Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate progress in America's pledge to provide liberty and justice for all Americans.

Today, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The legislation ensures equal rights and protection for married couples regardless of the color of their skin, where they live, or whom they love.

This act is long overdue and necessary as threats remain to undo the hard-fought ruling giving same-sex couples the fundamental right to marriage equality.

I am honored to have cosponsored this bill, and I am proud this day has finally come.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize Clotilde

Perez-Bode Dedecker and her remarkable seventeen-year career with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Clotilde began her work with the Community Foundation in 2005, becoming President and CEO in 2007. Under her leadership, she oversaw this philanthropic organization's growth from $159 million to $850 million in total assets. Furthermore, she was a visionary and understood the value of establishing partnerships with other community organizations such as Say Yes Buffalo, Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable, and the WNY Impact Investment Fund. This expansion has allowed the Buffalo community to be more strongly supported and guided, and none of it would have been possible without the stewardship that Clotilde has provided.

Clotilde's contributions to the community and work as a philanthropist have been recognized at all levels, from local community organizations to international organizations. She was appointed to the White House Council on Service and Civic Participation and named co- chair of the U.S. Committee of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer. She has also presented at the U.S. Partnership on Mobility from Poverty Summit supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Washington, D.C. and the Asia Forum on Philanthropy for Better Cities in Hong Kong. Furthermore, she was awarded the President's Award for Service, a civic award bestowed by the President of the United States to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Clotilde has previously been named The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year Award, the Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year, and received the Distinguished Citizen Award from her alma mater, Canisius College. Highly honored and recognized for her commitment to moving this community forward in a strategic way, Clotilde has led the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo to enhance our environment and educational opportunities, and further invest in our rich and diverse local arts. Clotilde is the indispensable pillar of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, and she will be missed dearly after her retirement; however, her legacy, work, and success will inspire community members for years to come. During my time in Congress, it has been a pleasure to work with the Community Foundation under the leadership of Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker and I commend her for her professionalism, vision, and impressive leadership on behalf of a grateful community in the Western New York.

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor an organization, WNY Heroes, whose programs continue to be a lifeline for our local military veterans. Founded in 2007, its mission of preventing homelessness quickly expanded to a wholesale outreach organization that has aided countless veterans. They continue to work tirelessly in support of veterans, and this week we celebrate the grand opening of their new location in downtown Buffalo.

At the outset, WNY Heroes was designed to assist Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, but the need grew as veterans of all eras came in search of help. They soon broadened their reach to all that served our nation. WNY Heroes has become an instrumental voice in our community. and their effort toward veterans and their families by providing immediate financial assistance is nothing short of remarkable. More than ever, the demand for their services is growing.

Their program, ``Heroes' Bridge,'' offers veterans with financial assistance. Through medical referral, ``Pawsitive for Heroes'' has paid for over 140 veterans to be paired with a trained service dog. ``Operation Backpack'' raises money every year to buy new school supplies for the children of veterans. 1,200 veterans from four local counties are sufficiently fed because of their program, ``Feed a Veteran.'' They connect veterans with appropriate resources and services through the Veterans Health Administration every day.

WNY Heroes fills a void in the treatment of our veterans--one that should not exist. Sacrifice abroad is often met with hardship at home. Founder, Chris Kreiger, and the WNY Heroes team knows this firsthand, so they act to fix it. This organization's success serves as a much- needed inspiration, and each of the aforementioned programs is critical in the lives of our local heroes. Their new location in Buffalo should help them to reach more veterans in a more effective manner. On behalf of everyone in the Western New York community, I would like to thank and congratulate WNY Heroes for the services they have provided to our bravest men and women.

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor a man, Jerome ``Jerry'' Schad, and his lifetime of remarkable work. Jerry has been a pillar within the Western New York law community for nearly five decades and a personal friend of mine. Though Jerry's retirement is imminent, the work that he has done in private practice and public service will long outlive his career.

A graduate of Geneva College, Duquesne University, and the University at Buffalo Law School, Jerry was admitted into the New York State Bar Association in 1972. As a partner at Hodgson Russ LLP, Jerry spent nearly thirty-four years in litigation for his firm. His work mainly focused on tort, commercial, and civil litigation regarding compliance with disability law. In his storied career, he litigated in the New York State Supreme Court and handled appeals to the Third and Fourth Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court.

After retiring from private practice in June of 2005, Jerry began his journey in public service. Beginning in 2012, as Majority Counsel to the Erie County Legislature, Jerry advised the Democratic majority on a wide variety of pressing legal issues. In 2013, Jerry began working as one of three Commissioners of the Erie County Water Authority. He would continue this work for three terms, and it would include taking the role of Chair in 2018.

Meanwhile, Jerome Schad has been the steady force and bedrock of the Amherst Democratic Committee for the last decade. Today, Jerry is recognized for all the work he has done to advance its position and interests.

With his newfound free time, I trust that Jerry will cherish more moments with his six children, twelve grandchildren, and his loving wife, Priscilla. Not to mention, it can be safely assumed that Jerry will more frequently be seen around Western New York's golf courses. As a long-tenured and vital leader of our community, he deserves this time to enjoy the things he loves most. On behalf of countless others, I would like to thank Jerry for all his efforts through an exceptional career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the $2.8 million included in the National Defense Authorization Act for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

This funding will support construction of a new combined operations and alert facility at the base. The project is important to the 914th Air Refueling Wing and national readiness.

A strong and efficient 914th is good for the country and for western New York. The air reserve station is Niagara County's largest employer, generating $300 million in economic impact on the local economy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this funding and enhance mission response.

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor a pillar within the city of Buffalo, ELIM Christian Fellowship. ELIM has had unwavering support for all of Western New York since its creation in 1999, and their congregation is now celebrating their twenty-third year of service. I would like to congratulate them on their perseverance through struggles and wish them a successful night of celebration.

Under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner. ELIM Christian Fellowship was founded as a non-denominational and bible- based ministry, inviting people of all communities. According to Senior Pastor Bronner, ``The name ELIM conceptually means a place of refreshing, reviving, and renewing for weary travelers and has proven to be a fitting symbol of spiritual revitalization and restoration. It is known for its spirit-led praise, worship, and intercessory prayer. People from all races, religions, age groups, and denominational affiliations engage weekly to see God's Face.''

On the Fellowship's first day of worship, over seven-hundred men, women, and children gathered at the former Buffalo Christian Center in downtown Buffalo. Many of the original members were also attendees of the Regional Morning Prayer Movement. It drew in people of all kinds from many different communities. This Regional Morning Prayer continued uninterrupted since its inception, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.

ELIM moved from the Christian Center to Turner Carroll High School in February of 2000. After only six months of occupancy, membership grew from 700 to over 1600. Due to the growth in membership at ELIM, in June 2000, they had the opportunity to purchase a property across from The Central Park Plaza for a new Worship and Youth Center.

When the Center opened in August 2000, more than 700 members, several communities, and political leaders attended the trailblazing ceremony. In that same year, ELIM members and visitors had the opportunity to meet with First Lady, Hillary R. Clinton, and hear her words of encouragement.

Also, under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner, ELIM Christian Fellowship, created a chapter in Rochester, NY in November 2002. The expansion was a major evolution for the Fellowship and expanded the tightly knit community. The expansion also demonstrated an expansion in its mission and who that mission can reach. With the evolution in leadership, ELIM saw a large increase in permanent members due to holding worship at an unconventional time in the afternoon. In September 2004, ELIM finally officially obtained a worship center in the heart of Rochester, cementing their welcomed expansion.

Then on April 30, 2006, ELIM had the privilege of opening a new worship center with a

service of thanksgiving. Many community leaders and congregational members celebrated the event with prayer and a march from the Central Park Plaza to the new edifice. Moving forward to 2008, the Consecration and Ordination Service for leader Bishop T. Anthony Bronner occurred with the Fellowship members as witnesses. Everyone was extremely excited and joyful over Pastor Bronner's initiation into the Bishopric.

Undoubtedly, ELIM faced an unprecedented amount of hardship, but years of struggle were made worthwhile when ELIM Christian Fellowship just recently made its final payment on its multimillion-dollar mortgage. Now the ministry can move forward and serve the community without hesitation. They have a permanent home.

Our community is grateful for the leadership of the ELIM Christian Fellowship and for their dedication to guiding countless Buffalonians in faith and service.

Madam Speaker, lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States, yet only 6 percent of people eligible get screened, and that number decreases among underserved populations.

Prevention and early detection are the best protections against lung cancer. That is why we have introduced the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act. This bill expands coverage for and improves access to lung cancer screening. It also provides new coverage for tobacco cessation, as smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.

Our bill builds on the work of Buffalo's Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. I ask my colleagues to join me and Representative Castor in supporting this legislation that will enhance the goals set through the President's Cancer Moonshot to save lives and end cancer as we know it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Germain Harnden and her remarkable 42-year career.

Germain has dedicated her career to safety, health training, education, and advocacy for workers. For the last decade, she has served as the executive director of WNYCOSH.

Before beginning her career at WNYCOSH, Germain studied at the University of Buffalo. She worked as an editor of the Humanist Magazine at the Center of Inquiry, and she would go onto enroll in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Labor Studies program, where she took several courses on collective bargaining, labor history, and mediation. Germain worked as a certified mediator and volunteered in numerous community mediation cases.

In 1978 and 1979, Germain participated with Cornell Extension staff and other labor activists in the formation of what would become the WNY Council on Occupational Safety & Health. She helped organize the first kick-off event of WNYCOSH at a winter safety and health conference, which drew over 300 labor union participants. Germain took an official staff position at WNYCOSH in 1979 and was instrumental in creating safety and health training under OSHA's New Direction grant program.

In 1980, she also worked on advocating for the Right-to-Know legislation, which would become the nation's first law in the country to require employers to provide workers with information on the chemicals they were working with and protective measures to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposures. Throughout the 1980s, Germain organized safety workshops and seminars.

Germain served as WNYCOSH Program Director from 1986 until 2012. Germain wrote all WNYCOSH grants, including the annual contributions, and organized worker training which regularly draws 6,000 participants each year. Her work as Executive Director allowed WNYCOSH to continue its significant presence in the Buffalo area.

Germain's career was focused on bettering the lives of workers in our community, and I will always be grateful to her for those efforts. On behalf of countless workers, I sincerely thank Germain Harnden for being a dedicated community leader, advocate, and vital player in Western New York for over four decades.

Madam Speaker, friends and family are gathering to celebrate the life of Donald O. Allen, Sr. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1950, he made Buffalo his home after attending East High School, Bryant Stratton Business School, and SUNY Empire College. He began his 27-year career in public service in 1978 as the Assistant Director of the Summer Youth Program in the city of Buffalo. He also took on the role of Minority Recruiter, Human Resources Planner, and Senior Deputy Commissioner in 1978.

When he assumed these positions, he became an indispensable pillar within the Buffalo community, and he would remain as such for the rest of his life. His efforts will continue to be felt by countless members of the community for many years to come. After retiring from his career in public service in 2005, he continued to serve the community for an additional 16 years by joining the Erie County Sheriff's Department. Furthermore, as a Zone Leader and City Democratic Chairman for the Erie County Democratic Committee, Donald had 4 terms to make his voice heard as a political leader.

In his spare time, he never missed an opportunity to engage with the community. And due to this commitment, he was honored at several points in his life for his service on the Buffalo Youth Board, at the Pratt- Willert Revitalization Corporation, and as the Buffalo Handicapped Chairman.

Married for 23 years to his loving wife, Lynette, there is an abundance of their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren that can continue their legacy and honor their memory. Donald Allen, Sr. will forever be a cherished community leader. While the place he holds in everyone's hearts can never be replaced, his dedication to others will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act, called the VIPER Act, that the House will consider today.

In Buffalo in 1958, Dr. William Chardack and engineer Wilson Greatbatch teamed up to develop the first implantable pacemaker at our Buffalo VA hospital. Today, more than 3 million people around the world have implanted pacemakers, and the VA Pacemaker Program still monitors more than 11,000 veterans with pacemakers.

The VIPER Act will build on this record, bringing us another step toward the next generation of life-saving treatments.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in supporting this legislation. It is an investment in a stronger future for veterans and our healthcare system overall.

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market, a local market that was opened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a dedicated effort to help local artisans and their families who would be affected by COVID safety regulations. It filled the void of craft shows, festivals, and large events to sell handmade items. On November 14, 2020, the Western New York community embraced this venture and waited in line for hours.

Since then, Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market has been actively running among its three buildings with over 120 award-winning curated artisans. In addition, Rustic Buffalo Sip & Shop events are hosted four times a year to promote their partnerships with local non-for-profits and charities. In just the past two years, Rustic Buffalo has raised over $117,000 for local charities and not-for-profit organizations.

This idea was borne by necessity; the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so much of our local economy, and it would have had even more devastating consequences had Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market not been created. I know that I speak for countless Western New Yorkers when I say that its operation saved many careers and livelihoods. Looking forward, the Rustic Buffalo Market looks to expand into new territory, which is sure to be just as successful.

Perhaps most impressive, Rustic Buffalo has one hundred percent retention since their opening. Understandably, they have attained many accolades since their opening in 2020. These include the Best New Business of 2020 (Buffalo Spree), Best Gift Shop (Buffalo News), Best New Business in WNY (Buffalo News), and most recently Best Unique Gift Shop in WNY (Buffalo Spree). Rustic Buffalo leadership is also a contributor to Buffalo Business First New Paper on the importance of retention and the continuous need to look for strategies to grow your business.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize this new staple to the local economy and commend their team who remain dedicated to giving back to our community.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to honor and recognize Wheatfield Commons, a senior living community providing assisted living and memory care to countless families in Western New York. Since 1958, residents of Erie and Niagara County have been fortunate to receive the family-oriented services of this non-profit.

Wheatfield Commons is nestled in a park-like suburban setting with inviting grounds and courtyards. In warmer weather, residents enjoy taking in the sights from a large covered front porch. Residents are always encouraged to engage with others, and at a place like Wheatfield Commons, there are so many welcoming areas, like the beautifully decorated dining rooms and cozy fireplaces. All of this is a concerted effort to create an accommodating and enriching atmosphere where residents receive the highest quality services and care.

Senior living communities ought to offer our elderly a healthy and dynamic way of living. Undoubtedly, Wheatfield Commons offers a personal approach to delivering support and services while encouraging family members to be actively involved in the care of their loved ones. Without this mission, you can imagine the potential lack of support and interpersonal connections of senior residents and their families. Luckily, Wheatfield Commons delivers for its residents.

Organizations like Wheatfield Commons do not receive an appropriate amount of praise and attention for their critical efforts, so I am pleased that their hard work can be recognized in this way. Our communities are best served when our seniors are receiving proper care and attention.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the irreplaceable Wheatfield Commons and their devoted staff. I would like to congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize Carol Tallichet as the Chamber of Commerce of Tonawandas' Citizen of the Year. Carol is not only a distinct local business owner, but a dedicated leader in the Buffalo community.

As a North Tonawanda native, Carol has made a lasting impact on her hometown through her community service and local outreach efforts. Her recent membership into the Erie-Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club has included involvement in campaigns such as ``Give a Kid a Hug to Hold,'' which provides pillows to abused children. Carol's contributions also extend to the Meals on Wheels non-profit where she selflessly printed thank you gifts for volunteers and clients of the organization.

In addition to her community service efforts, Carol also serves 22 communities across New York and Florida through the restaurants she owns with her husband. Her entrepreneurial efforts are worth celebrating, as her local Tonawanda restaurant, Lumberjack's, celebrates its tenth anniversary. These family-owned restaurants are staffed by local students and teachers, two groups for which Carol continues to give back. Bottle returns from her local restaurants are donated to Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda, New York. Not only does this donation expand the arts budget at this high school, but it also provides enough money for their music department to purchase new instruments they otherwise could not afford.

Today, I ask that members of the Chamber of Commerce of Tonawanda and citizens, alike, join me in expressing our gratitude for Carol Tallichet and her unwavering commitment to her community. Her continual efforts are not only inspiring to the Buffalo community, but to all entrepreneurs and young individuals. Carol is undoubtedly deserving of the Citizen of the Year award, and I thank her for her commitment to the Western New York region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lawrence Backlas. Larry has long been a steadfast supporter of unions and labor management, and he dedicated 38 years to Milkbone Bakery and the 36G Union. I am pleased to honor a man who dedicated so much of his life to improving the Western New York workforce.

Hired in 1970, Larry began his career in packaging. This included packing and transporting goods to local bakeshops for consumers to purchase. During this time, he was a part of the safety committee ensuring that all employees were cared for and protected when they came to work. He also served on the production B&R committee.

Ultimately, it was Larry's hard work and commitment to Milkbone Bakery that allowed him to progress in his career. He soon became the steward at the bakeshop before his promotion to head shop steward for the entire bakery. In this position, he was also the lead force behind the union's training committee from 1997 to 1998. Larry would go on to become the Financial Secretary and Vice President of the General Executive Board, and he took on the role of union negotiator for many critical deals in the early 2000s.

While Larry may have retired in June of 2009, he never lost his spirit and advocacy for the BCTGM Union. Today we are honoring Larry for paying 50 years of union dues--a full 13 years more than the requirement.

Since retirement, Larry has had more time to spend with his wife (and high school sweetheart), Patricia. The two are now into their 48th year of marriage. Him and his son, Lawrence, Jr., continue to share their love of martial arts. And undoubtedly, nothing will stop Larry from enjoying the outdoors, fishing, and hunting for many years to come.

I am honored to join the BCTGM Local 36G in recognizing and congratulating Lawrence Backlas on his storied career with Milkbone Bakery and his dedication to organized labor.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize CJS Architects of Buffalo on the celebration of their 50th year in business. CJS Architects is one of New York's leading architectural design firms. Throughout the Western New York region, they have been responsible for the creation of countless development projects that have contributed to the resurgence of our community. Some of which include the Buffalo Central Terminal Rehabilitation, Graycliff Restoration, 500 Seneca, and The Sinclair.

Over the past fifty years, CJS Architects has received over 100 awards for their work. Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to partake in many of these award ceremonies in addition to being present for numerous groundbreaking and ribbon cutting events. I have seen first-hand how much time and creative design is placed into each of their projects. CJS Architects has already done so much for Buffalo's restoration efforts, and they show no sign of stopping.

This firm's awards include the ResidentiaI Award through IIDA Buffalo, Outstanding Commercial Project from Preservation Buffalo Niagara, and multiple Merit and Design Awards by the American Institute of Architects. This represents only a few of the honors for which they have been recognized over the last five decades.

Every CJS project is not only approached as an opportunity to complete a client's objectives, but also as an opportunity to add value to our community. Because of this, each of their plans is unique and individualized by the firm. CJS Architects continue to work on Buffalo River Landing, 301 Ohio Street, and Westside Bazaar on Niagara Street. Furthermore, CJS has been the visionary behind the Broadway Market Master Planning and the African American Cultural Center Visioning. All these works have given Buffalo the opportunity to highlight local restaurants and merchants.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize this firm and to commend them for their preservation and restoration of many of Buffalo's historic buildings. All of us in the Western New York community look forward to their future endeavors, and we wish to thank them for 50 years of their efforts.