision of a larger, revitalized parish. Although Reverend Davis passed away in October of 1945, he donated the first $25 toward a $4,000 building fund, and, thus, laid the groundwork for the young minister, Rev. A.R. Burns, to fulfill his dream. Reverend Burns, who began his pastorship at Mt. Zion in December of 1945, led the parish in purchasing lots for a new church at 1027 Kenwood Street. In 1949, the parish moved from the basement structure they had been occupying for several years to the new Mt. Zion church, which then became known as ``The Friendly Place of Worship.'' In addition to fulfilling Reverend Davis' dream, Reverend Burns followed his own dream of establishing a quality housing facility for the elderly. This dream became a reality in 1983, as a beautiful $6 million, seven-story, 128-unit building was completed at 940 Kenwood Street. The first tenants moved into the Mt. Zion Pleasant View Plaza in June 1983. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church parishioners as they prepare to celebrate the 78th anniversary of their parish. The many obstacles the Mt. Zion congregation has overcome to successfully guide and serve others in its community is truly inspirational.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I--along with our distinguished colleague from New Jersey, Mr. LoBiondo, and over 80 of our other House colleagues--am pleased to introduce the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997. I was inspired to introduce this legislation when I learned that gang members in Northwest Indiana had the protection of bulletproof vests, but that many police departments simply could not afford to buy them for their officers. In fact, figures from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that approximately 150,000 law enforcement officers-- or 25 percent of the Nation's 600,000 State and local officers--do not have access to bulletproof vests. The legislation I am introducing today would form a partnership with State and local law enforcement agencies in order to make sure that every police officer who needs a bulletproof vest gets one. It would do so by authorizing up to $25 million per year for a new grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice. The program would provide 50-50 matching grants to State and local law enforcement agencies to assist in purchasing bulletproof vests and body armor for their officers. These grants would be targeted to jurisdictions where most officers do not currently have access to vests, and they are designed to be free of the red tape that often characterizes other grant programs. In order to make sure that no community is left out of the program, the matching requirement could be waived for jurisdictions that demonstrate financial hardship in meeting their half of the match. This bipartisan bill has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff's Association, the International Union of Police Associations, the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, and the National Association of Police Organizations. Far too many police officers are needlessly killed each year while serving to protect our citizens. Since 1980, 1,182 police officers have been feloniously killed by a firearm. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 42 percent of those officers could have been saved if they had been wearing bulletproof vests. Bulletproof vests are so effective in protecting law enforcement officers from death and injury that the lives of more than 2,000 police officers have been saved because they were wearing them. The FBI says that the risk of fatality to officers from a firearm while not wearing body armor is 14 times higher than for officers wearing body armor. One study indicates that between 1985 and 1994, no police officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest was killed by a gunshot that penetrated the officer's vest. Mr. Speaker, if we are going to ask our law enforcement officials to risk their lives every day in the line of duty, it is incumbent upon us to give them every bit of protection possible. While no piece of equipment can save the life of every officer, having a bulletproof vest often means the difference between life and death. I would like to thank Mr. LoBiondo, and my other colleagues who have already co- sponsored this important legislation, and I urge you and the rest of our colleagues to support it as well.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote on rollcall vote Nos. 566 and 567. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 566, on ordering the previous question to House Resolution 288, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 567, on agreeing to House Resolution 288. I ask unanimous consent to have this statement appear in the appropriate place in the Congressional Record.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to extend sincere congratulations to Mrs. Helen Vincent on her retirement from Teamsters Union Local 142 next month. Helen will be honored for her 38 years of dedicated service to the Teamsters at a dinner to be held this Friday, November 7, at the Patio restaurant in Merrillville, IN. Helen's family and colleagues will be attending this special event, where Rick Kenney, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 142, will speak in recognition of her outstanding service. Helen began working as a secretary for Teamsters Local 142 in 1959. Founded in 1941 in Gary, IN, Teamsters Local 142 represents approximately 5,500 laborers in the trucking, warehousing, commercial services, municipalities, and manufacturing industries. Helen's responsibilities at Local 142 have included the preparation of contracts, personal secretarial work for the secretary-treasurer, bookkeeping, and related duties. Throughout her career, Helen's coworkers have regarded her as a very reliable and efficient worker, who always goes above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to her outstanding career with the Teamsters, Helen and her husband of 39 years, Bob, successfully raised two fine sons, Robert and Mark. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Helen Vincent on her imminent retirement from Teamsters Local 142. In all aspects of her life, Helen has managed to put forth her best effort for a job well done. Helen's husband, children, and four wonderful grandchildren, Bobby, Megan, Sam, and Teresa, should be proud of her accomplishments, as she has been an invaluable source of guidance and support for both the Teamsters and her family.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend two of northwest Indiana's outstanding citizens, Seymour and Lotte Meyerson. The Meyersons, who have lived in the Miller section of Gary for the last 45 years of their 54-year marriage, will be moving from northwest Indiana later this month. As they leave the region, the many accomplishments they have made in advocating individual human rights and liberties will be fondly remembered. The Meyersons' long-time commitment to the ideals of dignity and rights for all human beings has brought positive change to the communities of northwest Indiana. Lotte Meyerson, a dedicated citizen activist, has made a campaign out of her devotion to human rights. Perhaps her most noteworthy contribution to the community was her leadership in forming the northwest Indiana Open Housing Center, of which she was president for 10 years. During her tenure with this organization, great strides were made in eliminating the institutional discrimination that prevents minorities from integrating into predominantly white neighborhoods. Lotte has further served her community by participating in activities with the Calumet Chapter of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, the Gary League of Women Voters, and the Northwest Indiana Welfare Reform Coalition. Currently, she is serving as coordinator of the Northwest Indiana Coalition to Abolish Control Unit Prisons. This year, the coalition was successful in convincing the Indiana General Assembly to agree to study the advisability of limiting solitary confinement to 2 months or less and banning the practice for mentally ill prisoners. A chemist specializing in mass spectrometry, Seymour Meyerson has made numerous professional contributions while maintaining his respect for nature and all of humanity. An Amoco employee for 37 years, Seymour advanced to the top of his field and , throughout his career, shared his technical findings in international science circles. Just recently, Seymour unselfishly donated his collection of mass spectrometry journals, which are worth $26,000, to Valparaiso University's chemistry department. Seymour shares his wife's deep-rooted convictions regarding the need to protect civil liberties. The Meyersons will be moving to Asheville, N.C., where they will be living in a co-housing development community, which was founded on principles in keeping with their own. This unique living situation combines private homes with community living, and is modeled after a housing concept common in Denmark. Residents of the development, who are diverse in every respect, share a common house, where they can dine and share hobbies together, and common gardens, which are designed to foster a sense of community and belonging. Lotte and Seymour will be joining the family of their younger daughter, Elana Kohnle, as well as 24 other families in this community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Seymour and Lotte Meyerson on the hard work and dedication they have put forth in achieving a better life for everyone in northwest Indiana. May their new life bring them much happiness and fulfillment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to take this opportunity to congratulate the Valparaiso Community School System. Valparaiso placed in the top 10 percent of 15,893 school systems nationwide, and it was named a 1997 ``What Parents Want'' award winner by SchoolMatch, an Ohio-based school selection consulting firm. I would especially like to recognize Valparaiso Community School System's superintendent, Michael Benway, and its director of secondary education, Glen Gambel, for their significant roles in this distinguished achievement. The ``What Parents Want'' award was established 6 years ago by school administrators concerned about negative publicity surrounding public education. In making its decision, SchoolMatch uses information from county and State auditors, State taxing authorities, and State boards of education. To assess a school's qualifications, the firm uses a checklist of what parents look for when deciding which school system is best for their children. The seven-point list includes: competitiveness; academically solid, but not intimidating, testing; accreditation; recognition by a national foundation or by the U.S. Department of Education; competitive teacher salaries; above-average instructional expenditures; above-average library and media expenditures; and small class size. The award is especially meaningful for the Valparaiso Community School System since SchoolMatch is a prominent organization that performs its own extensive research to determine which schools meet the above criteria. With families increasingly having to relocate for job related purposes, SchoolMatch provides an invaluable service to parents with school-age children. SchoolMatch is used by a number of large corporations as they help relocating employees match their expectations with a school system in the area of relocation. The program has gained national recognition, as more than 48,000 parents contacted SchoolMatch's headquarters in Columbus, OH, last year. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Valparaiso Community School System on its receipt of this prestigious award. The dedication of Valparaiso's teachers and administrators to the education of citizens in the Valparaiso community is truly inspirational.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote on rollcall Nos. 523 through 525. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 523, the Rangel amendment to H.R. 2646; ``no'' on rollcall No. 524, passage of H.R. 2646; and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 525, in support of House Resolution 276, offered by Democratic Leader Gephardt regarding the Sanchez-Dornan case.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Gary Community Mental Health Center, Inc. [GCMHC] on its Fall Fantasy Fundraiser. In particular, I would like to commend Danita Johnson Hughes, GCMHC's chief executive officer, on this special occasion. The fundraiser will be held at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, IN, on Sunday, October 26, 1997. All proceeds from the Fall Fantasy Fundraiser will be used to benefit the organization's new children's emergency shelter, the ALPHA Center, which has been in operation since September 3, 1997. The GCMHC has continued to extend its commitment to serving the northwest Indiana community with the establishment of the ALPHA Center, which is an acronym for ``All of Life's Problems Have Answers.'' The center operates as an emergency shelter for children between the ages of 6 and 17, who have been removed from their homes due to neglect and/ or physical and emotional abuse. Referrals to the program come from the courts and the Department of Family and Children Services, which determine how to best continue the care these children need and deserve. The ALPHA Center provides transitional and reintegration programs, such as individual and family therapy, tutoring, substance abuse counseling, therapeutic recreation, and after care services. Prominent in all facts of the center's operations is genuine compassion and concern for the children it serves. The GCMHC was founded in 1974 as a nonprofit organization with the goal and vision of providing effective lifestyle intervention and treatment programs for individuals, couples, families, and children. The organization seeks to serve the community by offering quality behavioral health care services, administered by an experienced staff of physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and office support personnel. Several GCMHC programs are specially designed to address the needs of young people in the community. The center's Placement Diversion Program, for instance, works to prevent unnecessary placement of children into residential psychiatric programs, while working to strengthen the relationship between family members. In conjunction with the Gary school system, the center also strives to address the needs of school-age children with behavioral difficulties through its Act Program. The GCMHC also offers substance abuse counseling to both adolescents and adults. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in congratulating the Gary Community Mental Health Center on the occasion of its Fall Fantasy Fundraiser and the recent establishment of the ALPHA Center. I wish the GCMHC continued success in all of its endeavors, as the services this distinguished organization has provided over the years have been invaluable to the residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to commend Pastor James Alexander Anderson on the momentous occasion of his retirement and 39th anniversary as a pastor. A week-long retirement and anniversary celebration for Pastor Anderson, given by the Washington Street Church of God parishioners, will take place form October 26, 1997 to November 2, 1997. The celebration will include a program of revival ministers throughout the week, who will offer remarks on Pastor Anderson's distinguished career. The festivities will conclude with a banquet at Marquette Park Pavilion in Gary, IN, on Sunday, November 2, 1997. Pastor Anderson received his calling in 1947, upon returning to Gary, IN, from his service with the U.S. Army. During a revival meeting, without hesitation, he accepted his summons with a resolute commitment to fulfill and carry out his mission to preach. Although Pastor Anderson had initially planned to attend college and pursue a medical career, he fully embraced his new challenges as a spiritual healer and guide. His first pastorship was in Muncie, IN, where he remained for over a year. In 1957, Pastor Anderson was selected as pastor of the Washington Street Church of God, where he has faithfully served in this capacity since then. Throughout his career, Pastor Anderson has demonstrated his commitment to being an effective and instrumental leader through his diligent pursuit of a greater understanding of scripture and the ministry. Over the years, Pastor Anderson attended such institutions as Anderson College and Anderson College Seminary in Anderson, IN, and the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. Over the years, Pastor Anderson has made numerous contributions to his congregation, as well as to the surrounding community. Perhaps his most noteworthy accomplishment was his founding of a homeless shelter in 1984. Pastor Anderson led the Washington Street Church of God congregation in undertaking the challenging task of renovating a church-owned building into the Brother's Keeper Homeless Shelter. Had it not been for Pastor Anderson's leadership and ambition, many individuals in the city of Gary would be left without lodging over an extended period of time. Pastor Anderson has also devoted much of his time to assisting various church-affiliated organizations. For 13 years, he served as a member of the missionary board of the Church of God in Anderson, IN. He was also a member of the Interfaith Clergy Council of Gary and vicinity, and the credentials and ordination committee in Indianapolis, IN. Pastor Anderson is also the former dean of the Sunday School Superintendents and Teachers Council of Gary, and for 10 years, he was treasurer of the General Ministerial Assembly of the National Association of the Church of God in West Middlesex, PA. Pastor Anderson's retirement and anniversary is of special importance to the Washington Street Church of God family, as the occasion serves as a unique opportunity to celebrate the valiant leadership, commitment, and selflessness that have characterized his service to the congregation and to the community at-large. During this special time, the congregation will remember Pastor Anderson's steadfast will and determination to complete his mission, which motivated him to successfully recover from a severe stroke in 1988. Above all, Pastor Anderson will be remembered for doing many good things for a wide variety of people, without seeking credit for his accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating James Alexander Anderson on the event of his retirement and 39th anniversary as a pastor. His wife, Hardina Anderson, can be proud of her husband's ministry, as his dedication to his church and to his community serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I just wish to thank the gentleman very, very much.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to call my colleagues' attention to a potentially dangerous situation in southern Lake Michigan. Currently, there is only one air rescue helicopter serving the entire southern Lake Michigan region. Until 1995, that helicopter was located at the Coast Guard air station in Chicago at Glenview, IL. In 1995, the village of Glenview asked the Coast Guard to vacate Glenview's site and, subsequently, the Coast Guard moved the facility to Muskegon, MI. While the justification for a move is clear, I take issue with the Coast Guard's choice for the location of a new facility. The new site is simply too far away from where the majority of boating activities and accidents occur in Lake Michigan. I believe safety should be the primary factor guiding where the helicopter air rescue station serving southern Lake Michigan should be situated. The decision about where to base the Coast Guard's air rescue helicopter must consider public safety. The Coast Guard's SAR standard response time is 2 hours. It takes a helicopter centrally based in Michigan at least 80 minutes to reach the Chicago area. It is clear that 1 hour could mean the difference between life and death when boaters are in an emergency situation in Lake Michigan. Simple common sense dictates a response time of 15 to 20 minutes from a base on the southern end of the lake would be safer. Other factors for which the Coast Guard did not account for are population and accident rates. According to July 1996 Census Bureau statistics, the population of counties bordering Lake Michigan in Indiana and Illinois is 6.4 million people. Michigan's shoreline population in the region is only 715,000. It stands to reason that the more populated areas of the Lake Michigan shoreline are at greater risk for boating accidents. In addition, northwest Indiana's casino boats, which now carry thousands of people each year, and Chicago's dinner and sightseeing boats, which carry over 1 million passengers per year, accentuate the southern Lake Michigan region's need for a Coast Guard helicopter that can respond very quickly in emergencies. Recent events have highlighted the need for a helicopter rescue team which can respond. Twenty-six people died in Lake Michigan between October 1, 1995, and October 1, 1996, compared with just 4 deaths in the previous year. Thirteen of those deaths were the result of boating and jet skiing accidents and occurred in lake waters between Gary, IN, and Waukegan, IL. This is a serious problem and, for the sake of the tens of thousands of people along the southern shore of Lake Michigan who use the lake for recreational and commercial purposes, I would hope that this body and the administration would act to improve their safety, safety that has been seriously jeopardized since 1995. I would simply add my thanks to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] for his earlier colloquy with the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Davis] recognizing the situation we find ourselves in and his commitment, and I am sure the commitment of the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Clement], to seek resources to make sure that the safety of everyone along that southern shore of Lake Michigan is protected.

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to commend the Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana. This distinguished organization is holding its fifth annual benefit at St. Elijah's Serbian Orthodox Church Hall in Merrillville, IN, this Sunday, October 12, 1997. The Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana is the combined effort to four Circle of Serbian Sisters organizations, each of which has about 200 members. The presidents of the Circle of Serbian Sisters organizations are: Ms. Helen Tezich, from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago; Ms. Natalie Tica, from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville; Ms. Ann Rudman, from St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville; and Ms. Milica Bodrozic, from St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville. Some 5 years ago, these organizations unified to assemble this humanitarian fundraiser in order to provide aid to orphaned and refugee children in the former Yugoslavia. This year alone, three women--Milica Bodrozic, Mira Radakovich, and Violet Sekulich--who are from various kolos--circles--personally distributed monie's to various orphanages and families in financial need. And 2 years ago, the Circle of Serbian Sisters sent over 7,000 packages and vaccines to displaced children, who are forced to live in refugee camps and shelters. These individually wrapped packages consisted of underwear, sweat suits, and candy. The Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana works with the International Orthodox Christian Charities and Serbian Orthodox Church in the former Yugoslavia. Four priests who have supported this effort from the very beginning are: Father Steve Kovacevich, from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago; the Very Reverend Father Milan Savich, from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville; the Arch Priest John Todorovich, from St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church; and Father Lazar Kostur, from St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church. This year, the Circle of Serbian Sisters will be honored with the presence of His Grace Right Reverend Longin, Bishop of Dalmatia and Auxiliary Bishop to His Holiness Patriarch Pavale. His Grace Right Reverend Longin is also the Administrator of New Gracanica, seated in Third Lake, IL. Mr. Speaker, during this difficult time in the former Yugoslavia, the mission of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana offers renewed hope in the humanity of all people. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Circle of Serbian Sisters and wishing them well on their fifth annual banquet, as well as the continued success of their humanitarian efforts.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call your attention to legislation that I am introducing today that will clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors. My legislation will tighten and simplify the definition of independent contractor in order to prevent employers from inappropriately classifying their employees as independent contractors. The Internal Revenue Service [IRS] currently uses a complex and ambiguous 20-point common law test to determine whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor. The main problem with this test is that it isn't really a test at all. It is simply a set of guidelines that companies and the IRS refer to when determining whether workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors. Because the test is so ambiguous, different companies, IRS inspectors, and courts can--and have--classified the same type of workers differently. In recent years, employers have increasingly exploited the test's ambiguity, or purposely misinterpreted the test, in order to designate many of their present employees as independent contractors. Doing so cuts down on employers' costs, but it hurts workers because employees and independent contractors are treated very differently under Federal law. Those who are classified as employees are covered by worker safety standards, have the right to bargain collectively, and are eligible to receive unemployment compensation. Independent contractors, on the other hand, are not covered by the same stringent worker safety standards, do not have the right to bargain collectively, and are not entitled to receive unemployment benefits. The practice of improperly designating workers as independent contractors has negatively affected tens of thousands of workers, including those who work in the construction, service, agriculture, and garment industries. The problem is particularly troublesome in the trucking industry, where it is relatively easy to classify owner- operators as independent contractors. As a result, there are thousands of workers in Indiana's First Congressional District, and throughout the country, who have been--or fear that they soon will be--classified as independent contractors. Although I opposed the measure, the House of Representatives came dangerously close to forcing thousands of employees to become independent contractors when, on June 26, 1997, it approved a provision to expand the definition of independent contractor as part of omnibus tax legislation. Fortunately, this provision was not included in the final version of the legislation. Public Law 105-34, but it further convinced me of the need to address the standards for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The legislation I am introducing would replace the current 20-point test with a simpler and stronger 8-point test as follows: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be amended to clarify the standards for determining whether an employer- employee relationship exists. An individual who performs services for any person (in this section referred to as the ``service recipient'') shall be presumed to be an employee of such person unless all of the following requirements are met: (1) The individual makes comparable services available to the general public on a regular and consistent basis and represents himself as an independent contractor with respect to such services. (2) The individual has performed, or is available to perform, services for more than one recipient at the same time. (3) The service recipient does not have the right (and does not attempt) to control the manner or means of the individual's performance of such services. (4) The individual controls the means of performing the services, including setting the sequence and hours of work. (5) The individual operates under contracts to perform specific services for specific amounts of money, the rate of which is negotiated for every service performed. (6) The individual may realize a profit or suffer a loss under contracts to perform work or services. (7) The individual is responsible for the satisfactory completion of the work that the individual contracts to perform and is liable for a failure to complete the work. (8) The individual incurs significant unreimbursed capital expenses (not typically incurred by employees) in carrying on the business activity in which such services are performed. By preventing employers from improperly classifying their workers as independent contractors, my legislation will protect the rights and benefits of those employees who fear that they will soon be classified as independent contractors. Finally, I would like to point out that the test I am proposing today is balanced in such a way that workers who truly are independent contractors would continue to be classified as such. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other colleagues to prevent us from becoming a nation of independent contractors by cosponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote on rollcall vote Nos. 497 through 499. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on roll call No. 497, passage of H.R. 629, to grant the consent of the Congress to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact; ``yes'' on rollcall No. 498, the Vento amendment to H.R. 901, to exempt sites nominated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance from the provisions of the bill; and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 499, ordering the previous question on H. Res. 262, the rule governing House consideration of the Senate amendments to the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. I ask unanimous consent to have this statement appear in the appropriate place in the Congressional Record.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church in Merrillville, IN, in celebration of its 50th anniversary as a parish last Sunday, October 5, 1997. The anniversary celebration began with a Mass of thanksgiving, which was celebrated by Bishop Dale J. Melczek. Following the Mass, there was a banquet in the parish hall. A parish of humble beginnings, Our Lady of Consolation, which was established as Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1947, celebrated its first Mass on October 5, 1947, in a town fire station. The parish was founded by Father Alvin Jasinski under the direction of the Fort Wayne Diocese to serve the needs of the growing Catholic population of Independence Hill, a section of what is now Merrillville, IN. In November 1947, 1 acre of land, which included a store and other buildings, was purchased as a more suitable site for the church. Many parishioners contributed their time, talent, money, and materials to transform the store into the first Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Land for a permanent church site was acquired and a building fund was begun under the guidance of Father Leo Ambruster in the early 1960's. With the determination and patience of the parishioners, the cornerstone of the new church was blessed on August 27, 1967, only several years after the purchase of the land. The church was dedicated by Bishop Andrew Grutka as Our Lady of Consolation. Our Lady of Consolation derived its name from the 2d century writer, St. Ignatius of Antioch. St. Ignatius was the first to express devotion to Mary as ``Consoler of the Afflicted.'' In the 17th century, when an outbreak of bubonic plague ravaged and decimated the Luxembourg population, the people prayed to Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, for relief in their anguish and fear of death. Bishop Grutka decided to change the parish name from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to Our Lady of Consolation since Holy Trinity Church in Gary, IN, built a statute commissioned ``Christ the Consoler.'' The bishop stated it was appropriate that Christ the Consoler have a Mother of Consolation. In recent years, Our Lady of Consolation has flourished under the guidance of Father Joseph Vamos who arrived at the parish in 1987. In 1988, the cornerstone was laid for a parish activity center, which consists of a chapel used for weekday Mass, small weddings, and funerals, a parish office, large social and banquet hall, fully equipped kitchen, and six large classrooms. The classrooms are being utilized for faith formation program classes, small parish meetings, and a preschool serving approximately 40 children. The entire parish complex, which also consists of a rectory, was paid for within 3 years of its construction. Currently, the parish has taken on other initiatives, which include the redecoration of the church, the purchase of a new sacristy, the addition of an atrium entry way to the parish center, and the installation of stained glass windows in the chapel. The recent prosperity of Our Lady of Consolation may be attributed to both the foresight of past parish pastors, as well as the success of the parish's annual festival. The annual festival is a tradition that dates back to the early days of the parish in Independence Hill. Although Our Lady of Consolation has changed drastically over the years, some aspects have remained the same. For instance, some of the original members of the small church in Independence Hill are still parishioners. Also, the Holy Name Society and the Altar and Rosary Sodality, which were founded in the very beginning of the church's history, still work for the betterment of the church today. Other organizations within the parish include an Over 55 Club, a parish youth group, and a newly formed Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council. The original parish consisted of under 100 families. Today, the number is over 1,000. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me today in commending the parish family of Our Lady of Consolation, under the guidance of Father Joseph Vamos, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their founding. All past and present parishioners and pastors should be proud of the numerous contributions they have made out of the love and devotion they have displayed for their church.