Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Junior Achievement of Arizona. I am a strong supporter of JA's mission and programs. During my twenty eight years as a teacher of Government, I used their materials, hosted speakers in my classroom and visited their facility.

Good programs reflect the quality of the people who run them. I would like to congratulate the organization's President, Joyce Richards, for winning JA Worldwide's 2009 Charles R. Hook Award. This award is the top honor for JA Presidents who demonstrate superior results in promoting the growth and development of Junior Achievement in their area.

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to teaching students in Kindergarten through 12th grade about the importance of economics, entrepreneurism, and financial literacy. The organization reaches over 9 million students around the world each year, with over 130 local offices in the United States and operations in over 110 countries worldwide. One of the things that makes JA so unique is its use of adult volunteers to bring business to life for students. In the United States alone, young people in more than 188,000 classrooms benefit annually from these positive role models.

Ms. Richards is clearly deserving of receiving this year's Hook Award. She joined the Junior Achievement of Arizona office in 1997 as Vice President of Development, and was named as President in 2001. The organization has grown dramatically under her leadership, and JA of Arizona now reaches nearly 90,000 students. The organization's programs are provided at no cost to schools and are funded entirely through the private sector. As part of these efforts, Ms. Richards spearheaded a $4 million capital campaign to build two JA BizTown programs, and expanded JA's impact into the Tucson community by launching a JA operation that now reaches 10,000 students.

Especially in the current economic climate, teaching students the importance of economics and financial literacy is of the utmost importance, and I congratulate Ms. Richards and Junior Achievement of Arizona for their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act, H.R. 1035.

Congress established the Morris K. Udall Foundation in 1992 to focus on critical environmental issues, provide resources to train Native American professionals in health care and public policy, and resolve environmental disputes involving Federal agencies to the U.S. Institute of Environmental Conflict Resolution.

Under this measure, the Morris K. Udall Scholarship will also honor Stewart Udall. We can all certainly learn a lot from both Mo and Stu Udall. The Udall brothers were not only prominent U.S. politicians from the great State of Arizona, they were also dedicated public servants.

As a teacher for 29 years, I used to tell my students, when you name something after someone significant, whether it's a park, a school, or a scholarship, this not only honors that person, but it also is meant to set an example. Stu Udall has served the local communities in Arizona, as well as the entire Nation.

From serving in the United States Army Air Corps, to representing the local education community as the school board president of Amphitheater Public Schools, to representing his constituents as a United States Congressman, to serving as Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, Stu Udall has truly set an example for all of what public service means.

It is my hope that recipients of this scholarship will honor Stu Udall and his legacy by also engaging in a life of public service.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary and inspirational life of A.J. ``Jack'' Pfister and to remember the many significant and lasting contributions he made to the state of Arizona and his local community.

On July 20, Jack passed away of at the age of 75.

An Arizona native born in Prescott, Jack was a strong force behind the growth and prosperity of the Phoenix Metropolitan area over the past four decades. During his 15 years as General Manager of the Salt River Project, Jack guided the utility in becoming one of the leading public power entities in the country. In addition to his contributions to building our fast-growing region's vital water and electric infrastructure, Jack was a respected and vocal leader of community boards, commissions and public service projects too numerous to list in its entirety.

Most notably, Jack displayed a lifelong and unwavering commitment to make higher education more available and affordable to Arizonans. He served on the Arizona Board of Regents, and most recently as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Arizona State University. In addition, Jack taught at the ASU School of Public Affairs and served on the Board of Directors for the Center for the Future of Arizona. And, of course, Jack's brave leadership was absolutely vital to Arizona's creation of a holiday to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Jack Pfister and remembering the strong and positive impact he left on his community and the many people who knew and loved him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate George Gascon, who will soon take over as the Chief of Police in San Francisco after three years of extraordinary service as the City of Mesa's Police Chief. The city of Mesa has seen tremendous growth and innovation in its public safety programs under Chief Gascon, and he has earned him the respect and admiration of that community during his tenure.

Chief Gascon's distinguished service began long before he joined the Mesa Police Department. He honorably served for nearly 29 years in the Los Angeles Police Department, overseeing police operations and working as the Assistant Police Chief for the department.

After taking over the Department in Mesa, Chief Gascon was instrumental in reducing the city's crime rate and fostering a culture of respect for diversity within the department. He was also involved in the implementation of a new police accountability and training program, COMPSTAT, which has raised the standard of excellence for the department's management accountability system.

The fortunate citizens of San Francisco will learn that Chief Gascon is just as dedicated to the community in his private life as he is while wearing a badge. He has volunteered his time and talents to the MARC Center of Mesa, the East Valley Crime and Gang Information Fusion Center, the M.E.S.A. Program, among many others.

I would like to wish Chief Gascon all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. I am confident that the city of San Francisco will come to see the same benefits from his knowledge, leadership and dedication to the community that Mesa has experienced.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sue Lofgren from my home town of Tempe, Arizona. Sue is being recognized as the Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year at the annual conference. This year's conference takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The cities of Tempe, Arizona and Timbuktu, Mali, West Africa have enjoyed an eighteen year partnership through Sister Cities International. This relationship has persevered, despite hurdles which would have daunted most people. Lack of modern communication methods in 1991, the language barrier, as well as the physical difficulties of travel to that remote part of the world, were just a few of the hurdles. Sue found a way to overcome all of them.

The number one issue facing Timbuktu was lack of water. Sue arranged for a retired water engineer to travel to Timbuktu--no easy task in itself--to assess the feasibility of drilling water wells. Once water was found 100 feet down, Sue's real work began. She organized a fundraising effort to secure the $7,000 needed to drill a well, by selling bottled water bearing the label, ``Water for You . . . and Timbuktu''. The next hurdle was getting the money to Mali as Timbuktu had no bank, no Western Union, no nothing. This was eventually accomplished through a third party. When the first well opened, people literally danced in the streets and named that first effort, The Sue Lofgren Well. She has since raised money for six more wells.

When Sue made her first visit to Timbuktu, she packed her clothes and $11,000 of donated medical supplies, reading glasses, soccer balls and school supplies. While on her visit, she was home-hosted and saw first hand the great needs of these proud people. She returned home and redoubled her efforts on their behalf.

To date, she has singlehandedly raised at least $200,000 in aid for Timbuktu. In addition to the wells, money has gone to purchasing wheelchairs, goats, sheep and camels, sewing machines, gardening supplies, medical and school supplies, as well as toilets and a millet grinder for the Women's Center. In 2008 she also facilitated a relationship with Project C.U.R.E which resulted in the donation of another $500,000 in badly needed medical equipment.

All of this effort might seem to be enough for most of us, but not Sue. In addition to her efforts on Timbuktu's behalf, she volunteers a lot of her time to other programs of Tempe Sister Cities. She and her husband, Bob, have hosted international guests from Tempe's six other sister cities. She volunteers in the organization's gift shop, works in the kitchen for events and has organized the information booth at the annual Way Out West Oktoberfest. She is tireless in her dedication to Tempe Sister Cities, and especially to Timbuktu.

I am proud to call Sue Lofren a friend, and prouder yet that her efforts are being recognized by this wonderful award. Please join me in congratulating this outstanding person.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alec Kohli, a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, and a constituent of my district. Alec has earned The Congressional Award Gold Medal, the United States Congress' award for young Americans. The Congressional Award recognizes outstanding young people from all over the nation, and Alec has gone above and beyond by committing a tremendous amount of time and effort to attain the Award's highest ranking possible--the Gold Medal.

In order to be considered for the Congressional Award, individuals must achieve goals set in four exclusive program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition or Exploration. Alec has excelled in all areas, first completing over 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service by participating as an Environmental Proctor at Exeter Academy, as a youth mentor to underprivileged youth, and as an Eagle Scout. For Personal Development, Alec attended a five-week summer program at Stanford University, where he worked on improving his math and analytical abilities as well as his leadership and time management skills. In the Physical Fitness category, Alec focused on sports and fitness activities, and measured his progress over a three-year training period by his ability to run one mile in six minutes and forty-five seconds. Finally, for his Expedition, Alec attended Camp Philmont in the mountains of New Mexico.

Alec is an exceptional young man, and sets a great example for Arizona's youth. I would like to express my appreciation for his contributions to the community, and I hope you will join me, Madam Speaker, in congratulating Alec on his phenomenal accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Travis Shrum, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from my hometown of Tempe, who was recently presented with the Mayor's Disability Award as Outstanding Employee of the Year. The Mayor's Disability Award honors Tempe residents who have overcome significant barriers to succeed in the workplace.

In 2007 and 2008, Travis served with the Army National Guard as an infantry soldier and gunner in Afghanistan, where he escorted security forces protecting civilians. Like many veterans, after returning home to the United States, Travis brought home the physical and emotional scars of war. He struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and, subsequently, took a leave of absence from his job at a Walgreen's store in Tempe to concentrate on transitioning to civilian life. With the patience and support of the Phoenix Veterans Health Administration, Travis has bounced back and is once again thriving. He has returned to work as an assistant manager at Walgreen's, where he works full-time and manages a staff of 42.

Travis is a wonderful example of the Phoenix VA's commitment to returning veterans, and I'm proud to note that he is now outspoken about the need to reach out to other veterans who are eligible for VA's medical services and mental-health support. Travis plans to enroll at Arizona State University with the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist and working with veterans.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Travis Shrum for his courageous service to our country and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of our amendment to block the proposed 25 percent cut to the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, otherwise known as ``SCAAP''.

SCAAP was created in 1994 to reimburse states and localities for the arrest, incarceration and transportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in our communities.

Immigration enforcement is supposed to be a federal responsibility, but as any Arizonan can tell you, the federal government has yet to meet them.

When State and local governments are forced to step-in and do the federal government's job, it is only fair that they be reimbursed.

Last year, the Arizona Department of Corrections received $12.8 million from the federal government to house 5,600 criminal illegal immigrants in our state prisons. That was only 10 percent of the $124 million Arizona spent to house illegal inmates that year.

Currently, Arizona's state prisons hold 6,100 illegal immigrants, nearly 15 percent of the total inmate population.

The Arizona Department of Corrections estimates that it will spend $128 million in 2009 to clothe, feed and provide medical care to illegal immigrant inmates.

Instead of boosting funding to help pay the actual expense imposed on states like Arizona, however, the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce Justice Science Appropriations bill cut SCAAP funding by 25 percent.

This is just plain wrong.

That is why I am proud today to join with my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, to offer this amendment to restore full funding for

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protest the 25 percent cut proposed this week to the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, otherwise known as SCAAP. SCAAP reimburses States and localities for the arrest, incarceration and transportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in our communities. When State and local governments are forced to step in and do the Federal Government's job, it is only fair that they be reimbursed.

Last year, the Arizona Department of Corrections received $12.8 million from the Federal Government to house up to 5,600 criminal illegal immigrants in State prisons, only 10 percent of what Arizona spent to house illegal inmates that year. This cut is wrong, and as this legislation moves to the floor next week, I urge my colleagues to help me fight this cut.

If we are serious about immigration enforcement, we must restore SCAAP funding and reimburse Arizona for keeping criminal alien immigrants behind bars.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the achievements of Dana Wygle, who is the recipient of the 2009 Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce Women in Business $1,000 Scholarship. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber recently honored Dana at the Ahwatukee Women in Business Faces of Success event, which recognizes present and future businesswomen.

Dana recently graduated from Desert Vista High School. An active and involved student, she also worked at Barro's Pizza throughout high school. Dana danced, served as a team captain for the American Cancer Society's 24-hour Relay for Life in 2008 and 2009, and was a member of DECA, a student business organization. She plans to use the scholarship award to attend the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Her goal is to own and operate a sports bar.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dana Wygle for her accomplishments and wishing her the best in all her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the achievements of Patty Durant as the recipient of the 2009 Women in Business Palo Verde Award. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber recently honored Patty at the Ahwatukee Women in Business Faces of Success event, which recognizes present and future businesswomen. The award is given to female Chamber members who are role models for other women in business.

Patty is involved with her local business community in many different ways. She is a long-time Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce member, treasurer of the Board of Directors, and past chairwomen of its women in business committee. For the past two years, she has served on the Tukee Home Tour committee, a group which organizes events to allow participants the opportunity to view re-modeled homes in the community. In addition to her involvement with the chamber, she is a sales representative for Ahwatukee Foothills and Tempe offices of Empire Title Agency.

Presently, Patty serves as a co-chair of the Chamber Scholarship sub- committee, evidence of her commitment to the support of future businesswomen. At the same event at which she was honored for her achievements, she presented 2009 Desert Vista High School graduate Dana Wygle with the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Scholarship award.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Patty Durant for her contributions to her local business community and her efforts to encourage the endeavors of future businesswomen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Vietnam veteran's service to his fellow veterans while battling his own chronic illness. This year, the Phoenix VA Health Care Systems awarded Darrel Jacobs the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award. This honor recognizes the remarkable way in which Darrel has given back to the same hospital that has provided him with excellent care since 1972.

Darrell, a former postal clerk for the U.S. Army from 1967-1971, spends 24 hours a week volunteering at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Since he has had diabetes for 37 years and even underwent open-heart surgery at the Phoenix VA Medical Center about seven years ago, Jacobs is able to provide encouragement and assistance to his patients on a personal level.

Darrell provides support for patients in a multitude of ways, specializing in care for veterans with diabetes and heart disease. On days when the diabetes education class is held at the hospital, Darrell arrives at 6:30 a.m. to set everything up, assists veterans with their glucose tests, and is always the last one to leave once the class is over. He also coordinates lunches from the dietary department, works in the cardiology department, and even trains other volunteers.

I commend him for his energetic efforts in giving selflessly to other vets combating disease. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Darrel Jacobs for his service to our country and his continued dedication to America's veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lorraine Bergman, who was recently named Business Woman of the Year by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Bergman is currently the President and CEO of Caliente Construction, a company originally started by her late husband Thomas Bergman. After his passing in 2005, Lorraine stepped up and rebuilt the company herself. Under her leadership, Caliente Construction has more than doubled in its percentage of growth and in number of employees. The success of this local business was previously recognized by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce when Lorraine received the Business Excellence Award in 2008.

In addition to the success of her own company, Lorraine has made many contributions to the surrounding business community. She is a founding member of Advancing Women in Construction, as well as the East Valley Branch of Fresh Start, a program that assists women whose lives have been impacted by traumatic events. Lorraine is a graduate of both the Gilbert and Tempe Leadership programs whose experience, dedication and body of work truly deserve to be honored.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lorraine Bergman's many contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of firefighter Ralph Blanton of Tempe and to recognize the significant contributions he made to our community.

On May 11, 2009 Ralph passed away of natural causes at the age of 79.

Ralph will be remembered for his active involvement in the development and growth of Tempe's first professional fire department. He gained valuable experience in the 1950s as a volunteer Tempe fireman, long before the formation of a paid fire department. In 1961, he, along with 10 others, established the Tempe Fire Department. Ralph earned the first ever Fireman of the Year award in 1963 for his dedication and work ethic. Finally, after 20 years of service, he was the last member of the original force to retire.

In addition to Ralph's extensive career achievements, he was also known for his role as a mentor. Many young firefighters looked up to him and learned priceless lessons, chief among them to take pride in one's work. Together, he and his wife Shirley helped establish an annual picnic for retired Tempe firefighters, which the union plans to rename the Ralph Blanton Retirees Picnic for Tempe firefighters in his honor.

Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Ralph Blanton and remembering the strong and positive impact he left on his community and the many people who knew and loved him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Heck, an exemplary public servant who is retiring as a teacher at Red Mountain High School in Mesa.

In 1988, Pat launched a program at Red Mountain through Reading Is Fundamental that promotes a love of reading for all ability groups through fun and entertaining activities. Pat's commitment and deep passion for literacy encourages students of all reading levels to unlock the mystery that each book holds.

Fueled by Pat's drive and determination, the program flourished. The club currently consists of 1,800 teen members; representing more than half the student body. Members organize an annual carnival, and produce year-round reading displays, assemblies, and read-a-thons. Every year, they collect over 2,500 books to distribute to their own high school and in other areas of need. Since the school opened in 1988, the club has given away $3 million in donated books. At the core of Club RIF are the one-on-one reading buddies that work directly with 150 second graders at the Salk Elementary School and the tutors who read to 1,375 children each week.

Pat's dedication has been recognized numerous times over the years including national recognition in 1991 as President Bush Sr.'s 432nd Point of Light and in 2000 as the recipients of President Clinton's Student Service Award.

After more than 20 years of service to Club RIF and 30 years in education, Pat is retiring. Through her leadership, vision and passion, she excelled as a charismatic advocate for literacy and provided a shining example of how students can positively influence children in their communities through education and reading. Her energy and enthusiasm for Club RIF and its mission will continue to inspire students to get excited about reading.

I take particular pride in Pat's contributions and accomplishments because she was one of my first students when I began my own 28-year teaching career.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Patricia Heck on her energetic contributions to Club RIF, her upcoming retirement, and the lasting legacy she will leave with the community.