Jerry Weller

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to represent Illinois' most diverse district. I represent part of the city of Chicago, the south suburbs in Cook and Will Counties, bedroom communities like Morris, where I live, at the center geographically of our district, and also rural communities and cornfields. Even though it is a very, very diverse district, as a local legislator I always look for the things that are in common throughout this district. Clearly the election results in 1996, which reelected a Democrat President and a Republican majority in Congress for the first time in history, clearly gave us a message, a common message, that we should work together in a bipartisan way to solve the challenges that we face. We have answered that challenge just in the last several months with the first balanced budget in 28 years, the first meaningful tax relief for middle-class families in 16 years, and extending the life of Medicare for 10 years. Those are bipartisan victories, and clearly the middle-class working families are the winners. Now as I travel throughout the diverse district that I have the privilege of representing, when I listen at my town meetings, VFW and local union halls and the grain elevators, there is a common concern that is getting louder and louder all the time, and that is the issue regarding the marriage tax penalty. Let me explain why the marriage tax penalty is a common concern to so many working middle-class families with a couple of questions. Do Americans feel that it is fair that our Tax Code imposes a higher tax on married couples than on nonmarried couples? Do Americans feel it is fair that the average married working couple pays almost $1,400 more in taxes than a working couple with identical incomes living together outside of marriage? I think not. I know that the taxpayers and middle-class families that I represent think not. The marriage tax penalty is not only unfair, but it is wrong. It is immoral. It is immoral that our Tax Code punishes our society's most basic institution, the institution of marriage. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 21 million American couples, married couples, suffer the marriage tax penalty. Let me give an example of an Illinois couple from my district who has a combined income of $61,000. Of course, the marriage tax penalty results, because a married couple usually files jointly so their incomes are combined, and of course that pushes them into a higher tax bracket. Now, the couple that I have here as individuals, after we factor in their personal exemptions and standard deduction, would be in the 15- percent tax bracket if they filed as singles, but because they filed jointly as a married couple, they are pushed into the 28-percent tax bracket. What this means for this Illinois working couple is a marriage tax penalty of $1,378. That is wrong. That is unfair. It is unfair that a married couple pays higher taxes just because they are married. Our current Tax Code punishes working Illinois married couples, middle- class families, with an average marriage tax penalty of almost $1,400. Think about what that means for this Illinois family. This Illinois working couple who just happens to be married, like 21 million American couples. That extra $1,400 is a significant portion of a downpayment on a home. It is several months' worth of car payments. It is tuition for their child to go to a local parochial school or for a child who they themselves as adults go to local community college. That is wrong, that is unfair. What we propose to do with the enactment of the Marriage Tax Elimination Act, H.R. 2456, is to give working couples the power to choose which filing status makes sense for them. They would have the opportunity under the Marriage Tax Elimination Act to choose to file jointly or as singles, whichever is to their financial advantage. And as two singles, this couple here from Illinois could benefit from greater standard deductions, of course, but they would also get the full advantage, the full advantage of the lower tax rates. In this case each individual would pay in the 15-percent tax bracket rather than the 28 percent. It is a fair solution to the marriage tax penalty. It is similar also to what the State of Virginia has already done, a case where the States are always ahead of the Federal Government, where there is one form or two columns for each individual and the couple to file singly, and, of course, they avoid the marriage tax penalty. What is the bottom line? The Marriage Tax Elimination Act puts a married working couple on an equal tax footing with working singles. Thanks to this Congress, in 1996 we helped working middle-class families with the adoption of the tax credit, this year with the child tax credit. Our legislation deserves bipartisan support, and I ask for bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record data in support of the Marriage Tax Elimination Act. Christian Coalition Calls for End to Marriage Tax Penalty supports marriage tax elimination act Chesapeake, VA.--Christian Coalition President Don Hodel announced that the pro-family grass-roots citizens action organization would fully support the Marriage Tax Elimination Act, introduced today by Reps. Dave McIntosh and Jerry Weller in a press conference on Capitol Hill. Elimination of the marriage penalty was first called for by the Christian Coalition in its Contract with the American Family, unveiled in May 1995. This proposal was also included in the American Dream Restoration Act of the 104th Congress, which was approved by the House of Representatives on April 5, 1995. Under current law, many married couples pay more in taxes than they would if they remained single. Hodel called, again, for an end to the marriage tax penalty two weeks ago while announcing the Coalition's top legislative priorities for this Fall, which included additional family tax relief following the victory over the $500 per child tax credit recently signed into law. ``Government, by taxing married couples at higher rates than singles, has, for too long, been a part of the problem,'' said Hodel. ``At a time when family breakups are so common, the Congress should pass legislation to encourage marriage and ease the burden on families trying to form and stay together. This legislation places government on the side of families when it comes to taxation policy.'' With the Marriage Tax Elimination Act, married, working couples will receive the same tax treatment as singles. Couples will be allowed to choose the tax filing status that makes the most sense for them. The Congressional Budget Office reported that more than 21 million couples suffered a marriage tax penalty averaging $1,400, and some exceeded $20,000. ``For most Americans $1,400 is a lot of money,'' said Hodel. ``That is money that a young family can use to buy clothes for their children, invest in a college savings account or make repairs on a home. The bottom line is it's their money, and a government that truly values families will let families keep it.''

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask bipartisan support for a new legislative initiative called the Marriage Tax Elimination Act, legislation which will bring substantial tax relief to over 21 million American working couples who have been penalized with higher taxes just because they are married. Let me ask this question of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Is it fair that the tradition of our most basic institution in society, marriage, is punished under our current Tax Code? And is it fair, is it right, that it is really to a married couple's advantage to divorce and to live together because they would save money on taxes? That is the current situation, Mr. Speaker. Twenty-one million American couples pay about $1,400 a year in higher taxes just because they are married. That is approximately equal to 6 months' worth of car payments, tuition for a child's education in parochial school, or for mom or dad to go back to a community college and pursue education. It is unfair. It is wrong. Let me share an editorial in the Kankakee Daily Journal, a paper in my district. ``The marriage tax is an unfair imposition. The Code should be rewritten to eliminate it.'' I ask bipartisan support, and I ask my colleagues to join with the 180 cosponsors of the Marriage Tax Elimination Act.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and dedication of Jim and Carol Baum, the owners and operators of Baum's, Inc. in Morris, IL. The Baum's have been named the 1997 Illinois Retail Merchants of the Year. Baum's Department Store has been an institution in my hometown of Morris since 1874. Jim and Carol have been running the business since the 1960's. Jim serves as the president and CEO, while Carol serves as the chief buyer and merchandise manager. Both Baum's are extremely active in the Morris community. Many people often wonder how they have time to operate such a successful business. Jim, a veteran, serves on the board of the Grundy County National Bank, and is active in the chamber, many of the local community development organizations, the Morris Hospital, and our schools. Carol is active in the Presbyterian Church of Morris, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Morris Women's Club. I have had the pleasure of working with Jim on many local issues and projects important to the area. Jim has been recognized, and deservedly so, for his strong commitment and success in revitalizing the Morris riverfront area. The Baum's have been generous in sharing their wealth of experience as retailers on both a national level and the local level. Jim has served as a guest speaker and seminar presenter on many occasions throughout the country. Many of my colleagues may have run into Jim Baum within the halls of Congress during one of Jim's trips to Washington to lobby on behalf of his fellow retailers. Locally, Jim runs the local morning coffee hour in our hometown of Morris. This is where the who's who talks about what is really happening. It is truly fitting that this outstanding couple is being honored by their peers as the Retail Merchants of the Year. They are both true leaders who have given back more to their community than could ever have been expected. I wish both Jim and Carol Baum continued success in all their endeavors.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1609, a bill originally introduced by Representative Molinari of New York, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprints pursuant to clause 4 of rule XXII.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert], my friend and the chief deputy whip and one the leaders in our House. Also, I want to recognize the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Lipinski], who represents the neighboring district, for his leadership on aviation issues. And of course, I echo the words of my friend, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Blagojevich], on why improving aviation opportunities, particularly the connections between the Midwest and the United States and Japan, what it means in jobs for the folks in the Chicago region, which I have the privilege of representing. I believe it is time that we move forward with negotiations to improve and open more skies to flights for American carriers, particularly between Chicago and the Midwest and Japan. Today, Chicago O'Hare is the world's busiest airport. We have quite the privilege. Chicago is considered America's second city. It is a global financial center. It is a world class city, and it is also home to the world's busiest airport. More flights come in and out of Chicago's airspace than any other place in the world. But the surprising thing is that we rank 30th, Chicago O'Hare ranks 30th overall in international flights and international passengers. Now if we were to change that and improve opportunities for American carriers to fly between Chicago and Japan, it would have a big impact financially and economically for working, middle-class families right in the Chicago region. In fact, according to one study which I have read, one additional flight between Chicago and Japan could generate over one-half a billion dollars in additional economic benefits to the Chicago region. One-half of a billion dollars would benefit from just one more, one additional flight between Chicago and Japan. As I have always said, when we improve transportation, we create jobs. That is why these negotiations have been underway, and we need to make an even greater effort to open the skies between Japan and the United States, because in doing so we are going to create jobs for working, middle-class families in Chicago, in the Midwest, and also throughout the United States. It has been said, according to studies, the economic impact of lifting the current restrictions on nonstop Chicago-Japan flights could bring over 2,600 new jobs to the Chicago region just in the next 2 years. Our own Governor, Jim Edgar, stated recently that greater access to the expanding economies of Asia will mean more investments, more trade and more jobs for the people of Illinois and the Midwest. That is why business and labor and politicians of both political parties have joined together in the Midwest-Asia coalition, working together to emphasize how important opening the skies between the United States and Japan is to working folks right here in the United States, particularly in our home area, in the Chicago area. Some would say, ``Well, what would happen if we do nothing, if nothing changes? What happens if we are unable to expand our current agreement with Japan?'' Recent study found that the current restrictions on air travel between the United States and Japan cost the Midwest thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in salaries and probably at least $1 billion in lost investment in the Midwest and in the Chicago region, $1 billion in lost investment because of the current restrictions. Think about what that would mean to the folks in the Chicago area, working middle-class families who would benefit from increased economic opportunity, more jobs and more opportunity. My colleagues, I stand in strong support of the negotiations that are currently underway. I stand in strong support, as I know the folks back home do as well, of opening the skies between Japan and the United States. Because, as these negotiations move forward, I think it is important that our negotiators know that we stand behind them and that we are looking to them to open the skies, because by opening the skies, bringing in additional flights between Chicago and Japan will bring jobs to the Chicago region, more jobs, more opportunity. And frankly it is going to be in the best interest of the working folks, the middle class, in the Chicago region. I yield back my time to the gentleman from Illinois, and again thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert] for the opportunity to speak on this important issue.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to take just a brief moment at the beginning of my remarks just to commend the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Archer], chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, for his leadership in managing this very important component of the Contract with America and also very important component for bipartisan agreement to balance the budget for the first time in 28 years. This is a great victory for the middle class. It is a great victory for those who work hard and play by the rules and pay taxes, because this legislation we are voting on today is the first real tax relief for the middle class in 16 years. For the people that I represent in the South Side of Chicago and south suburbs of Chicago and rural areas to the south and southwest if they have children, for the average family with children in the district that I represent, it means an extra $1,000 in take-home pay. Over 110,000 children are eligible for the child tax credit that is in this legislation. It is important to families, and because we, as Republicans, believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to keep more of what you earn. Because we believe, if you work hard and you keep what you earn, it is because we believe that you should be able to spend those dollars better back home, meeting the needs of your families better than we politicians can here in Washington. This bill is a victory for the working middle class, and I am proud to support this legislation. I also want to note that there are three key components in this legislation that are initiatives that are strongly embraced by the people I represent in the south suburbs, part of a south suburban revitalization strategy, legislation designed to provide incentives to revitalize and clean up environmental cleanup of old industrial sites in old industrial communities, initiative to encourage the private sector to hire welfare recipients and give them a chance and give them a job, and also initiative to strengthen the opportunity for homeownership with homeownership IRA's. The work opportunity tax credit works as a way of attracting the private sector to give welfare recipients an opportunity to have a job. And I am proud this bipartisan initiative is included in this bill. My colleagues of the House, I again commend the chairman. I again commend the bipartisan effort. I urge support of this important legislation that helps the middle class.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bimba Manufacturing Co., who is celebrating 40 years of business and the retirement of the ESOP loan. Bimba Manufacturing was founded by Charles W. Bimba, Sr., the son of Barbara and Joe Bimba who came to America from Lithuania. While on a service call in Danville, IL, Mr. Bimba dreamed of developing a low cost, nonrepairable cylinder that would help enhance productivity. In 1957, Mr. Bimba bought a 100-year-old barn in Monee, IL to start his company. By 1969, the 1,100 square foot barn had been expanded six times. Today, Bimba is employee-owned and remains the market leader in its field. Bimba Manufacturing has over 100 domestic and international distributors. In 1994, Bimba became the first cylinder manufacturer in North America to achieve certification from the ISO. Bimba Manufacturing is also recognized as a leader in employee relations. In 1986, every employee was given the option to participate in an employee stock ownership plan. This plan continues to this day. Every employee who is a participant in the plan has a direct financial stake in the company. As the company prospers, the value of the common stock increases. Bimba is also proud to have maintained a record free of layoffs during its entire history; such a record is hard to find in this day and age. I urge this body to identify and recognize other companies in their communities whose actions have so greatly benefited and enlightened America's working communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Lenox Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545 for 50 years of dedicated service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Post 9545 was established on July 19, 1947, with the Ladies Auxiliary being formed on November 30, 1947. In the beginning veterans would gather at various locations such as garages, members' homes, and church basements. It was with great pride and pleasure that they have persevered and occupy their present building on Old Hickory Road. Post 9545 was named after Harry E. Anderson, a New Lenox resident who was killed during the Pearl Harbor invasion and became the first Will County World War II fatality. The Harry Anderson Post 9545 has proven to be a great asset to the New Lenox community. Its members have shown themselves to be the first to volunteer when services are needed. A particularly important role played by Post 9545 has been the promotion and encouragement of patriotism in the New Lenox community. I especially admire the way the Post has withstood adversity such as the devastating fire in 1995 which destroyed their building. Instead of giving up, the Post maintained their spirit and rebuilt their home. I urge this body to identify and recognize other organizations in their communities whose actions have so greatly benefited the veterans' community and their own community.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I particularly want to thank my friend from Washington State [Mr. Hastings] for yielding me this time. I do want to rise in support of this rule and also in support of this bill. I particularly want to congratulate the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade], the chairman, and the gentleman from California [Mr. Fazio], the ranking member, for their hard work in bringing an important piece of legislation, a bill that deserves bipartisan support, before this House. When I am back home talking with the folks who pay the bills, they always ask the questions: ``What does this legislation mean to our communities?'' ``What does this legislation mean right here in our neighborhoods?'' Clearly, this is an important bill, a bill that funds energy research, flood control, environmental initiatives, as well as sewer and water facilities for many communities. Particularly, I think it is important to emphasize some critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiatives that will benefit the people of the 11th Congressional District: flood control, environmental initiatives, and also projects that will create jobs back home. We currently have three initiatives in this bill I would like to point out. One is important to the entire south suburban region, serving the south side of Chicago, as well as the south suburbs in Cook and eastern Will Counties. That is the Thornton Reservoir project. And, of course, I appreciate the subcommittee's initiative to help this important initiative, which will help 131,000 homeowners to address flood control problems in the south suburbs. I also want to note the funding for initiatives to help clean up and address flood control problems affecting the Kankakee River. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Ewing] and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Buyer], to address the need to bring better flood control and also to address the siltation problem in the Kankakee River, an important environmental initiative. And I appreciate the subcommittee's support. I also want to note that unlock 14 on the Illinois and Michigan Canal is addressed with an initiative that is also funded in this appropriations bill, an initiative that provides an opportunity to create 110 acres of new wetlands; a new environmental initiative right next to LaSalle County also will create new jobs. This bill means something to the folks back in Illinois. It deserves bipartisan support. I urge bipartisan support for the rule.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this very important piece of legislation. I am so proud that this House overwhelmingly passed with bipartisan support yesterday legislation to implement a bipartisan balanced budget agreement. Today a key part of the balanced budget agreement, which is lower taxes for working families, will be passed by the House as well and deserves bipartisan support. I think it is important to note that this is the first real tax relief bill for working families in Illinois, in the land of Lincoln, in 16 years. I also feel it is very important to note who receives the vast majority of this tax relief. Now the Joint Committee on Taxation, which is a bipartisan committee made up of Democrats and Republicans, it is respected and trusted by both sides and it is nonpolitical, they have honest numbers. If you look at the chart that they provided when analyzing this tax bill, they note that over three-fourths of the tax relief which is provided in this tax bill that we are going to be voting on today goes to families with incomes between $20,000 and $75,000, a group of people that most of us would call working middle- class families. Seventy-five percent of the tax relief goes to families with incomes of between $20,000 and $75,000. Let me point this out again. In this bill, 75 percent, actually 76 percent of the tax relief goes to families with incomes between $20,000 and $75,000. That is real tax relief for people in my home State, the working families that I represent. In fact, a family in Illinois with a median income of $44,000 will see tax relief of over $10,000 over the lifetime of this bill, $3,000 more than the President proposed with his proposal earlier this year. Clearly, this is a better deal for those who pay taxes and work hard back in Illinois. We include tax relief for families with children, $500-per-child tax credit. In the 11th District of Illinois that I represent, 110,000 children will benefit, 33,000 more than the President proposes. Education incentives help send kids to college, capital gains tax deductions create jobs, individual retirement accounts encourage savings, death tax relief helps small business and agriculture pass on someone's fruit of their labors to the next generation, and welfare-to- work tax incentives. This legislation deserves bipartisan support. Again, the bulk of the tax relief, 75 percent, goes to families with incomes between $20,000 and $75,000. Working and middle-class families are the beneficiaries of this tax bill, which deserves bipartisan support.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation. First, I want to commend the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] and the ranking member, the gentleman from California [Mr. Stark] for their bipartisan effort. The bottom line is this legislation saves Medicare, and if my colleagues care about Medicare and if they want Medicare to be around for the next generation of seniors, they will vote ``yes'' for this legislation. I am proud that the Committee on Ways and Means under the leadership of the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] has worked closely with the President, with Members of both parties, to fashion a bipartisan solution to extending the life of Medicare. This legislation gives seniors more choices, protects the rights of seniors to choose their own physician and, frankly, offers many new options, new types of coverage, strictly in the area of breast cancer, mammograms for seniors, for women, as well as prostate cancer screening for men, important health care initiatives. But there is also something that every senior brings up every time I have a senior meeting in my district: this issue of going after waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare, and frankly I believe it is time that we go after the Medicare kings, those who abuse Medicare, with the same vengeance we have the welfare queens in the past. This legislation toughens penalties, provides ``three strikes, you're out,'' and increases funding for Medicare. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of the North Central Region of United Parcel Service in appreciation for their efforts to assist people in moving off of welfare and into positive work experiences. United Parcel Service has demonstrated outstanding leadership as a private employer who seeks to employ and train individuals who need critical job skills to compete in today's job market. United Parcel Service is one of the largest users of the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program [WOTC]. The WOTC encourages private companies to seek and train individuals who are making the transition from welfare to work. In fact, for the 1997 year, UPS is on target to hire 861 employees in Illinois who qualify for the Federal program. United Parcel Service's commitment and impact on the community is not only deserving of congressional recognition, but should serve as a model for others to follow. At a time when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, honoring United Parcel Service is both timely and appropriate. I urge this body to identify and recognize other private employers in their communities who could also participate in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program as United Parcel Service has.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of John Tallman who is retiring from the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District board of trustees after 48 years of service. Mr. Tallman has been Bourbonnais' Fire Protection District's only president since 1948 until his official retirement on September 19, 1997. John Tallman has been instrumental in helping the fire district to grow and modernize. In 1948, a four-wheeled cart containing an ax and a hose was pulled by car to the fire scene. The first fire engine arrived in 1950. Today, The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District consists of three pumpers, two tankers, two ambulances, one grass fire truck, one rescue truck, one disaster trailer, one boat, two automobiles, extrication equipment, high angle rescue equipment, and gumby suits, all housed in a new fire station. In addition to his work with the fire protection district, John Tallman farmed over 500 acres of land. He and his wife, Eileen, have raised four children on their farm. John has also served as a school board chairman and has served on the county board. John Tallman's commitment and impact on his community is not only deserving of congressional recognition, but should serve as a model for others to follow. At a time when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, honoring John Tallman is both timely and appropriate. I urge this body to identify and recognize others in their communities whose actions have so greatly benefited and enlightened America's communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of an inspiring inventor and enterprising leader, John D. ``Jack'' Goeken. Jack Goeken is a much celebrated pioneer in the world of telecommunications. Jack Goeken has been referred to by Business Week magazine as, ``the phone world's most prolific inventor.'' Former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Alfred C. Skies, recognized Goeken as, ``one of America's genuine communications pioneers.'' His accomplishments and awards are as impressive as they are vast. Jack Goeken has built an international reputation in the communications industry while founding communications giants such as MCI, FTD Mercury Network, Airfone, In-Flight Phone, and now Goeken Group companies. Jack Goeken pioneered the concept of constructing a microwave system between Chicago and St. Louis, improving customers channel capacity and range, enabling truck drivers to use their two-way radios along the highway. In 1963, Jack Goeken and four friends established Microwave Communications, Inc., MCI. In fact, Jack Goeken's development of a microwave network eventually lead to a victorious legal battle which is credited with the breakup of the Bell monopoly and opening of the telecommunications industry to competition. For Jack Goeken, this was only the beginning of an impressive series of inventions and enterprising successes. He then founded the FTD Mercury Network, the world's largest on-line computer network, processing and delivering over 30 million smiles a year in floral orders. Next, Jack Goeken founded Ralifhone Inc., CML Communications which provided domestic satellite service, Spectrum Analysis Frequency Plan. In the mid 70's, Goeken created the air-to-ground communications industry that exists today. Goeken founded the Airfone Corporation that travelers commonly see and use on commercial airlines. Goeken's invention lead to the founding of the In-Flight Phone Corporation in 1989, which provides the clear telephone service and transmission air travelers enjoy today. Today, Goeken serves as chairman and CEO of the Goeken Group Companies which provide life saving technology and services. Goeken Group Companies includes; Global MED-NET, Personal Guardian, and Personal Safetywear. On May 9, 1997, Jack Goeken will be honored at the 1997 Joliet UNICO Citizen of the Year Banquet for a lifetime achievement of ``service above self,'' UNICO's motto. I request that this body honor Jack Goeken for his incredible spirit of invention and remarkable forward thinking.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of Michael J. Kovacs. Mr. Kovacs has worked tirelessly for over 15 years to educate the people in the south suburban communities of Chicago. Mr. Kovacs has chosen to give back to his community by volunteering his time and valuable skills to the local cable industry. Over the years, in cooperation with Steve Klinhert and Kenny White of Continental Cablevision, Kovacs has reached out to local schools, churches, VFW's, chambers of commerce, and local elected officials with his film-making skills in an effort to keep the community informed on important issues in their area. Michael Kovac's commitment to providing service to his community deserves the highest commendation. His impact on Chicago's south suburban community is not only deserving of congressional recognition, but should also serve as a model for others to follow. At a time when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, honoring Michael Kovacs is both timely and appropriate. I urge this body to identify and recognize others in their communities whose actions have so greatly benefited and enlighted America's communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of Restoration Ministries, a nonprofit community and faith based organization located in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. This organization provides hope and opportunity in a way unmatched by any other. Tonight they celebrate their 10th anniversary. They began in 1987 with the grand opening of Harvey House in South Holland, IL. The organization, founded by just two churches, now boasts an expanded membership of many churches and local businesses. Their commitment to impact lives in ways that will help restore hope to the people and bring lasting change to the community should be given the highest commendation. The mission of Restoration Ministries is to pull together the resources of individuals, churches, organizations, the private sector, and the government to assist every segment of the population from infants to senior citizens. On a day when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, honoring this organization is both timely and appropriate. Restoration Ministries is an organization that has greatly benefited and enlightened our community. Their commitment, hard work, and dedication deserves the highest acclaim not only today but every day.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of the many members of the Joliet Federation of Musicians Local 37 as they celebrated their 100th anniversary on Tuesday, April 8, 1997. Tonight they recognize the past and present members who have entertained the members of their communities as they performed at area free concerts, parades, and dances. The members of the Joliet Federation of Musicians Local 37 have helped direct the musical aspirations of their students as they have taught music lessons and served as grade school, junior high school, senior high school and college band directors. Also being honored for their many years of commitment to the organization are those members of the organization who have served for 25 and 50 years. Their dedication should be commended. The Joliet Federation of Musicians Local 37 is a strong organization that has greatly benefited and enlightened our community.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work, and dedication of a great community leader, Mayor Paul J. Murphy who has served the community of La Salle for more than 40 years. Mayor Murphy began his long and distinguished record of service at the age of 17 by enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving our country from 1945 to 1949. He continued to defend America through service in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1952. Paul Murphy joined the La Salle-Peru Civil Defense in 1958 and began his political career with an appointment as a Democratic precinct committeeman in La Salle's first ward in 1959. Mayor Murphy continued to build his record of community service as a member of the La Salle County Zoning Commission from 1967 to 1971. He won his first public elected office in 1973 as La Salle township assessor in 1973--a position he held until 1981. During this time, beginning in 1979, Mayor Murphy became an auditor for the State of Illinois Board of Education 1989. As the La Salle community became increasingly aware of Paul Murphy's ability, his career as a local elected official flourished with his election as La Salle township supervisor in 1981; his reelection as supervisor in 1985; and, finally, his election as mayor of the city of La Salle in 1989; and his resounding reelection as mayor in 1993. During his two terms as mayor, Paul Murphy has compiled an enviable record of accomplishment and achievement. Foremost among his accomplishments is his successful effort to extend the city of La Salle's boundaries dramatically to the east--thus opening the door of major economic opportunity and new jobs for the citizens of La Salle and the surrounding area. Mayor Murphy's innovative efforts to address the critical infrastructure problems of the city of La Salle and his vision in seeing the potential of the UnLock 14 project to rejuvenate downtown La Salle will also be long remembered and appreciated. Mayor Paul Murphy has been a tireless public servant and community supporter. His many years of service leave a proud legacy of accomplishment and a strong foundation of achievement on which the city of La Salle can build a better future for its citizens. Given the high regard in which Paul Murphy's integrity and common sense are held by his peers and fellow citizens, I have no doubts that even after retirement, he will remain an influential and respected leader in the community he so proudly served. Mayor Paul Murphy will preside over his last city council meeting on Monday, March 24, 1997, before retiring from local government service.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of an outstanding dentist, Dr. Wilbur F. Dolezal, after 43 successful years of practicing dentistry. Dr. Dolezal received his bachelors degree from the University of Illinois and his dental degree from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Dr. Dolezal served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist from 1954 to 1956. He has had a thriving practice in Morris, IL, for the past 40 years. Dr. Dolezal has been honored by his peers for his superior knowledge as a Fellow of both the International College of Dentistry and the American College of Dentistry. Dr. Dolezal has been active in his community as a member of the Morris Rotary Club, the Morris High School Board of Education, and as a member and president of the Grundy County Board of Health. Dr. Dolezal is a well respected dentist and member of his community and it is with great regret, but also a bright white smile, that his patients see him retire.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and dedication of a great statesman, Representative Larry Wennlund, after 11 years of public service to the people of Illinois and the residents of the 38th District. Representative Wennlund has been a lifelong resident of New Lenox, IL, and received a bachelor of arts from the University of Illinois at Champaign, and a juris doctor from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. Representative Wennlund has been an active member and leader of his community as a member of: Trinity Lutheran Church, the New Lenox Lions Club, the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the New Lenox Grade School Board of Education. Representative Wennlund remains a leader in his growing community as an advocate for building a strong transportation network, economic development for the area, reforming the Juvenile Justice system, welfare-to-work initiatives and real property tax reform. Representative Larry Wennlund has also been honored for his talents and accomplishments by being selected from among his peers to serve as a member of the Republican Leadership Team. Representative Larry Wennlund is an honorable man, worthy of praise for his many years of service, leadership and accomplishments for the people of his district.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I come to the well today with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and particularly from the Illinois delegation to introduce bipartisan legislation to address the problem of brownfields that plague many of our districts. I have worked closely with my colleagues and with Mayor Daley of Chicago to develop incentives to encourage the clean up and redevelopment of these abandoned industrial sites which blight our communities. State and local governments will also receive greater flexibility to assist in the financing of such efforts. Fostering private sector remediation will attract business activity, leading to economic growth and stability and will ultimately place these sites back on the tax rolls. Current law provides disincentives for investors to buy brownfield sites for redevelopment. Today, if you own a parcel of land and contaminate it, you can take a current year deduction for the full cost of cleaning up the site. However, if you buy a contaminated site to redevelop it you must recover your clean up cost over a number of years. The number of years you must capitalize the expense depends upon the use of the property. Depending on the intended use of the property, the recovery period can be as long as 28 years. To turn this around, our bill would allow developers to deduct up to $500,000 of the costs in year that they are incurred and capitalize the remaining costs over a much shorter period of 5 years. According to the date we have collected, close to 50 percent of the brownfield sites in America could be restored for under $500,000. For more extensive remediation, developers often look to the local community to assist in attracting additional investment. Our second bill creates a new category of private activity bonds, namely remediation bonds. State and local jurisdictions can use this new type of bond under their existing issuance authority limit to solicit private investment to assist in the financing of redeveloping abandoned sites. Both bills as a package have been endorsed by Mayor Daley and the majority of the Illinois delegation from both sides of the aisle. I am very proud of the work that has gone into developing an approach that has garnered broad bipartisan support and I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure enactment of this important and historic legislation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization known as Trucker Buddy International. Trucker Buddy International is a program that matches truck drivers with school classrooms as pen pals who share their respective experiences through regular correspondence and classroom visits. The program gives students a real world look at the country through the eyes of professional truck drivers who visit places and see things which they share with students through letters and picture postcards. By tracking routes and schedules, a teacher can incorporate important lessons in geography, history, math, and more into the existing curriculum. Students also improve their communications skills by writing back to their trucker buddy. As an extra tool to benefit the teacher of each class, Trucker Buddy has created the Literary Achievement Award. Each teacher will receive a Literary Achievement Award to present to the student who has improved his or her writing skills the most. The Trucker Buddy Program was created in 1992 by Gary D. King, a professional truck driver who first started corresponding with a fourth grade class in Williams Bay, WI. Today, Trucker Buddy has nearly 5,000 drivers matched with classrooms throughout North America and in several foreign countries. I would like to commend the Trucker Buddy Program for taking a special interest in our children and their education.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring to the House's attention the good work of a valued community organization in my district, the Italian American Commercial Club, and their efforts to assist outstanding young people to further their education. This year the Italian American Commercial Club of Joliet's 1996 scholarship recipient is Tricia Patterson. Tricia is an outstanding young lady and is an honors student at Joliet West High School. While maintaining a full load of honors classes, Tricia still manages active involvement in the National Honors Society, the French National Honors Society, French Club, and Peer Helpers. On top of this, she works part- time at Dominic's. Tricia is proud of her family and credits her family with teaching her the basic values that have helped her succeed. This outstanding Joliet West High School student has worked hard to succeed, especially when it comes to academics. Tricia plans to attend college and has already been accepted to two outstanding colleges, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois to study accounting. I'm proud to represent outstanding young people like Tricia Patterson and commend community groups like the Italian American Commercial Club for their contribution to helping young people. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Tricia Patterson.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to congratulate Frankfort Chief of Police Darrell L. Sanders for his induction as president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Sanders has served the Frankfort community since 1979 and distinguished himself as the President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. He is an outstanding law enforcement officer and has gained national recognition and distinction for his service and dedication. Chief Sanders was also elected as President of the Greater Cook County Council of Police Chiefs and served with honor as a member of the Board of Officers of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. As a Magna Cum Laude graduate in political science, Chief Sanders has also earned his Master of Arts degree in Public Administration, an associate's degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the FBI National Academy. Chief Sanders must be commended for his hard work, vision and leadership. His tenure as the Chief of Police of Frankfort demonstrates an unselfish dedication to law enforcement and a commitment to those residents he serves. Congratulations Chief Sanders on such a high recognition and best of luck as the President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. You are deserving and I thank you for your dedication and devotion to your community, neighbors, friends and family.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, of course I want to rise in support of this important parks legislation and commend the bipartisan leadership of the chairman, and the ranking members and the committee members for moving this legislation. I want to take a moment and note that this legislation contains a provision important to the south side of Chicago and the south suburbs of Chicago, a provision that directs the National Park Service to look at the feasibility of establishing an ecological park, a series of green ways linking the Indiana Dunes with the heritage corridor, a significant proposal because of its potential for establishing an urban park, open space and wildlife habitat and a rapidly growing older industrial area. This proposal has locally strong bipartisan support from local conservation groups, elected officials and economic development organizations. Like the newly established tall grass prairie, the former Joliette Arsenal, the ecological park will become a major investment in the future of Illinois and the children of Illinois by setting aside open space and important wildlife habitat in an old urban area as well as a rapidly developing suburban area. I thank the chairman and committee for their support, and I urge bipartisan support for this legislation.