Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Ronald Boehm on the occasion of his installation as Commander of the Fourth District of Illinois American Legion.

Ronald Boehm served as Commander of American Legion McKinley Post 231 eight times and his exemplary service is a model of leadership and devotion. In the summer of 2007, Commander Boehm conceptualized and aided in the construction of a beautiful and moving monument to all war veterans, especially those from Post 231 who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. This monument sits outside the McKinley Post and is visible to all who pass by on 35th Street.

In 2001, as Commander, Ronald Boehm led a fundraising effort for the widows and orphans of policemen and firefighters. The fundraiser was a great success and amassed over $10,000 for the cause.

Even outside of his work with the American Legion, Ronald Boehm has dedicated his life to the service of others, and recently retired after 40 years as a Chicago firefighter. His outstanding civic service was recognized this year by the McKinley Park Civic Association, which named Ronald Boehm ``Man of the Year.''

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the years of exceptional service and dedication of Commander Ronald Boehm. We acknowledge his service to our nation and to his community, and we congratulate his well-deserved installation as Fourth District Commander.

Madam Speaker, a year ago we heard that the world financial system was on the verge of collapse. Congress was given a $700 billion Wall Street bailout plan that we were told was needed to avert catastrophe. After studying the legislation, I decided it contained too many loopholes and provided no guarantee that middle class Americans would be helped by this huge expenditure of their hard- earned money.

One year ago today, I stood here and voted against the bailout bill, and it failed. Unfortunately, later that week the Senate passed it, and it then passed the House on the second try. The bill had gotten no better; so I reluctantly voted against that bill again.

I believed it was the right thing to do then, and I am even more convinced of that today. Much of what I feared would happen if we passed the bailout has come to pass.

We still don't know what the banks have done with the billions they were given. Executives at firms the taxpayers propped up have taken home huge paychecks. Foreign banks wound up receiving taxpayer money. And, most importantly, unemployment has skyrocketed and is expected to go higher.

Last week I joined 28 of my colleagues in calling on the Treasury Department to end the bailout program and stop more taxpayer money from being misspent. A year after Wall Street's recklessness brought the economy to its knees, little has been done to reform the financial system and prevent another such crisis. That must change. We cannot permit the financial industry to continue to live by the slogan ``heads, we win; tails, the taxpayers lose.''

For the time being, the markets appear to have stabilized, but that is little comfort to the millions of Americans who are out of work or have seen their wages and hours cut, or are wondering if their next day on the job will be their last. They are among the innocent victims of this recession.

There is still great anger about what happened with the bailout and the

reckless and misguided actions that caused the problems in the financial industry that led to the pain felt by middle class Americans. I continue to hear about it from my constituents, no matter where they live in my district, what their profession is, or their age.

One constituent I spoke with last month is more well known than most of my constituents, but he echoed a similar sentiment when it came to the bailout and what we need in America today. Dennis DeYoung, lead singer and songwriter for Styx, pointed me to a song he wrote and sang 30 years ago. That song, ``Rockin' the Paradise,'' appeared on the album ``Paradise Theater,'' which went to number one on the charts. It was recorded in a studio in Oak Lawn in my district. Thirty years later, as our country continues to reel from the consequences of the greed of some, the lyrics are as relevant as ever:

``Don't need no fast buck, lame duck profits for fun, quick trick plans, take the money and run. We need long term, slow burn, getting it done, and some straight-talking, hardworking son of a gun.''

The song goes on:

``I ain't lookin' to fight, but I know with determination, we can challenge the schemers who cheat all the rules.

``Come on take pride, be wise, spottin' the fools. No big shots, crackpots bending the rules. A fair shot here for me and for you.''

That is what Americans want, to know that when they work hard, they'll not get cheated by the ``big shots'' and the ``crackpots.''

It's long past time that we ``challenge the schemers who cheat all the rules.'' That is what my constituents want. That is what all hardworking Americans want us to do in Washington. They want to hear ``straight talk.'' They want to see us ``getting it done'' so that they have a ``fair shot'' at the American Dream.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Richard Parish in Chicago, Illinois. Saint Richard Parish is hosting its tenth annual Salute to Veterans on Sunday, September 27, 2009.

This celebration, which honors all veterans living and deceased, was started ten years ago by a group of veterans led by Joseph Pierce, William Izquierdo, George Vescovi, and Daniel Costa. All members of the community have been invited to join in honoring the men and women who served our country in the past and those who continue to serve today.

Veterans groups and organizations from throughout the community will come together for this special celebration, which will include a Mass to be followed by a program honoring veterans. I look forward to the honor and privilege of participating in this event for our brave veterans.

Prior to the service, a special ceremony will be held in remembrance of all who have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, including Pfc. Omar Torres, a member of the parish who was killed in Iraq in 2007.

I ask you to join me in honoring the members of St. Richard for their civic dedication and the veterans who will be celebrated for their incredible and selfless service to our nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Ronald Boehm on the occasion of his installation as Commander of American Legion William McKinley Post 231.

Ronald Boehm has served as Commander of Post 231 eight times and his exemplary service is a model of leadership and devotion. In the summer of 2007, Commander Boehm aided in the construction of a beautiful and moving monument to all war veterans, especially those from Post 231 who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. This monument sits outside the McKinley Post and is visible to all who pass by on 35th Street.

In 2001, as Commander, Ronald Boehm led a fundraising effort for the widows and orphans of policemen and firefighters. The fundraiser was a great success and amassed over $10,000 for the cause.

Even outside of his work with the American Legion, Ronald Boehm has dedicated his life to the service of others, and recently retired after 40 years as a Chicago firefighter. His outstanding civic service was recognized this year by the McKinley Park Civic Association, which named Ronald Boehm ``Man of the Year.''

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the years of exceptional service and dedication of Commander Ronald Boehm. We acknowledge his service to our nation and to his community, and we express our gratitude.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edwin and Jean Krupa on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Jean worked in my Congressional District Office for years, and her dedicated service and hard work made her both a valuable asset and someone who is a pleasure to know.

The love and dedication required through 50 years of marriage are truly worth celebrating. I am pleased to recognize them on this milestone, and wish them a continued life of adventures and fond memories.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jean Krupa and her husband Edwin Krupa on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 285, and urge its immediate adoption. This resolution, introduced by friend and home state colleague, Chair of the House Baltic Caucus, Congressman John Shimkus, congratulates the people of the Republic of Lithuania on the one thousandth anniversary of their country, celebrates the rich history of this nation and its people, and highlights the valuable relations Lithuania maintains with the United States.

As Co-Chair of the Central and Eastern European Caucus, and representative of a large Lithuanian community, I have a special pride in being a cosponsor of this measure, and rising in its support. The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, which is a major player in Lithuanian cultural life and scholarship in the United States, is located in my district. And Chicago is home to more Lithuanians outside their native home than any other location.

As few know, the name ``Lithuania'' first appeared in Europe in the year 1009--a historical timeline unfathomable to many Americans. The state of Lithuania was established as early as 1236, and became at times the largest country in Europe. The modern establishment of Lithuania as a sovereign and democratic state occurred in 1918.

While Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia, were forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, this did not diminish Lithuanians' national pride, their valor or spirit. Despite Soviet persecution and barbaric assaults on their freedoms, Lithuanians persisted, aided by the support and prayers of millions of Lithuanians in the United States and elsewhere.

In 1990, after decades of oppression and occupation, Lithuania became the first Soviet-controlled republic to break away and declare its independence.

Since that time, Lithuania has developed into a free and democratic society. Its free market economy has experienced strong growth, and has joined the United States in pursuing knowledge-driven opportunities, including biotechnology and other high-tech sectors.

The United States has and continues to maintain a strong and positive relationship with Lithuania. Our nations have held 85 years of continuous diplomatic relations. Lithuania has supported international peace and security efforts, and has contributed to civilian and military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Georgia, and elsewhere, for which the United States government is highly appreciative.

In that vein, I would like to extend the warmest congratulations to Ms. Dalia Grybauskaite, who was elected as the new President of Lithuania in May of this year with over two-thirds of the vote. The first female President of Lithuania, Ms. Grybauskaite was sworn in on July 11, 2009. A former European Union Budget Commissioner, finance commissioner in Lithuania and a diplomat in Lithuania's U.S. Embassy, I congratulate her and wish President Grybauskaite success in her new role.

I look forward to joining my constituents and other Chicago-area Lithuanians in celebrating this 1000th anniversary in September. Lietuviu Dienos Chicago 2009, a community celebration led by Mr. Andrew Bucas--owner of Grand Duke's Lithuanian restaurant--and the Chicago Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania, will be held at Summit Park, in the Village of Summit located in my district, on September 20, 2009. Prominent Lithuanian-American Joe Kulys has been instrumental in organizing this celebration and has been a key leader in the Lithuanian-American community.

I wish Lithuanians and Lithuanian-Americans alike the best wishes and hearty congratulations in the celebration of 1000 years of Lithuanian history and progress.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Located in Cook County, just outside Chicago and in my district, Brookfield Zoo has consistently been a leader in cutting edge animal science, zoo management and education programs. The zoo has been and will continue to be a wonderful resource for the people of metropolitan Chicago, the State of Illinois and beyond. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Brookfield Zoo on the occasion this distinguished anniversary.

Brookfield Zoo, owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, has a stated mission to ``inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife.'' It plays host to 2.1 million visitors annually, and cares for 3000 animals representing 450 different animal species.

Brookfield Zoo first opened to the public in 1934. Following the overwhelming approval of a referendum by the people of Cook County, construction began on the Zoo in 1926. While the onset of the Great Depression hindered progress, the federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) assisted in completing construction of the Zoo, and today many of the original, historic CWA buildings remain in use at the Zoo.

Brookfield Zoo has been an innovative leader among zoos. Notably, the zoo was one of the first ``bar-less'' zoos in North America. A revolution among zoos began in Europe in 1900, where cramped cages were disdained in favor of spacious enclosures, surrounded by moats and landscaped in natural settings. This was based on the belief that 'animals should be exhibited in as near natural conditions as possible', for the benefit of both the animal and the viewing public. Brookfield Zoo was designed with this modern concept in mind, and creatively overcame the challenges involved in maintaining safe, cageless environments in the northern climate of Chicago. Today, exhibits maintain their modern approach through a focus on ecosystems, incorporating native plants into animals' habitats.

Another ``first'' was the creation of a specific Children's Playground at the Zoo in 1937, which was later formalized into the Children's Zoo in 1953. This facility provided children not only with a location to play, but also enabled them to interact with animals, including goats, ducks, and lambs. Following the successful development of these facilities, Brookfield Zoo became the first zoo in North America to exhibit giant pandas in 1937, to breed black rhinos (1941) and okapi (1959) in captivity, and created the first inland ``Dolphinarium'' in 1960. It was also among the first to open a zoo animal hospital and to launch animal nutrition programs.

Just like millions of others, I have fond memories of Brookfield Zoo from my childhood. Growing up in Chicago, I was a member of the zoo for many years when I was in grade school and high school. It was a fun and safe place to go at all times of the year. Although I did not think about it at the time, I received a great education at Brookfield Zoo, including learning about not only animals and habitats around the world, but also the environment and environmental stewardship.

Education is something that Brookfield Zoo is strongly committed to. Last year, 250,000 students participated in school field trips to Brookfield Zoo, and more than 1,700 teachers participated in training and certification programs there as well. Facilities such as Brookfield Zoo are important sources of informal

science education, which can develop interest among children in future technological and scientific scholarship and careers. Brookfield Zoo has a remarkable research and professional training program organized under the Center for the Science of Animal Well-Being. Through the Chicago Zoological Society, field programs are sponsored and undertaken, now including long-term research on bottle nose dolphins, western lowland gorillas, and African lions, among other species.

I would like to commend Brookfield Zoo, as well as the Chicago Zoological Society, on their successful completion of 75 years of operation, and their continuing efforts to promote conservation leadership through education, research and family enjoyment. Congratulations on this notable anniversary, and I wish Brookfield Zoo and its dedicated staff and leadership many more years of success, effective research, and valuable education and outreach.

I want to thank Chairman Skelton for accepting my amendment.

My amendment encourages DOD to act to recover the remains of 564 brave men who died in the Battle of Tarawa but are still unaccounted for. In 1943, 1,100 servicemen were lost in 76 hours as this island was taken from the Japanese. The violence and speed of the battle resulted in makeshift graves that are now missing. Acting now to find and relocate the bodies is particularly important because development on the small island threatens the search. Most importantly, retired Marine William Niven has recently documented the likely locations of many of the unaccounted-for remains. History Flight has also used ground- penetrating radar to find remains. But unfortunately DOD has no plans to conduct new research. I would like to commend Chicago Alderman James Balcer, a decorated Vietnam Marine, for his leadership on this issue.

I would like to insert into the Record a resolution passed in the Chicago City Council, urging action on the recovery of our brave servicemen on Tarawa.

Whereas, On November 20, 1943, the 2nd Division of the

United States Marine Corps and a part of the Army's 27th

Infantry Division fought in one of the bloodiest battles of

World War II on the Pacific atoll of Tarawa; and

Whereas, The American invasion force, consisting of 17

aircraft carriers, 12 battleships, 8 heavy and 4 light

cruisers, 66 destroyers, and 36 transports, the largest

American force that had ever been assembled for a single

operation in the war, stormed the Japanese-held island

fortress of Betio on the atoll; and

Whereas, During the 76 hours of fierce combat, 1,106 United

States Marines were killed in action and over 2,200 were

wounded in an operation that decimated over 4,500 Japanese

defenders; and

Whereas, The 2nd Marine Division buried their dead in 43

temporary graveyards, recorded their location and departed

Tarawa the following month; and

Whereas, Military records indicate that the surface of the

island of Betio was subsequently graded by the United States

Navy during the war, and temporary grave markers were

replaced with proper ones; and

Whereas, However, when the United States Army went to

Tarawa after the end of the war to reclaim the bodies, it

recovered only 402 bodies, apparently because many of the

replacement markers were incorrectly located; and

Whereas, In addition to the 402 reclaimed bodies, 118 of

those Marines killed in action at Tarawa were buried at sea

and 88 were listed as missing in action during the war,

leaving the bodies of nearly 500 Marines killed in action

unaccounted for; and

Whereas, Recently a not-for-profit organization called

History Flight began an endeavor to determine the location of

the missing remains of the Marines, spending thousands of

hours researching military archives, and visiting Betio to

conduct interviews and to employ a firm to conduct tests with

ground-penetrating radar; and

Whereas, The research produced results that found the

remains of some missing Marines on Betio and found strong

evidence that, although some of the bodies have been

accidently disinterred since World war II, more bodies of the

Marines who died on Betio can be recovered if the United

States Government dedicates resources to this recovery

effort; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City

Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-second

day of April, 2009, do hereby urge the United States Congress

to pass legislation appropriating necessary funds to the

United States Department of Defense so that it may recover

the missing bodies of the Marines who were killed in the

battle of Tarawa and who remain buried on the island of

Betio, and to relocate the bodies in accordance with the

wishes of the Marines' families; and we do hereby urge the

President of the United States to approve such legislation

when it is passed by the Congress; and be it

Further Resolved, That copies of this resolution be

delivered to the President of the United States, the United

States Secretary of Defense, the President pro tempore of the

United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House

of Representatives, and each member of the Illinois

congressional delegation.

James A. Balcer,

Alderman, 11th Ward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Francine Lagocki, Principal of Saint Richard School in recognition of her career of devoted service. Sister Lagocki's retirement at the end of the 2009 school year will mark the end of nearly seven decades of selfless service to our nation's youth. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sister Lagocki's outstanding commitment to educational excellence. Sister Lagocki embodies the positive influence that teachers and school administrators can be on students every day across this great country.

In Sister Lagocki's accomplished career as an educator, she served as a classroom teacher in three parish schools before becoming assistant principal at Good Council High School. Sister Lagocki then served as principal of St. Mary School and St. Roman School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before returning to Illinois to serve as Principal for St. Wenceslas in Chicago, and then finally St. Richard School on the Southwest Side.

St. Richard School is a Catholic school that serves the parish community and is both an expression of and a witness to the faith of its people. Believing that a child's development best occurs within the framework of a positive and structured environment, St. Richard School offers innovative and high quality educational programs. The aim of these programs is to challenge each student while teaching basic skills, within a Christian atmosphere where mutual respect, order, and values are high priorities.

It is my honor to recognize Sister Francine Lagocki, who served as an example of one of the best in K-8 school leadership and helped foster a greater understanding of the principal's key role in meeting the challenging responsibility of educating children.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act. This legislation takes great steps to enhance the ability of TSA to secure our skies, rail lines, and roads and to protect the Americans that rely on these transportation systems daily.

I am especially pleased H.R. 2200 contains a provision to help provide flight attendants with the self defense training needed to keep the traveling public safe.

Mr. Chair, for years, flight attendants across the country have raised concerns over the lack of self defense training provided by carriers. Adequate self defense training for flight attendants will increase the ability of flight attendants to work together to manage a potentially threatening situation. And because a flight attendant's main objective during an attack is to slow it down so the aircraft can land safely and quickly, self defense training is just common sense.

I would also like to point out this bill simply takes the first step in providing flight attendants with much needed self defense training. The legislation requires one day of five hour training every other year. The cost associated with this additional training--which could occur in conjunction with existing safety training programs--is a small price to pay for increased aviation security.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. I would like to commend Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello for their excellent leadership on this bill and for their continued dedicated service on transportation issues.

H.R. 915 contains a number of critical provisions that will not only upgrade and modernize our nation's air transportation system, but will significantly enhance and expand protections for consumers and the environment.

As a member of the Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, I was especially pleased to work with the Chairmen and others to write a number of these pro-consumer/pro-environment provisions, which include: holding airlines more accountable for delayed passenger bags, requiring airports to consider implementing recycling programs, establishing a federal research center to develop alternative jet fuels, funding research to eliminate the use of lead in aviation gas, and requiring an open, competitive process for airport projects with the use of QBS.

Additionally, I am pleased the bill will take a close look at the impact of airline antitrust immunity on competition and then require DOT to adjust its existing policies accordingly.

Mr. Chair, this long overdue bill will ensure that America's air transportation system remains the finest and safest in the world. And I am proud to have been able to work on and include provisions that will protect passengers, taxpayers, and the environment.

I would again like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello for their hard work on this legislation and urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Village of Oak Lawn, Illinois as it celebrates its centennial. Throughout its history, the Village of Oak Lawn has strived to embody the best qualities of its residents, and in doing so has served commendably as a great place to work, shop, raise a family, and retire.

Beginning with its first settler in 1842, the Village of Oak Lawn has prospered through the years. Symbolic of the ever-expanding United States, 1881 saw the laying of the railroad tracks that connected the area to the world. The railroad and the subsequent railway stations, telegraph office, and post office laid the groundwork for a population that grew to include churches, schools, and 300 residents by the early 1900's. Oak Lawn's growing population, coupled with concerns about autonomy from the City of Chicago and the promise of a much-desired gas pipe, motivated the Village to incorporate in 1909. The hard work of the men and women of Oak Lawn led to the development of a fire department, library, park district and more schools by the mid 1940's. Village population boomed to 27,000 by the 1960's, only to have Oak Lawn rocked by a major tornado in 1967. Undeterred by that devastating event, Oak Lawn grew to its current size of 57,000 by the 1970's.

Today, the Village of Oak Lawn is a successful, bustling community well-positioned to continue its prosperity in the 21st century. The Village employs 400 people in an official capacity and boasts a fantastic parks system, a state of the art library, and over 300 acres of parks and recreational facilities. Oak Lawn's excellent education system lays the groundwork for the success and development of future generations, boasting many excellent public schools and five Catholic grammar schools. Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital are located in Oak Lawn, providing some of the most acclaimed pediatrics, cardiology, surgical services, oncology, women's services and emergency medicine in the area. And the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn serves countless children from across the region who come to learn, grow, and have fun.

From the first resident in 1842 to the current 57,000 residents, citizens of the Village of Oak Lawn have shown grit, determination, and a commitment to excellence and have continued to grow a vibrant community in suburban Cook County.

I am proud to have in the 3rd District of Illinois such a strong example of what makes the United States great. May these first one hundred years be only the beginning. I ask my colleagues to rise with me to recognize the history and achievements of the residents of Oak Lawn as the Village celebrates its centennial anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Richard M. Scheck of North Riverside, Illinois. Richard Scheck will be retiring in April after having given 20 years of dedicated public service as the mayor of North Riverside.

Richard Scheck was first elected to his post as mayor in 1989. He has garnered statewide recognition for his excellent record of financial management and achievement, effective communication with residents and businesses, and earnest work for the health and well-being of the North Riverside community. I have been honored to work with Mayor Scheck on numerous issues to help our constituents. Richard Scheck has been a true public servant, selflessly giving his time and energy to his community while also running a successful engineering company. Through his 20 years as mayor, he has made North Riverside an even better place to live.

Richard Scheck has also been very successful in his philanthropic work to raise money to fight breast cancer. Through the ``Betty Scheck Walk for Cancer,'' the ``Betty Scheck Shuffle,'' and other fundraisers, he has helped raise over $1.2 million for the American Cancer Society. And in 2007, Seguin Services--which helps children and adults with disabilities--awarded Richard Scheck the President's Award for ``his support as a community leader, a donor, an employer, a connector and as an inspiration to others.''

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the many achievements of Mayor Richard M. Scheck. It is my honor to acknowledge him for his outstanding leadership and commitment to public service in the Village of North Riverside and the Third Congressional District of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Richard M. Scheck of North

Riverside, Illinois. Richard Scheck will be retiring in April after having given 20 years of dedicated public service as the mayor of North Riverside.

Richard Scheck was first elected to his post as mayor in 1989. He has garnered statewide recognition for his excellent record of financial management and achievement, effective communication with residents and businesses, and earnest work for the health and wellbeing of the North Riverside community. I have been honored to work with Mayor Scheck on numerous issues to help our constituents. Richard Scheck has been a true public servant, selflessly giving his time and energy to his community while also running a successful engineering company. Through his 20 years as mayor, he has made North Riverside an even better place to live.

Richard Scheck has also been very successful in his philanthropic work to raise money to fight breast cancer. Through the ``Betty Scheck Walk for Cancer,'' the ``Betty Scheck Shuffle,'' and other fundraisers, he has helped raise over $1.2 million for the American Cancer Society. And in 2007, Seguin Services--which helps children and adults with disabilities--awarded Richard Scheck the President's Award for ``his support as a community leader, a donor, an employer, a connector and as an inspiration to others.''

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the many achievements of Mayor Richard M. Scheck. It is my honor to acknowledge him for his outstanding leadership and commitment to public service in the Village of North Riverside and the Third Congressional District of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Gene Pingatore for his outstanding and inspirational career as head coach of the St. Joseph High School boys basketball team in Westchester, Illinois, as well as to recognize his achievement as the all-time winningest boy's basketball coach in Illinois high school history.

Always considered one of the most fabled coaches in the storied history of Illinois basketball, Coach Pingatore's legacy reached a new level on January 16th, 2009 when his St. Joseph's squad faced Carmel Catholic High School. Their 49-26 victory gave Pingatore his record- breaking 827th win as a head basketball coach in Illinois.

What especially sets Gene Pingatore apart, however, is not his incredible record but rather his winning philosophy and his perseverance. His legendary program was not built overnight. In 1969- 1970, Pingatore only managed three wins in his first season as a coach. The next year St. Joseph's managed seven wins, and Coach Pingatore only enjoyed 3 winning seasons in his first 7 seasons. Coming through that difficult stretch, however, Pingatore's work ethic and undeniable coaching ability spawned a dynasty. Since 1976, St. Joseph's has only suffered once losing season.

Only two other coaches in Illinois men's basketball history have passed the elusive 800 win barrier. Even before setting the all-time wins mark, Pingatore's outstanding accomplishments were recognized by the East Suburban Catholic Conference as they made him a member of their inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2006.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Gene Pingatore for the positive role model that he is to the young men of St. Joseph High School and for his continuing commitment to excellence from his players, both on and off the court. As the Representative of the 3rd District of Illinois, I would like to say that we are proud to be home to the state's winningest coach, in every sense of the word.