Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality (YCFE) for twenty years of striving for a more equal society. Their efforts enrich the lives of Michigan residents through their grassroots activism.

The Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality was formed in 1998 to protect the rights of all Ypsilanti residents. Later that year, the city passed a human rights ordinance that protected against discrimination based on `race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.' The ordinance protected from a wide range of discrimination including in jobs, labor unions, and access to houses, goods and services. Despite passing handily in 1998, opposition groups set out to overturn it, and YCFE stood strong against these efforts. Their grassroots organizing garnered a victory and the anti- discrimination initiative was upheld.

Although the fight against the 1998 overturn proposal took place 20 years ago, members of the original Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality continue to live in southeast Michigan today and promote ideals of equality and equal opportunity for all. As we gather tonight to celebrate their continued dedication to standing up against divisiveness, we honor the bravery and courage of our friends and neighbors.

May we all learn from their actions and continue their work in our own communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me celebrating the 1998 landmark victory in protecting the civil liberties of all Ypsilanti residents. We are grateful for the courageous Michigan residents that spoke out and stood up against hatred in all forms and continue to do so today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities (LAHC) as they celebrate their 30th Annual Awards Gala. Their efforts enrich the lives of countless Michigan residents through their programming.

LAHC was founded in 1982 as an athletic organization in Dearborn, Michigan with the mission of providing community members with a way to connect with neighbors and exercise. As Dearborn's Arab American population grew through the 1980s and 1990s, LAHC realized its potential and expanded to serve the needs of the fast-growing community. The organization's leaders made the decision to shift from a health-centered organization to one that focused on the Dearborn community and initiatives that spread awareness of Arab culture. After receiving continuous feedback from community members, LAHC realized the importance of promoting education and now has a rich network of local sponsors and scholarships that aid students throughout their educational journey while simultaneously supporting local medical initiatives.

As LAHC grew in influence and size, the organization expanded its programming to focus on three main tenets: education, public health and human services. The organization has provided 1,200 students over $1.3 million in educational scholarships as well as local mentors for graduating seniors. LAHC also works closely with schools in southeastern Michigan to empower children to take control of their own health by offering cooking and fitness classes in local schools. Over the years, LAHC has grown in size and influence due to the positive impact it has made on southeast Michigan residents. It is proud to offer food assistance, clothing and temporary shelter, as well as translation services to community members. Leaders Advancing and Healing Communities has bettered southeast Michigan through its members' empathetic and dedicated leadership. We are grateful for their 30 years of service and look forward to their public service in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities as they celebrate 30 years of service to our southeast Michigan community. Their work in our local community has had a tremendous impact and helped improve the lives of countless Michigan residents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Fred Martin for his life of distinguished public service. His efforts have forever changed Michigan and made it a more inclusive and prosperous state.

A lifelong Michigan resident, Mr. Martin was passionate about serving others. He was a member of the United States Army from 1944 to 1946, serving during World War II in Europe and the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged with a Bronze Battle Star and returned home to Michigan to attend college. Mr. Martin received his Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts Education as well as his Master's Degree in Education in Administration in 1954. He then spent 27 years working for Detroit Public Schools in various positions including as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Executive Director of the Office of Personnel and Deputy Superintendent. From there, he went on to serve the City of Detroit as Mayor Coleman Young's Chief of Staff, a position that allowed him to work on policies that meaningfully impacted the city that he loved.

As an African American leader, Mr. Martin worked to establish the Society of Black Educational Administrators and served as the organization's first president. It was through his work there that he established tenets to eradicate racism from Detroit Public Schools and worked with state and local leaders to open lines of communication. Through his work as Mayor Young's Chief of Staff, Mr. Martin increased the number of minority and female firefighters in the City of Detroit, vastly lowered the average response time of 911 emergency calls and coordinated food and shelter for Detroit's homeless population during the cold winters. Mr. Fred Martin spent his whole life working to better the city of Detroit and succeeded in changing public discourse and processes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Fred Martin. By all accounts, he lived a deeply meaningful life and will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the day of First Lady Betty Ford's 100th birthday. Her lifetime of work bettered the lives of countless Americans.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1918, Elizabeth ``Betty'' Ford moved to Michigan as a young girl and worked various jobs to help her family make ends meet during the Great Depression. At the age of 11, she earned money by modeling, working with disabled children, and dancing, which became a lifelong passion of hers. Mrs. Ford moved back to Grand Rapids after taking dance classes and performing in New York City. That was where she met her eventual husband, Gerald Ford, a World War II veteran and practicing lawyer. After her husband was elected to his first term as a Member of Congress, the Fords moved out east, where they'd live for over 20 years as he served 13 terms in the House of Representatives. After being appointed as Vice President in 1973 under President Richard Nixon after the resignation of Spiro Agnew; Mr. Ford assumed the presidency in 1974 and served until 1977. Mrs. Ford was a beloved First Lady of the United States, known for her genuine passion for the causes she championed and her love for her four children: Michael Gerald Ford, John ``Jack'' Gardner Ford, Steven Meigs Ford, and Susan Elizabeth Ford.

As First Lady, Mrs. Ford was an advocate for women's rights and was at the forefront of the women's movement in the 1970s. She was unabashed in her belief that every American deserves to receive equal treatment in the workplace and public landscape and was named Time Woman of the Year in 1975 for her efforts. She was always honest and candidly refreshing for the political arena. Other causes that the First Lady notably championed included the arts and breast cancer awareness. She spoke openly about her mastectomy when in the White House and went on to be very blunt about alcohol and opioid drugs and helped found the Betty Ford Center. Her courage and support helped numerous people with their journey of addiction and recovery. On what would be her 100th birthday, her legacy remains; Mrs. Ford was a strong, blunt, tenacious, real and courageous leader whose spirit continues to this day to inspire women and men alike to stand up for what they believe in.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mrs. Betty Ford's contributions

to our country throughout her life. She was a notable advocate for women, children, and health, and our country is better due to her life's work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate University of Michigan-Dearborn Chancellor Daniel Little for his 18 years of distinguished service as he retires. He has provided the university with exemplary leadership throughout his tenure.

Mr. Daniel Little received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Illinois in 1971 and went on to receive his PhD in philosophy from Harvard University in 1977. He has a long-held interest in social sciences and focused his studies on economic justice and social interactions. Before coming to the University of Michigan- Dearborn, Chancellor Little served in various positions at universities across the country. He served as a professor at Colgate, Bucknell, Wellesley College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Afterwards, he served in leadership positions including Associate Dean of the Faculty at Colgate University and most recently as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bucknell University before making the move to Michigan.

Chancellor Little entered his position at UM-Dearborn in July 2000 with the passion to expand enrollment and cultivate a close campus

culture. With his background in philosophy, Chancellor Little has had creative ideas that have led to the University's continued success and growth. Minority enrollment has increased to 26 percent, and the campus has open conversations with students, faculty, and visiting guests on how to create an inclusive campus environment. The campus has received awards for Little's work in building an inclusive and diverse student body, including honors from The Urban League of Detroit & Southeast Michigan, New Detroit, and the Western Wayne County NAACP. Looking ahead to the future, Chancellor Little hopes the University will continue in his legacy of building partnerships with community organizations, expanding the University's dorm capabilities and reaching students from all backgrounds. We are grateful for his 18 years of service and look forward to seeing his positive impact on our Southeast Michigan community in his next role.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chancellor Daniel Little for his remarkable tenure at the University of Michigan-- Dearborn. His passion and outstanding leadership have bettered the University for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as National Arab American Heritage Month. Arab Americans throughout southeast Michigan and the entire country embody the best of America through their work ethic and contributions to our communities.

It is always an honor to recognize April as National Arab American Heritage Month and celebrate the community's diversity of creed, values and faith that strengthen America's democracy. With almost four million Arab Americans living in the United States, it is important that we take the time to honor the momentous contributions made by these individuals. Arab Americans have greatly impacted the American way of life across a variety of fields, including education, business and government. Those of us in southeast Michigan know that whether they are a business owner, lawyer or factory worker, these individuals make our community a better place to live and raise a family.

Michigan's 12th District contains Dearborn, Michigan, which is home to the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and it is a distinct privilege to represent this community in Congress. Dearborn is a vibrant city that is home to people from all walks of life and backgrounds who have a common desire to foster a community in which families can thrive. Arab American community members are attributed to meaningful and lasting positive change in southeast Michigan. Notable contributions include the creation of the Center for Arab American studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, which teaches the history and experiences of Arab Americans in a fast-growing facility and the opening of the Arab American National Museum, which is the world's first museum devoted to Arab history and culture. These hardworking individuals make our communities strong and exemplify the values that make America great. During Arab American Heritage Month, it is my hope that the contributions of Arab Americans throughout our country's history will be recognized and celebrated.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing April as National Arab American History Month. Their meaningful contributions to the United States are deserving of acclaim.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alma Wheeler Smith for a lifetime of service to southeast Michigan. Her work has bettered Michigan for years to come.

A lifelong Michigan resident, Alma Wheeler Smith graduated from the University of Michigan with a journalism degree and the desire to make a meaningful impact on the community that she loved. She grew up in a prominent Michigan family with her father, Albert Wheeler, serving as Ann Arbor's first African-American Mayor. After graduating, Mrs. Wheeler Smith worked at the University of Michigan's Television Center for nine years before taking a position as a staffer with a State Senator in 1990. After her boss left the Legislature, Mrs. Wheeler Smith decided to run for the Michigan State Senate herself. She started what would be a successful political career, serving as both the 18th District's State Senator and the 54th District's State Representative until she termed out of both offices. Although she is no longer an elected official, Mrs. Wheeler Smith remains extremely passionate for public service and a leader for positive change in the community she loves.

Those who know Alma Wheeler Smith cannot recall a time where she did not help someone in need. She leads by listening, and that is what she attributes to her success as a community leader. Mrs. Wheeler Smith remains involved in many activities including the Library Board of Trustees, Regional Transit Authority and the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. Women throughout the state know Mrs. Wheeler Smith as both an inspiration and a mentor. She started her political career during a time where women were not running for elected office, so she knows the importance of encouraging women to reach their full potential and follow their dreams. Mrs. Wheeler Smith has effectively and passionately served our southeast Michigan community throughout her lifetime. We are thankful for her years of public service and look forward to her leadership yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alma Wheeler Smith for a lifetime of tireless public service. It is my hope that she continues to be engaged in civic activities for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Southeast Michigan PACE as they open their fourth facility today. As our population ages, their services become more important than ever.

The federal government established the PACE program almost 25 years ago, and Southeast Michigan PACE opened as a collaboration with Henry Ford Health System. PACE's program wide mission is to allow seniors to age with dignity and remain independent in their own homes, and every doctor and nurse at PACE seeks to live out that principle every day. Southeast Michigan PACE currently works out of three facilities and will expand to a fourth this week, greatly expanding their reach to seniors throughout the state. PACE serves all Michigan adults age 55 or older who have ongoing healthcare needs and provides the services covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as tailoring plans to suit individual needs of seniors as seen fit by facility staff. Seniors can expect to have their medical and supportive needs met when they visit PACE, and the facilities each house a medical clinic and various recreation areas.

The program currently has values of patient service including: extraordinary care, collaborative teamwork, inspired achievement, accountability, and adaptive growth. PACE is known in our Michigan community and across the country for their well-rounded care, individualized service and consistently meeting each of the values. Their fourth facility will allow for Michigan's increasing senior population to be provided with PACE's top-notch service and allow for the elderly to age with dignity and independence. We are grateful for the exemplary and individualized service provided at Southeastern Michigan PACE and look forward to seeing its continued development and effectiveness as they continue to grow their centers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Southeast Michigan PACE as they open a fourth health center to serve our state's seniors. PACE provides elderly individuals with unique care and allows them to age with independence and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th annual Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration at Eastern Michigan University. This annual observation allows for the recognition of the campus' diversity and the life of Mr. Chavez.

Born in Arizona in 1927, Cesar Chavez was the child of hardworking Mexican American migrant laborers. He spent most of his early years in migrant camps with his parents, attending school sporadically and serving the United States for two years in the Navy. Once he returned, he joined together with Hispanic farmworkers in states including Arizona and California to bargain for better working conditions for American workers. Mr. Chavez's work as a leader of the movement implemented institutional change that would forever alter the American workplace. Changes included union recognition as well as the creation of the United Farm Workers of America, which remains a prominent union today. Cesar Chavez's lifetime of hard work inspired millions and opened the doors for workers across our nation.

Since 2009, Eastern Michigan University has participated in a Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration, inviting local students, university faculty, and community members to commemorate his life's work and its influence today. The University's event includes poetry reading by local middle schoolers, keynote speakers, mariachi music, and a procession to the Cesar Chavez Fountain located on campus. Cesar Chavez Day is an important opportunity for residents of southeastem Michigan to come together and discuss the doors that he opened for students and workers as well as to discuss ways to continue to serve underserved student populations both at Eastern Michigan University and in local K-12 schools. It is my honor to join Eastern Michigan University in today's celebration, and it is my hope that this event will continue to take place in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Eastern Michigan University as they celebrate their 1oth Annual Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration. This event allows for important conversations to take place as we celebrate Mr. Chavez's contributions to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amanda Taylor as she receives an award from STEP Ahead for her work at BASF. She is an impassioned leader and is deserving of this honor.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Awards Gala is an annual celebration to honor women in manufacturing who are providing leadership in their companies. American women make up approximately 50 percent of the country's workforce, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing industry, and STEP Ahead seeks to highlight the women who are paving the way for a more inclusive and equal field of work. The Manufacturing Institute is recognizing 130 women in manufacturing from across the country who are leaders in their respective fields and positions, ranging from shop worker to company executive. Amanda Taylor is extremely deserving of this recognition for the work that she has done for BASF's Southfield Site through her leadership.

Amanda Taylor serves as an EHS Specialist III at BASF's southeastern Michigan site and plays a key role in day to day operations. Her work in revamping the site's safety programs helped increase employment from 300 employees to 800 as well as a distinguished and successful Responsible Care audit in 2016. Her attention to detail and passion for the work that she has done allowed for analysis of different practices the company has implemented and will continue to implement, including the recycling of 122,000 metric tons of refining catalysts each year. Ms. Taylor is known for her creativity and drive; as a leader, she is always looking for ways to better community engagement and has helped BASF form partnerships with the American Cancer Society and Dress for Success, a charity that helps female veterans find job opportunities after returning home. She serves as the Chair of the Southfield chapter of the Women in Business employee group, where she discusses ways to bring more women into the manufacturing industry. Ms. Taylor's leadership is inspiring and continues to open doors for women in the manufacturing industry, and she is truly deserving of tonight's recognition by STEP Ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Amanda Taylor for her groundbreaking work with BASF. We are grateful for her leadership as a woman in the workplace and look forward to seeing her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Connie Kalitta on his 80th birthday. He has bettered our nation's transportation industry through his lifetime of work.

Born in Mount Clemens, Michigan in 1938, Mr. Kalitta is a lifelong Michigan resident who has long spent his career giving back to the state that he loves. He has had a lifelong passion for drag racing, beginning in the 1950s and retiring driving in 1995. Throughout his driving career he has been awarded numerous accolades, including induction to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1992 and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2002, as well as receiving the National Hot Road Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2016.

In addition to his storied racing career, Mr. Kalitta has played a large role in our state and country's aviation industry and history. He has been nominated to receive the prestigious National Air Carrier Association Ronald N. Priddy Partners in Airlift Medal just this year, signifying his longstanding influence on our state and the industry. He employs over 1,500 Michiganders at his air and motorsports stores in Oscoda. His friends know him as ambitious and kindhearted and always willing to try something new. We are grateful for his years of influence on our state and prestigious racing career and wish him a very happy birthday with many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Connie Kalitta on his 80th birthday. He has played an important part in our state's history and has had a prestigious racing career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Veronica Braker for her distinguished work as Vice President of Operations Performance Materials at BASF. She has been an outstanding leader for the company and Wyandotte plant for years.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Awards Gala is an annual celebration to honor women in manufacturing who are providing leadership in their companies. American women make up approximately 50 percent of the country's workforce, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing industry, and STEP Ahead seeks to highlight the women who are paving the way for a more inclusive and equal field of work. The Manufacturing Institute is recognizing 130 women in manufacturing from across the country who are leaders in their respective fields and positions, ranging from shop worker to company executive. Veronica Braker is extremely deserving of this recognition for the work that she has done for BASF North America through her leadership.

Graduating from Christian Brothers University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Mrs. Braker worked for a variety of companies including Milliken & Company, The Clorox Company, GE, Flint Hills Resources, before joining BASF as a Manufacturing Manager in 2011. Since working at BASF, Ms. Braker has held multiple positions including Head of Operations for North America-Performance Materials and her current position, Vice President of Operations-Performance Materials. She has always been passionate about the environment, safety, and health, and seeks to better conditions in BASF facilities throughout North America. She is known at BASF for her positivity, hard work and ingenuity. Throughout her career, she has opened doors a little wider for the women who came after her, including the creation of a three-year career development program for women at the company. She is truly deserving of recognition at tonight's Annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala, and I look forward to seeing her continued contributions to the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Veronica Braker for her lifetime of work in the manufacturing industry. She has provided distinguished leadership in the field for over 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Huron Valley PACE as they break ground on their new facility. They have served Michigan's seniors for years and will expand their services in this new facility.

Huron Valley PACE was established by two nonprofits, the United Methodist Retirement Communities and the Area Agency on Aging 1B, in order to provide an alternative to nursing home care. The organization's mission is to allow seniors to age with dignity and remain independent in their own homes, and every doctor and nurse at PACE seeks to live out that principle every day. Huron Valley PACE is based out of Ypsilanti, Michigan and serves seniors in Washtenaw County, as well as Monroe, Oakland, Livingston, and Wayne Counties. PACE serves all Michigan adults

age 55 or older who have ongoing healthcare needs and provides the services covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as tailoring plans to suit individual needs of seniors as seen fit by facility staff. Seniors can expect to have their medical and supportive needs met when they visit PACE, and the Ypsilanti facility houses a medical clinic as well as various recreation areas.

The facility currently has four pillars of patient service including: medical, wellness, social, and support. They are known in our Michigan community for their well-rounded care and individualized service. The $1 million dollar grant they received will allow Huron Valley PACE to double the size of their facility and greatly increase their patient capacity. This will allow for Michigan's increasing senior population to be provided with PACE's top-notch service and allow for the elderly to age with dignity and independence. We are grateful for the exemplary service provided at Huron Valley PACE and look forward to seeing its continued development and effectiveness as it grows in size and capacity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Huron Valley PACE as they break ground on their facility additions and greatly expand their current care to southeast Michigan's seniors. The organization has made a significant impact on the well-being of seniors through its medical and social services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Dave Gorgon. He has enriched our community through his positive leadership.

Established in 1962 as a volunteer civil defense organization to assist the Taylor Police Department, the Taylor Auxiliary Police play a key role in safeguarding the public. In addition to helping the full- time police department staff community events like high school sports events and assisting with regular police patrols, the auxiliary police also serve as a reserve force to assist the City of Taylor in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. Additionally, the auxiliary has partnered with the city to further crime prevention initiatives, including Taylor on Watch, an education and outreach program that shares best practices for neighborhood and community safety. These initiatives and the service of officers are well documented by Dave Gorgon, a photographer with the City of Taylor.

Mr. Gorgon is a well-loved member of our local community who is known for his passion and leadership. Known around Downriver as ``Mr. Taylor,'' he has served the city in various capacities, including as an interim member of the Taylor City Council and as a reporter and photographer for the Southgate News-Herald. Those who know Mr. Gorgon laud him as a special person who is always willing to go out of the way to make someone feel special. and positively impact their day. He is a strong supporter of both the Taylor Police Department and the Taylor Auxiliary Police Department and often attends events to take photos of the departments in action and share the good work being done by local officers. Taylor Auxiliary officers credit Mr. Gorgon as a positive force for the community and an irreplaceable member of the department. He is truly deserving of being named an Honorary Taylor Auxiliary Police Officer; we are grateful for his lifetime of service and positivity and look forward to his continued contributions to the Downrivers in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Dave Gorgon for his years of commitment to the community that he loves. His passion and dedicated service have bettered Taylor for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Commander Jeff Witmer, the 2017 Taylor Auxiliary Police Officer of the Year. He has protected the City of Taylor and its residents for over 14 years.

Established in 1962 as a volunteer civil defense organization to assist the Taylor Police Department, the Taylor Auxiliary Police play a key role in safeguarding the public. In addition to helping the full- time police department staff community events like high school sports

events and assisting with regular police patrols, the auxiliary police also serve as a reserve force to assist the City of Taylor in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. Additionally, the auxiliary has partnered with the city to further crime prevention initiatives, including Taylor on Watch, an education and outreach program that shares best practices for neighborhood and community safety. These initiatives and the service of officers, including 2017 award recipient Commander Jeff Witmer, have helped to make Taylor a safe city to live and work.

Commander Jeff Witmer has served the Taylor Auxiliary Police Department in various capacities for the past 14 years, including range instructor, Platoon Lieutenant, and the department's Operations Commander. As Operations Commander, Mr. Witmer is entrusted with the command of department operations making sure platoons run smoothly, and that all patrol rides go out on schedule. He is a well-respected member of both the department and the City of Taylor for his positivity, dedication, and community-oriented leadership. Due to his years of service and the trust placed in him, Commander Witmer oversees the training department for new recruits and serves as a mentor for junior department members. Our city is better because of Commander Witmer's leadership, and he is truly deserving of being named the 2017 Taylor Auxiliary Police Officer of the Year. We are grateful for Commander Witmer's service and look forward to his continued contributions to protecting our city and growing the auxiliary department in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Commander Jeff Witmer for his years of service to our local community. He has impacted countless lives through his work with Taylor's Auxiliary Police Department.