Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium for receiving accreditation from the American Association of Museums. Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium join an elite group of 775 accredited institutions out of 17,500 museums in the United States.

Located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium are icons of the Flint Cultural Center. The greater Flint community began planning the Flint College and Cultural Center in 1952. The Sloan Museum, named after Alfred P. Sloan, was designated as the transportation and local history museum and now includes the Buick Galley and Research Center opened in 1999. The Robert T. Longway Planetarium was conceived as a place to teach students and the greater public about the universe and general science. The two institutions merged in 2004.

Accreditation by the American Association of Museums is the culmination of a 2-year-long application process. To receive accreditation a museum has to demonstrate a commitment to outstanding programming for the public and at the same time meet high standards for the care of the scientific and cultural artifacts in its custody. The Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium meet the exacting

standards of each criterion. Currently the Sloan Museum Annual Auto Fair will take place this coming weekend and on display is the Nicola Bulgari collection of vintage General Motors automobiles. The Longway Planetarium is currently displaying a moon rock, on loan from NASA, which was brought back to Earth by Apollo 16.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium for receiving this prestigious accreditation. For over 50 years the staff, volunteers and community have worked diligently to maintain these jewels of the Flint area and this is a well-deserved honor for both Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint James Parish in Bay City as they dedicate the new parish center, Langley Hall. Bishop Robert J. Carlson will preside over the dedication ceremony on Sunday, June 22, in Bay City, Michigan.

Reverend Henry Schutjes founded Saint James Parish in 1868 in response to the needs of a growing Irish community. The parish quickly became the center of life for the Irish settlers in the Bay City area. In 1873 the new pastor, Reverend Thomas Rafter, welcomed four Sisters of Charity to teach in the parish school. On August 25th of that year, Saint James Parish opened the first 12-grade, coeducational parochial school in the United States. The Sisters of Charity had to send additional teachers as the enrollment grew to 400 students within a month.

Education has always been very important to the parishioners of Saint James. In preparing the next generation for the challenges of life the school has gone through several transformations. The high school is now part of All Saints Central High School and the middle school is part of Holy Family Middle School. Since 1873, the Sisters of Charity have continued to serve Saint James Parish, preparing students for an abundant temporal and spiritual life.

The first wooden church was destroyed by fire in 1884. The second church was struck by lightning and burned in 1978. After each tragedy the parishioners came together and continued a vibrant parish life. They found other places to celebrate Mass and worked to rebuild the sanctuary. The current church was completed in 1980 and the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve. This sacred tradition continues under the leadership of the pastor, Reverend Robert J. DeLand, and associate pastor, Reverend Andrew D. Booms.

On June 22nd the parish will come together again to celebrate the dedication of the new parish center, Langley Hall. The parish center is made possible by the bequest of the late Norbert Langley and Elizabeth Langley. The Langley family exemplifies the best of Saint James Parish life. Their parents, John and Anna Langley, were married at Saint James Catholic Church in 1911. They had five children, all baptized at Saint James, and four children graduated from the parish high school. Elizabeth and Norbert stayed on the family farm and continued to attend Mass at Saint James. Elizabeth passed away in 1998 and Norbert died in 2004. The estate was bequeathed to Saint James, enabling the parish

to build a parish center to provide a gathering place for the parishioners to come together in fellowship.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint James Parish. For over 100 years Saint James Parish has been a center of worship and praise for the Bay City area and may it continue to bring the joy of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to the community for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Bieber as he retires from the United Auto Workers. Mike is the Assistant Director of UAW Region 1-D. A celebration in his honor will be held in Bay City, Michigan, on July 14th.

As a third generation UAW member, Mike joined the UAW Local 167 when he started working at the General Motors Diesel Equipment Division in Wyoming, Michigan, in 1979. He transferred to UAW Local 2151 when he moved to the Rochester Products Division in Coopersville. He was the Alternate Committee Person on the B-shift and a Shop Committee Person for 4 years. Elected as President of the Local at the age of 27, he held that position for 6 years. In 1993 he was appointed to the International UAW staff serving in the Secretary-Treasurer's office until he was named the Assistant Director by Director Donald Oetman in 2002.

In addition to his work with the UAW, Mike is active in the United Way of Ottawa County and serves on the Michigan Association of United Way Executive Board. He is a Democratic Party Precinct Delegate and the Vice-Chair of the Kent County Democrats. He is married to Jamee and is the stepfather to five children, and has five grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Michael Bieber for being a diligent, conscientious proponent of the rights of working men and women everywhere. He has exhibited an abiding commitment to improving the workplace, the community, our country and our world. I wish him the best as he embarks on this new phase of his life.

Bio--Michael Bieber

Michael Bieber was appointed as Assistant Director of UAW

Region 1-D in June of 2002 by Director, Donald Oetman. Mike

is a 3rd generation UAW member.

Mike became a member of UAW Local #167 in 1979 when he went

to work at the General Motors, Diesel Equipment Division in

Wyoming, Michigan.

In 1981 Bieber transferred to the newly formed UAW local

#2151 representing workers at the Coopersville, MI location

of Rochester Products Division of G.M.

He served the Local as an Alternate Committee Person on the

B-shift and as a Shop Committee Person for 4 years.

Despite his relative youth, Bieber was elected as President

of the Local at the age of 27. He served in that capacity for

six (6) years.

He was appointed to the International UAW staff in May of

1993 and served under the jurisdiction of the Secretary-

Treasurer's office until he became Assistant Director.

Bieber has served on many community and labor organizations

in Western Michigan. He has been very active with the United

Way in Ottawa County and currently serves on the Michigan

Association of United Way executive board.

He is active in the Democratic Party as a Precinct Delegate

and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Kent County

Democrats.

Mike is married to his wife, Jamee. Mike is the stepfather

to five (5) children and they have (5) grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the City of Davison on receiving the Exemplary Source Water Protection Award from the American Water Works Association. Every year the American Water Works Association presents this award to a municipal water system for developing and implementing effective source water protection programs.

This award signifies that the City of Davison has met the highest standards of excellence in their pursuit to supply the residents of Davison with clean, safe water. In July of 2005 Davison's water treatment plant went online and has the capacity to treat up to 2.5 million gallons per day. Working cooperatively with Davison Township and Richfield Township, the City of Davison has implemented a cooperative effort to protect the ground water on which many rely. The new program includes provisions to reduce the number of abandoned wells that pose a serious threat to the health of the aquifers.

The City of Davison, knowing that residents play an important role in protecting the water supply, has worked to reach out to the community in their Source Water Protection Program. In the program Davison encourages residents to be stewards of the water supply by limiting the amount of lawn chemicals and fertilizers that run off and enter the water system. Additionally, Davison has endeavored to educate and inform the community that simple maintenance of septic and home plumbing systems can benefit both the community and the individual by reducing water usage and contamination. The city is assisting residents identify and plug old wells that pose a dangerous risk to the health and safety of the community.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mayor Fred Fortner, the Davison City Council, the staff, volunteers and residents for receiving this award. Through their commitment to hard work and education they have demonstrated good stewardship of this vital natural resource.

American Water Works Association,

Denver, CO, March 4, 2008.

Ms. Andrea L. Schroeder,

City of Davison,

Davison, MI.

Dear Ms. Schroeder: I am pleased to inform you that your

utility has been selected as the recipient of the Exemplary

Source Water Protection Award for medium-sized systems. This

award recognizes organizations in North America who have

developed and are implementing exemplary source water

protection programs.

In recognition of this honor, an award will be presented to

you during the Atlanta Annual Conference in June. Details

regarding the presentation will be sent to you later by Linda

Moody.

The Association's Officers and Directors join me in

congratulating you on this honor.

Sincerely,

Gary J. Zimmerman,

Executive Director.

The City of Davison Source Water Protection Program: Protecting Your

Drinking Water Resources

Davison's new $3.5 million dollar water groundwater

treatment plant was put on-line in July 2005. The plant

receives water from the City's five groundwater wells and can

treat up to 2.5 million gallons per day using filtration,

softening and reverse osmosis.

Through cooperative efforts from Davison and Richfield

Townships, Davison's Source Water Protection Program

identifies and manages threats to the city water supply.

Please call the DPW offices to learn more.

Protect drinking water--our future depends on it.

How Does Groundwater Become Contaminated?

Abandoned wells, leaking underground storage tanks,

industrial and transportation activities, dumps and

landfills, agricultural activities, and homeowner activities.

How Can I Help?

Madam Speaker, I rise to day to honor Reverend Dr. Reginald Flynn as he is installed as the new pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church. The Installation Service will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Reverend Dr. Flynn was raised in the Flint area, graduating from Beecher High School in 1984. He attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College and served in the United States Navy. After receiving his honorable discharge he relocated to Columbia SC. He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of South Carolina. He was the executive assistant at the United Way of South Carolina. He was picked by the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to coordinate a statewide faith-based foster care and adoption program called South Carolina Families for Kids and he went on to become the recruitment director of the adoption advocacy program, One Church, One Child of South Carolina. He went on to work for IAP Worldwide Services, an international emergency management firm, and for Merck and Company. He is the founder and president of CourTay Properties, LLC, a real estate investment company.

Pastor Flynn received his license to preach the gospel from Reverend Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., at Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia and earned his master of divinity degree from Erskine Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Gethsemane Baptist Association and has completed pastoral assignments at Beulah Baptist Church, and Temple Zion Baptist Church. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as vice president and principal training instructor for the Mt. Hebron Progressive Association's Congress of Christian Education. He has also served as the adjunct professor of religious studies at Benedict College. In December 2008 he will receive his doctor of ministry degree in pastoral leadership and Urban Studies from Columbia International University, graduating with honors. Married to First Lady Deloris Flynn, the couple has two children, Courtney and Taylor.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Reverend Dr. Reginald Flynn as he is installed as pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church. The sacred and solemn Installation Service is the joining of a pastor and congregation to fulfill God's holy will. May Pastor Flynn and Foss Avenue Baptist Church serve Our Lord, Jesus Christ, for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the pages to come up here and occupy the seats in the Chamber. Anywhere you want, either side. Maybe the next time you occupy that seat, you will be a Member of this body.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude and the gratitude of the entire House to all the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 110th Congress.

This is the 16th Congress that I have served in. I have been Chairman of the Page Board or ranking member for about 20, 23, 24 years. I was appointed by Tip O'Neill. That is probably ancient history to you. That is very recent history to me.

Mr. Speaker, I have attached a list of the fine young people who have served this House as pages and will include their names as part of the Congressional Record.

U.S. House of Representatives Pages Spring Class of 2008

Adriana Daniela Aguilar, TX; Claire Jumanna Ashcraft, CA;

Cole Salim Ashcraft, CA; Hannah Elizabeth Barkley, MS;

Maurice Patrick Barry, MA; Erika Lauren Bertrand, NE; Amber

E. Cassady, TX; Charles E. Coe, PA; John Cowart, FL; Maggie

Carlisle Cupit, MS; and Matt Cyr, TN.

Carlos DeLaTorre, TX; Stephanie Diaz, HI; Brandon Estes,

FL; Kelly Jo Fuller, GA; Shara Guarnaccia, NJ; Philmon

Ghirmai Haile, WA; Jane Elizabeth Hamm, OK; Kathleen Shea

Howard, NC; Michael J. Janusa, TX; Evan R. Johnson, IA; and

Matt Jolley, UT.

Tara Marie Kelly, MA; Esther Kofman, CA; Satchel Clay

Kornfeld, OR; Lauren LaVelle, CA; Thomas Lerum, CA; Brian

Licata. NJ; Victoria Linville, TN; Jessica L. Malekos-Smith,

CA; Jill E. Marshall, NY and Tara Mason, MO.

Elizabeth Milner, MS; Elizabeth L. Monsma, CA; Tiana Moore,

CA; Jesse Mark Neugebauer, NE; Kaleigh Elizabeth Nolan, NY;

Courtney Shene Owens, SC; Daniel Pavlovic, CA; Emma Peel, TX;

Jacob William Peeples, MA; Ashley S. Pierce, DC; and Wylee M.

Price, NM.

Miles Pulsford, KY; Andre Renaldo Fernandez, PR; Elizabeth

Ann Reynolds, WA; Yi Ping Caitlin Patricia Roberts, VA; Max

D. Robertson, NC; Jason Oliver Roman, NY; Jeffrey P.

Schumacher, OH; Lea Shipman, AK; Hannah Leigh Shuman, FL; and

Katie Smith, CA.

Feddie Justin Strickland, SC; Lianna Stroster, MI;

Alexandria Christian Templeton, AL; Callie Sioux Tysdal, SD;

Timothy Wainwright, PA; Megan Walden, CA; Nicki Warner, WV;

Gabriel M. Weinstein, MD; Nicole M. Westergaard, IA; and

Kiyan H. Williams, NJ.

To the Page Class of Spring 2008--Thank you and good luck!

I am sure you will pick up several copies of that Record when you go home.

We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the U.S. House of Representatives operate. This group of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is really good about our country.

To become a page, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends and learned the details of how government operates.

As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and for their energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School.

You pages have witnessed the House debate issues of war and peace, hunger and poverty, justice and civil rights. You served this House during a time of war. Many pages have never experienced that. You have seen the awesome responsibility Members of this House have when they vote on that question of war and when they vote on the funding of that war. You have witnessed a great deal of real history.

You have seen Congress at moments of greatness, and you have seen Congress with all its human frailties. You have witnessed the workings of an institution that has endured well over 200 years. No one has seen Congress and Members of the Congress as close up as you have. I am sure that you will consider your time spent in Washington, D.C., to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of your lives, and that with this experience you will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives.

Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House Page Board, I ask my colleagues

to join me in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans. You certainly will be missed. Individually and collectively, you are great. I try to walk by the desk and say hello to you. I see you in the hallway carrying flags or whatever your mission may be. But individually and collectively, you are great.

In closing, I would also like to thank the members of the House Page Board who provided such fantastic service to this institution. Myself as Chair; Congressman Rob Bishop, the Vice Chair; Congresswoman Diana DeGette; Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. One nice thing about the congressional members is we are not only members of the Page Board, but we like one another. We get along really well, and that is very helpful.

We have also the Clerk of the House, Lorraine Miller; we have the Sergeant at Arms, Bill Livingood, as a member; and we have two members who are not directly attached to the House; Ms. Lynn Silversmith Klein, who is the parent of a page, and Mr. Adam Jones, a former page. I want to thank you for your service on the House Page Board. It has been really a great experience for me.

And I want to thank our departing pages. I can really say this: You have influenced us. You have inspired us. We look at you and say most of what we do here is going to affect you more than it affects us. I really have great hope for the future when I look at you. This House I can say because of that is a better House, because of you. I thank you.

I yield first to the Vice Chair of the Page Board, my friend from Utah.

Rob, come forward here.

Thank you very much, Mr. Bishop.

You know, it is interesting. We have friendships across the aisle and we do cooperative things across the aisle. I remember very early in your career here you came up to me and you said, I have an amendment I am going to offer in the Resources Committee, and could I talk to you about it and maybe get your help? I looked at it and it made good sense.

We do that. We do that more than what people realize. I appreciate working with you.

I yield now to the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, the gentleman from Maryland, and a dear friend.

Thank you, Mr. Hoyer.

Much of the joy that I get from serving on the Page Board through the years is the pages. But you have heard the two Republican Members speak, and we indeed are friends and I really enjoy meeting with them. Our meetings, none are bipartisan, they are nonpartisan. The bottom line is you, and they are really friends of mine.

If you will make your concluding remarks, and then I will wrap it up.

Thank you again for all you have done for us, for enriching this body, for, as I say, making myself a better person, making this body a better body. May the riches of God's blessings go with you as you return home. Thank you very much. God bless you.

Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of this legislation.

I was pleased to join Mr. Chandler and Chairman Miller in introducing H.R. 3021, and to work with my chairman and Representatives Loebsack, Andrews, Hare, Holt and McCarthy to introduce the committee substitute. I especially acknowledge Mr. Loebsack's great depth of knowledge and the perseverance he has brought to this bill.

This legislation will bring critically needed resources to schools around the country to provide students, teachers, principals and others with safe, healthy, modern, energy efficient and environmentally friendly learning spaces, and will help our local, State and national economies by creating jobs for thousands of workers to build these improvements.

Some years ago, Madam Chairman, in my district, a Federal judge ordered a jail to be torn down because it was unfit for human habitation. Yet, many local educators told me that jail was in better shape than some of the schools where they work so hard every day on behalf of their students. By providing the resources to ensure that situation never happens again, this bill would send children the message that we truly value every one of them.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Chairman, we're all concerned with fiscal responsibility, but I can recall a tough political vote I took the first year of President George W. Bush. That was on about a $2 trillion tax cut, $2 trillion. That's $2,000 billion. This bill will cost $6.5 billion a year. That tax cut was $2 trillion.

There's various ways we have to be fiscally responsible, and I submit that tax cut, in my humble opinion--and I voted ``no'' on it and went back home and faced some wrath, not that much, though--I voted ``no'' on that because I also have a sense of fiscal responsibility.

Now you talk about IDEA. I think you will concede that no one's been a stronger advocate of full funding for IDEA than myself.

I would be glad to yield.

On that, let me indicate I have a list of groups here who support both full funding of IDEA and support this bill. I will just read a few of them: the American Federation of Teachers, the American Association of School Administrators, the Council of Great City Schools, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Parent-Teacher Association. So these are groups who support both full funding of IDEA and full funding of this.

With that, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), a member of our committee. I thank the gentleman from California for his kind words.

Madam Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time remains on each side.

Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

I yield the gentlelady 30 additional seconds.

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), a member of the committee.

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Mitchell).

I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Madam Chairman, could I ask again how much time each side has remaining.

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Patrick J. Murphy).

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).

(Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

May I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Madam Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, in my congressional district, I have a wide range of schools. I have some schools that were built before I was born, and you can guess maybe how old those schools are. Some of them are in deplorable condition. Then I have some school districts which, thanks to the voters because they are a little better off, they bond and they have really up-to-date school buildings. I have been happy to have been at the ground breaking or the ribbon cutting for those buildings, and the people have certainly done well to bond themselves for that. But there are other school districts that are abjectly poor, their tax base is miserable, and the school buildings are miserable.

Children learn better in decent buildings. And human nature being what it is, good teachers to a great extent are more likely to stay in better buildings.

This bill was wisely based upon the title I formula so those schools that are really stricken in my district now would be able to apply for these grants and, under the title I formula, would be able to receive some Federal dollars to help them replace buildings which I say are worse off than a jail that was torn down in my district because a judge declared it unfit for human habitation.

This is a good bill. It will put dollars where they are most needed to help children learn better. We know they learn better in a better building. I urge support for this bill.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, as the designee of the chairman of the committee, I offer a manager's amendment.

I thank Chairwoman Slaughter and the Rules Committee for their work and for making this amendment in order.

Madam Chairman, this bill would address three critical issues facing our country: closing the achievement gap, boosting the economy by creating thousands of construction jobs, and reducing school energy costs and protecting the environment. This bill provides long overdue investment in public school facilities around the country. And this amendment would improve the bill by ensuring that schools could use these funds for modernizations, renovations, and repairs including green roofs; abatement of polychlorinated biphenyls and mold and mildew; and various security measures.

Highlighting the need for improvements to science and engineering laboratories, libraries, career and technical education facilities, especially those related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to facilitate access to schools by different modes of transportation; strengthening language ensuring charter schools' eligibility for these funds, which was asked for from the other side; expanding local flexibility by adding ``Green Globes'' to the list of green rating systems; adding reporting requirements to ensure local accountability; and clarifying that no funds may be used to employ undocumented workers and requiring that school districts receiving these funds have a policy requiring a criminal background check on their employees.

I want to thank the many Members whose input is reflected in this amendment: Representatives Arcuri, Baird, Crowley, Hastings of Florida, Hooley, Klein of Florida, Lee, Matheson, McCarthy, Mitchell, Patrick Murphy, Richardson, Sutton, Welch, and Wu.

I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.

Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).

Madam Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Richardson).

The gentleman from California suggested that this bill would impose Federal control over local decisions. But, again, representatives of local parents, teachers, principals and superintendents are in strong support of this bill. The Counsel of Great City Schools says it gets these funds to schools with a minimum of red tape. Now they are the ones that are really on the front line. We have our level of expertise here in this Congress on education, but the groups I have mentioned are really on the front lines every day and they see the need out there, and they feel that this bill would distribute these funds for this purpose with a minimum of red tape. I believe that to be the case.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition, although I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

We have looked at the amendment and we feel we can accept it on this side. I would urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

First of all, I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) for his work on this bill and for all his work here in the Congress. He has been a distinguished Member of this Congress, one who loves this institution. And as he goes off in other pursuits, I certainly wish him well.

I look around this Congress, and you see on both sides of the aisle people for whom you have great respect, and he certainly has my respect. His interest in science and technology makes him the natural one to have the expertise in this and apply that to our K-12 schools.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I claim time in opposition, but I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

We've looked over the Reichert amendment and we accept the amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Church's founding. A celebration was held on June 1st in Grand Blanc, Michigan to mark this momentous occasion.

The First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc was founded in 1833 when 26 settlers came together to establish a place of worship. Their guiding beliefs were a dedication to God, religious liberty, belief in the literal translation of the Bible, separation of Church and state, and the autonomy of the local Church.

The 26 individuals were Daniel Williams, Alfred Brainerd, John Tupper, Alden Tupper, Newall Tupper, Harrison Tupper, Alexander Tupper, Phile Miner, John Fritz, Robert Winchell, Philander Williams, Betsy Tupper, Hannah Tupper, Isabelle Tupper, Asenath Brainerd, Sarah Brainerd, Alice Miner, Susanna Fritz, Electa Williams, Sophrona Straw, Almira Phelps, Lovina Gilbert, Sarah Perry, Lovina Williams, Jason Austin, and Eunice Austin. The first meetings were held in a barn and the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc became the first Protestant Church between Pontiac and the Straits of Mackinaw.

Over the years the congregation has grown. The Church was officially dedicated in 1851 and over the years the congregation has expanded the building and facilities to suit the growing needs of the faithful. In addition to the classrooms and dining hall, a new fellowship hall and a 400-seat sanctuary have been added. The Church was named a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1974 and a National Historic Site in 1983.

Under the current leadership of interim pastor, Reverend Darrell Foltz, the congregation continues to work under the principles of vision, faith and courage to meet the challenges of our world. The congregation meets these challenges every day armed with their spiritual guidance and love of God.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc for celebrating their 175th anniversary. The bell that was installed in 1837 continues to ring today calling the faithful to worship. May it continue to ring for another 175 years.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on celebrating 133 years of worship and outreach in Flint, Michigan. On Friday, May 30th the congregation of Quinn Chapel recognized this milestone at a special anniversary program.

Quinn Chapel AME Church has a long tradition in Flint. This tradition began in the home of Mrs. Nancy West, where in 1875 she first opened her doors for prayer services. Quinn Chapel reached out to the community, becoming a positive influence on families looking for opportunity in the early days of Michigan.

As Flint grew, so did Quinn Chapel. In 1877 the congregation moved from Mrs. West's home and into a new location on Seventh Street. A decision was made in 1912 to build a new sanctuary and the brick structure was dedicated in 1922. The music program gained national recognition and the Senior Choir took first place in a national music contest during the 1940s.

When the City of Flint decided to build the municipal center in 1955, Quinn Chapel had to relocate again. The first Church service was held in the new structure on Lippincott Boulevard on December 25, 1960. Bishop Joseph Gomez formally dedicated this sanctuary in 1961.

Designated a Historical Site by the State of Michigan, Quinn Chapel AME Church has fulfilled their African Methodist Episcopal motto, ``God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Man Our Brother.'' Under the leadership of their Pastor, Reverend Stanley U. Sims, the congregation continues to provide the residents of Flint with a place to worship in a faith filled community.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding this community for their dedication to Christian life. For 133 years Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has led services for its members and provided a foundation for the spiritual lives of many in Flint. I pray they will continue their blessed work for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as the congregation celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Church's founding. A celebration was held in Saginaw, Michigan on May 31st in honor of this momentous occasion.

Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1933 by King Wicker, Otha Wicker, Mildred Wicker, Alton Wicker, Margaret Wicker, Jerry Wicker, Odessa Fields, Bobbie Lou Anthony, Irene Blunt, Robert Taylor, and Reverend S.J. Scott. Shortly thereafter Reverend S.J. Elliott became the first appointed pastor and was active in developing and organizing the Saint Luke congregation. Under Reverend Elliott's pastoral guidance Saint Luke built its first Church where members could gather and worship.

In 1955 the congregation was expanding and they began to look for a new home. The prayers and hard work of the membership were successful and they purchased the Church and parsonage on Tuscola Street in June 1958. Through the hard work and generosity of the congregation, the mortgage was paid in full and burned in a joyous celebration on October 19, 1969. Over the years the congregation has added a new organ, a communion rail, a grand piano, a furnace, air conditioning and the Church and parsonage underwent extensive renovation.

While the physical structure of Saint Luke has changed, the congregation of Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has not wavered from its purpose--faith and devotion to God. Under the leadership of Reverend James C. Hendricks, Saint Luke has embraced the motto, ``From Good to Great--Generation of Excellence.'' Through the guidance of Reverend Hendricks, the members are inspired to meet the daily challenges of life with vision and courage.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the clergy, staff and congregation of Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. For 75 years they have brought praise and honor to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and may He continue to bless them for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to Constance Rau as she retires from the Flint Community Schools. A celebration is planned for May 22 to recognize her work and contributions to Flint area youth.

Connie Rau's work with the community began long before Flint Community Schools employed her. From 1975 to 1985 she was a senior therapist with the substance abuse program at Flint Osteopathic Hospital. She became a program manager at Insight Outpatient Chemical Dependency Clinic and then became the director of Children and Adolescent Services with the Genesee County Commission on Substance Abuse Services. It was during this time that Connie also started to write a column in the Flint Journal entitled ``Considering Kids'' and she was an instructor at Mott Community College. She also was an intern field supervisor for several area universities.

As a member of the Flint Community Schools Youth Projects staff, Connie has had tremendous impact on the children of Flint. She was instrumental in organizing several programs that directly benefited the most vulnerable children in the Flint school system. She coordinates two intervention programs for the Genesee County Family Court, the Youth Projects Diversion and the Youth Projects Diversion--Attendance Court. She established the ``Roast and Toast'' fundraiser for student activities, She established the ``Shoes that Fit'' Flint Chapter, the Language Exchange program, and the Teen Female Expo. Working with Quota International of Flint, Connie launched the Cops and Kids program.

Recognized by the Woodrow Stanley Foundation for her work with children, Connie is a co-founder of the Mayor's Committee for National Youth Service Day recognizing the thousands of Community service hours the youth of Flint have contributed to improving the quality of life in their hometown.

In addition to her work with children, Connie is active in Peace Lutheran Church, at various times she has held the positions of Director of Education, Director of Finance, and currently is Director of Stewardship. She is on the Board of Directors for the Intake, Assessment and Referral Center and she is a mentor in the Big Brother, Big Sisters Lunch Buddies program.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Constance Rau as she retires from the Flint Community Schools. She has spent her life devoted to children and has enriched their lives through her work. All will miss her insight, innovative spirit and enthusiasm for her work and community. However, we know that she will always be meaningfully involved.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Eddie Johnson of my hometown, Flint Michigan. Eddie Johnson is a World War II veteran and is part of the Honor Flight Network contingent of veterans traveling to Washington DC to visit the National World War II Memorial.

Eddie Johnson joined the United States Army at the age of 18 on May 21, 1941. He served until January 6, 1946. During his service he taught himself to read and write. He was promoted and became one of the first Black Staff Sergeants in World War II. He was in charge of an Engineering Platoon in the 93rd Division; Company A 318th Engineer Combat Battalion. He served through the Bismarck-Archipelago, New Guinea, and Northern Solomon Campaigns.

He is a Veterans of Foreign Wars--Lifetime Member of the Dr. George Washington Carver Post 3791, Past Post Commander and Member of the American Legion Dorie Miller Post 306. He is honored to have his own display at the Military and Space Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

After his discharge from the Army, Eddie utilized the GI Bill to study tailoring and TV and radio repair. He moved to Flint in 1953 with the intention of starting his own business. Instead, he hired into General Motors V-8 Plant and worked there for 23 years. He went on to become head of security for Genesee County Community Mental Health, worked with the MTA-Your Ride program, and is head of security at Southeast Christian Church. Married to Betty, Eddie has 8 children and 5 step-children. He is the patriarch of a 5 generation family.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Eddie Johnson for his service to our country and his continuing devotion to the memory of his fellow patriots. May we always treasure men and women like Staff Sergeant Eddie Johnson for their sacrifice and fidelity to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2008 Flint Central High School Alumni Association honorees. The eigtht honorees will be recognized at a dinner to be held on May 15 in Flint, Michigan. This year the Alumni Association is honoring Henry Hatter, Lynn Chandnois, Dr. Catrise Austin, Lawrence R. Gustin, Judge Robert E. Weiss, Dean Ludwig, James Beaubien and posthumously Gracie Field.

The distinguished alumni are: Henry Hatter is a member of the class of 1954. Henry worked for Buick Motor Division for 38 years, responsible for the plant-wide waste water environmental program. Active in the Republican Party, Henry served in the Electoral College and will be a 2008 Alternate Delegate at the National Republican Convention.

Lynn Chandnois is a member of the class of 1944. He played professional football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was named ``NFL Player of the Year'' by the Washington Touchdown Club. He has been given the title of ``The Greatest Football Player Flint Ever Produced.''

Dr. Catrise Austin graduated from Central High School in 1988. Through her medical practice, VIP SMILES, she specializes in treating entertainers and persons in the public eye. She has been named as one of America's top dentists by Consumers Research Council of America.

Lawrence R. Gustin graduated in 1955. Larry worked for the Flint Journal for 23 years. He published three award winning books and created the Flint Journal Picture History of Flint. During his time working for Buick public relations he started the magazine, ``Inside Buick.''

Judge Robert E. Weiss is a member of the class of 1956. Judge Weiss served as Special Litigation Counsel in the Watergate Civil Proceedings. He went on to be elected as Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney from 1979 to 1993. He was a Genesee County Probate Judge in the Family Division when he was appointed the Chief Judge in 2006.

The distinguished educators are: Dean Ludwig was Flint Central High School's principal from 1984 to 1995. He began his career at Flint Central High School teaching Social Studies. He was Assistant Principal at Flint Central High School before taking the helm at Whittier Junior High School. He assumed the position of Principal at Flint Central in 1984.

Jim Beaubien began his career with the Flint Schools in 1963. He served as the Flint Central Community School Director for many years, organizing after school activities for students and the community at large. He served as the school's Principal from 1998 to 2002.

Gracie Field is being honored posthumously. She was the school's English Literature teacher for approximately 50 years. She sponsored the English Club, the Shakespeare Club and was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts. She devoted her life to bringing the words of great English writers to her students.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these distinguished alumni and educators. May their lives and dedication be an inspiration to the current and future students of Flint Central High School.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Illustrious Potentate of the Oman Temple No. 72, Ronald Reece, Sr. Ronald was feted at the 52nd Annual Potentate Ball held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on Saturday, May 10.

Ronald Reece, Sr., moved to Saginaw, Michigan, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1961. He attended Arthur Hill Technical High School where he was captain of the track and basketball teams. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1972 and started working at Saginaw Steering Gear in September of that year. He retired from his inspector position in July 1996.

Active in the community, Ronald is a motivational speaker for youth working with churches and organizations. He created the ``Dick and Jane Saving System'' and was recognized as an African-American Man of Distinction in 1997 for his work helping minorities achieve a brighter future. In 1998, Ronald and his wife, Barbara, received the Community Leadership Award for their work at the First Ward Community Center. They have received many awards for their involvement with various organizations in Saginaw and Buena Vista and they are contributors to the Buena Vista High Scholarship Commission. Ronald and Barbara have been married for 35 years and have five sons: Ronald Jr., Shannon (deceased), Kieston, London, and Ju'Neil.

The Oman Temple No. 72--A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Incorporated, has benefited over the years from Ronald's leadership and dedication. Under the Prince Hall affiliation, Ronald has held the positions of Worshipful Master of H. York Harrison Lodge #32 in Saginaw; Past 2nd Lieutenant of Saginaw Valley Consistory #71, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; and Past Thrice Potent Master--Flint Lodge of Perfection #71. He currently serves as Thrice Illustrious Master--Omega Council #30, Royal and Select Masters; Captain General--Tri City Commandery #19, Knights Templar; and Captain--Flint Chapter #17, Holy Royal Arch Masons.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to applaud the life and work of Ronald Reece, Sr. May he continue to serve the community for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to E. Yvonne Lewis as she is elevated to Supervisor of Women for the Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ. A banquet will be held in her honor on April 28th in Flint Michigan.

E. Yvonne Lewis grew up in Saginaw Michigan. Her parents, the late Drs. Hurley J. and Martha Coleman founded the Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ in Saginaw. As the 5th of 11 children, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Ferris State University, and from the University of Michigan-Flint a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Community Psychology degree and a Masters of Health Education degree. She is the mother of 3: Tiffanie, Tanya and Maurice.

She is now a member of the Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. After receiving her license as an Evangelist of the Church of God in Christ in 1978, E. Yvonne became the Coordinator of the National Church of God in Christ Young Ladies for Scholastic Motivations, of the Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention. She also served as an active member of the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southwest Michigan under the leadership of Bishop Earl J. Wright Sr. and Mother Francis Curtis.

Bishop Roger L. Jones selected her in 2007 to become the Supervisor- Elect for Women in the Michigan Southeast Jurisdiction. In this role she will serve as the leader of women and work closely with Bishop Jones guiding the Church through the coming year.

E. Yvonne Lewis is the Executive Director of Faith Access to Community Economic Development. She serves on the boards of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, the Michigan Cancer Consortium, Co-Founder and Past Chair of the National Community Committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Research Centers, founding member and Past Chair of the Caucus of Public Health and the Faith Community of the American Public Health Association, and the Advisory Board for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating E. Yvonne Lewis as she is elevated to the position of Supervisor of Women. May Christ continue to bless her in her work and leadership for many, many years to come.