Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the enemies of health reform have scoured all of Canada to find a story that fits with their message of ``no change, no reform.''

But I only have to look to my district, to Sharon Almeida from San Bruno, who sent me this letter titled, ``What's Wrong With This Picture?''

Each month Sharon and her husband, Frank, net $3,811 from Social Security and pensions. But they pay out nearly $2,800 for Sharon's cancer treatments. That leaves them just $1,000 for food, utilities, gas, insurance, never mind a little something for the grandchildren. Thank God they own their own home and no longer have a mortgage.

Mr. Speaker, Sharon and Frank worked hard. They played by the rules and raised a beautiful and supportive family. They do not deserve this.

So, to the critics of reform, I say, let the Canadians worry about the Canadians. It's time we come together to provide real health care reform for Sharon and other hardworking Americans.

Well, thank you to the gentleman from Connecticut. I want to thank you for your leadership and for your comments because this issue can't wait. I think we know that better than most.

But tonight what I would like to do is talk to the 80 percent of Americans who have health insurance, who basically ask, Well, why should I care about health care reform? I have health insurance. And to the 80 percent of Americans who do have health insurance, I have a few things to tell them.

Right now, for all of us that have health insurance, we are in a position of paying for those that don't have health insurance. It's called cost shifting. So for the premiums that we pay, part of each premium is actually paying for the uninsured. It's called cost shifting. And it's estimated that every American family pays $1,100 per year for the uninsured.

So, for instance, you go into the ER with a broken ankle, you get health care. The uninsured person goes into the ER for that same broken ankle, they get health care because we have a Federal law that requires that all people get health care when they return to the emergency room. But we pay $2,000 for that broken ankle, not because it costs $2,000, but because the individual who came in with no health insurance didn't pay. And that's where the cost shifting takes place.

So with health care reform, it's going to be much like many States in the country have as it relates to auto insurance. There's a mandate for auto insurance, and now we're going to mandate that every American have health insurance. And for those who can pay, they will pay. And for those that can't pay, we will help them pay.

Now, the next question I want to answer is why is health care so expensive.

Currently, the United States pays twice as much as any other industrialized country in the world for health care; $6,700 for every man, woman, and child. Now, compare that to what's paid in Germany or Canada, where it's $3,000. Or take the country of Japan, where it's $2,500. And the cost of living in Japan is just as high as it is here in America.

Now, the conventional wisdom would suggest that, well, our health care is more expensive because our outcomes are better. You get better care if you pay more money. Well, that's simply not true. The U.S. ranks first in unnecessary deaths among the 19 industrialized nations.

Now, let me repeat that. The U.S. ranks first among--the most unnecessary deaths that take place as a result of a lack of health care. In fact, the number is pretty staggering. It's like 22,000 Americans will die this year for lack of access to health care.

We waste a lot of money on health care spending. Recent estimates are that one-third of the care provided in this country, to the tune of some $700 billion, doesn't improve anyone's health. Now, if a third of the care that's being provided isn't providing additional health care, then it's wasteful spending. And when they talk about $700 billion of wasteful spending, it's time for all of us to sit up and think, wait a minute. What's really going on here?

And 20 percent of the health insurance premium goes for overhead and profits. Now, when I tell you that in 1994 only 4 percent of the health care premium went for profits and overhead, you've got to scratch your head and ask, how did we go from 4 percent in 1994 in overhead and profits to 20 percent in 2009?

Next question that I want to answer is how does this health care reform make it safer for me.

I want to tell you a dirty little secret. It's a dirty little secret about health care that no one wants to talk about, and it's about medical errors, and we have known about it for decades. The Institute of Medicine put out a report that said there are 100,000 deaths in America every year because of medical errors; 100,000 deaths.

Now, I'm going to talk about a specific bacteria infection that people get typically in the hospital. It's called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Now we say MRSA for short. Now, the MRSA infection rate is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, there's 100,000 cases of MRSA a year. Two-thirds of those people that get that infection get it in the hospital setting.

Now, of the 100,000 people that will get a MRSA infection, 19,000 of them will die because of that infection. Now, that's a stunning figure.

If there was a 747 that crashed in the United States every week, that's the equivalent of 19,000 deaths. And if there was a 747 that crashed every week in America, we wouldn't tolerate it. We'd call on the FAA. We'd call on the airlines. We would stop it. But we've done very little to stop the spread of MRSA in hospital settings.

Now, this health care reform bill takes an important step, not a full step. It doesn't go all the way, but it does now require that hospitals will have to report their hospital-acquired infections.

What we need to do, furthermore, is put the protocols in place so that we can stop these infections from occurring and we can stop the deaths as well.

Now, the last thing I want to talk about is something that not everyone is necessarily familiar with if you're in a group health setting, and it's called a preexisting condition. If you're in a group health setting, it doesn't matter if you have a preexisting condition. You are covered. But if you're in the individual market and have a preexisting condition, good luck.

And I'd like to show you these health care horror stories, preexisting conditions. These are the types of preexisting conditions that can prevent you from getting health insurance in this country. Depression, sprained ankle. How about a misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder?

This is an actual case. A young woman was given a bad diagnosis. Her doctor confirmed that she never should have been diagnosed; yet, when applying for individual insurance, she was denied due to her psychological history, even though it was a misdiagnosis.

Well, look down that list. Diabetes, gallstones, anxiety, stress. How about tested for multiple sclerosis? Not that you have multiple sclerosis, but that you were tested for it becomes a preexisting condition and you can be denied health insurance in the individual market.

Let's move down to bunions. How about too thin or too heavy? How about too healthy?

Believe it or not, this was a reason given to a gentleman for not giving him health care. In Florida, he sought insurance in the individual market because he was working for an architectural firm that didn't offer it. He'd been healthy all his life. He'd never been to the doctor. He did all the right things. He was a health nut and stayed in shape. And so when he went shopping and he was declined coverage, it was because there was a ``lack of current medical records.'' Now, he explained that he didn't have any medical records because he hadn't been to a doctor because he's been healthy. But for that reason, because he was too healthy, he was declined health insurance.

I had a story that just came into my office today. It's a family in my district, and they called because they were concerned. They have twin sons. One of their sons just had a dislocated shoulder from an athletic event. Not unusual. But because he had that dislocated shoulder, they had been told by their health care insurer that they will now exclude coverage for any shoulder injuries for both sons, even though the twin brother was not engaged in the athletic activity and didn't dislocate his shoulder.

So, health care reform makes preexisting conditions a thing of the past. All of this would be wiped away. All of these horror stories would be gone. Americans could breathe a sigh of relief that now, no matter what your ailment, and believe me, all of us have a preexisting condition of one sort or another; it just hasn't been tested because we've been in the group health market. But all of us will be able to access health care and health insurance through the health care reform proposal.

You know, much like you, I came to Congress to make this country a better place. With real health care reform, I believe we'll have an opportunity to do just that.

Thank you. I yield back.

Madam Speaker, long before there was a ``green'' movement, even before most Americans accepted words like ``ecology'' and ``environment'' into their vocabulary, Joe Houghteling was devoting his life to making our world a cleaner, better and more sustainable place. I am sorry to say that, on June 23, after 84 years on earth, the former chairman of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission passed away, leaving behind a greener landscape and more educated citizenry.

Madam Speaker, Joseph Cannon Houghteling's life story reads like a history textbook. The great-grandson and namesake of Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon, Joe was born in San Francisco, but moved East with his family and played baseball with future president George H.W. Bush at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.

After his studies at Bates College and College of the Holy Cross, he served in the United States Navy where he befriended future congressman--and my political mentor--Leo J. Ryan. After his service, Joe received a Bachelor of Science degree from Yale University and immediately returned home to the Bay Area.

Many Democratic leaders--and more than a few Republicans--relied on Joe's brilliance, advice and counsel on land-use, environmental protection and other issues. He attended the 1956 and 1960 Democratic Party conventions as a delegate for Adlai Stevenson and John F. Kennedy, but also advised Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey, an ardent opponent of the Vietnam War.

Governor Edmund G. ``Pat'' Brown appointed Joe to the State Park Commission in 1959 and the State Highway Commission in 1964. Even Governor Ronald Reagan--whom he opposed on many fronts--saw the value of Joe's service and appointed him to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission in 1971. Governor Jerry Brown then promoted him to chairman during his administration. While at BCDC, Mr. Houghteling was credited with helping save 89,000 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat from development.

Many in Northern California know Joe Houghteling's name from the editorial page of their local newspaper. He published many community newspapers in the Bay Area, founded the Diablo Press and owned the Nevada County Nugget.

But Madam Speaker, when I think of Joe Houghteling, his many accomplishments are not what initially come to mind. Rather, it is Joe's wry smile, razor-sharp wit and generous spirit. Joe was as quick with a compliment as he was with a funny story and he never ran out of those. My thoughts are with the family he adored: his daughters--Anne, Elizabeth and Mary Houghteling; a grandson, three nieces, a nephew and most of all, his lovely wife, Judy, who recently told a reporter that Joe used to joke about having his ashes thrown upwind from a boat so that his remains would blow back into the eyes of his mourners, forcing them to shed a tear.

Madam Speaker, no one who knew Joe Houghteling needs help shedding a tear for the passing of this remarkable man. But, like mine, I imagine their tears will be accompanied by silly grins and fond memories of a man who--without a doubt--leaves this world in better shape than he found it.

When is enough enough? AIG is getting ready to pay out more in retention bonuses. This is on top of the $165 million they paid out in March to the same executives whose credit default swaps and other poorly designed financial products drove the world economy off a cliff.

The only difference is this time around they are trying to get the American people to say that what they're doing is right.

Give me a break.

Taxpayers have already infused $170 billion into AIG. And where is their break? A teacher in my district gets $60,000 a year. A bench scientist coming up with a cure for cancer gets maybe $200,000 a year. An ER doc saving people's lives every single day gets maybe $350,000 a year.

AIG has asked the administration's compensation czar, Kenneth Feinberg, to sign off on these bonuses--even while acknowledging he has no authority to stop them. Why? Because AIG wants cover.

I urge Mr. Feinberg to reject AIG's request.

Madam Speaker, today, a heroic journey came to a successful end when Millbrae, California's Shawne Camp parked his bicycle at the foot of the Washington Monument. In fewer than 50 days, Shawne has ridden from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to the nation's capital to raise funds and awareness for lung disease and the American Lung Association.

In 2000 and 2001, Shawne suffered two complete collapses to his right lung. The condition, known as spontaneous pneumothorax, is extremely painful and can be fatal if not treated quickly. After multiple surgeries, Shawne was told that he was unlikely to ever return to full strength and should resign himself to a more sedate lifestyle. But the lifelong athlete wasn't accustomed to taking it easy and set out to prove that he could come back to full strength--and then some.

With support from family, friends and his employer, Shawne turned his success at rehabilitation into a personal crusade to help others. On May 8, he headed north from the Golden Gate Bridge on a solo, self- funded bicycle ride across America to help others suffering from lung ailments.

Over the past five weeks, Shawne has endured mountains, deserts, storms, fierce headwinds, angry dogs and even bears. But he's been supported by legions of devoted followers who have tracked his 3000 mile journey online and countless strangers along the way who have helped with shelter from the rain, a warm shower, or occasional meal.

Madam Speaker, Shawne Camp is an inspiration to anyone who chooses to overcome adversity. His journey has advanced awareness for spontaneous pneumothorax and other lung afflictions and raised money for a very good cause. I am proud to call Shawne Camp my constituent and am delighted to introduce this inspiring young man to my colleagues in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, while we are often focused on the things that make us different from other cultures, the recent news in Iran illustrates that there are far more things that bind us than that divide us. Freedom of speech, democracy and respect for basic fairness are not uniquely American or Western values. They are hardwired into all of us and are as elemental to the human experience as is the need for food, water or love.

We will likely have political differences with the Government of Iran for years to come. Despite this, let us all remember that the Iranian people want many of the same things that Americans do. They want their voices to be heard just like us. They want their government to be just, open and accessible just like us. They want their economy to be strong and for their country to work towards greater peace and understanding around the world just like us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the outstanding contributions of retiring Teamsters Union Western Region Vice President Chuck Mack.

Mr. Mack began his work with the Teamsters in 1962, loading and driving trucks in Oakland, California. Just a few years later, he was elected business agent of Teamsters Local 70 and was re-elected with the largest number of votes in the Local's history. So began his 43- year career of dedicated service as one of the top leaders in the international Teamsters Union. Mr. Mack was elected Secretary-Treasurer of Local 70 in 1972, President of Joint Council 7 in 1982 and, finally, Western Region Vice President in 1998--all positions he held until his retirement this year.

As the Western Region Vice President, Chuck was a champion for millions of American workers, even as he maintained a personal commitment to local laborers and the unions who represent them in my District and in California. Following his retirement, he will continue his commitment to the Teamsters, taking up leadership of the Western Conference Teamster Pension Trust.

Madam Speaker, I have known and worked with Chuck Mack for as long as I have been in public service and I know that he is much more than just a union leader. In addition to his tireless fight for the welfare of workers, Chuck maintained a fierce commitment to environmental and economic justice. An early booster of the Los Angeles Clean Trucks Program, Mr. Mack led the fight for sustainable and accountable transportation, keeping our communities safe and healthy for generations to come.

But no leader, however capable, acts alone. Chuck's family, including his wonderful wife Marlene, his four daughters--Tammy, Kelly, Kerry and Shannon, and Chuck's eight grandchildren, who loaned their husband, dad and grandfather to the cause of working men and women everywhere, must be recognized as well. Chuck Mack's life-long dedication to the health, livelihood and safety of workers around our country and across the globe is something his family will look back on for generations with pride and admiration. The same can be said of his vast extended family, those fortunate enough to be in the Brotherhood--and Sisterhood--of Teamsters.

Mr. Speaker, we lost a lion of the labor movement and a true son of San Francisco with the passing of Ambassador Jack Henning. Jack spent the vast majority of his 93 years fighting for men and women in the fields, factories, and loading docks of America. The only thing he loved more than telling labor stories to anyone who would hear them was telling them to those who didn't.

For 26 years, Jack was the driving force behind the California Labor Federation, but he served our country in many ways. He was the director of the California Department of Industrial Relations under Governor Pat Brown, Under Secretary of Labor for President Kennedy, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand for President Lyndon Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts are with Jack's family and the millions of Americans--most of whom never knew him--who earn a liveable wage, work under safer conditions, and are able to take their child to a doctor because of the tireless passion of Ambassador Jack Henning.

Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness today to honor Albin Gruhn of San Anselmo, California, who passed away March 18 at the age of 94. Mr. Gruhn was a respected and beloved labor leader and consumer rights activist whose calling was the welfare of the working people of California. His 36 years as president of the California Labor Federation and his role as a founder of the Association of California Consumers were at the heart of a remarkable career.

Mr. Gruhn was born in Eureka, California, in 1915. At the age of 19 he began working for the Hammond Lumber Co. where he joined the Sawmill and Loggers Federal Union. A strike shortly afterwards resulted in the deaths of three union picketers and deeply affected him, resulting in a life-long commitment to the labor movement.

He was also blacklisted as a result of his participation in the strike but soon found employment in construction, joining the Laborers Local where his membership continued for over 60 years. At the age of 22, he became secretary of the Central Labor Council of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and led that council for over 20 years.

In 1940 Mr. Gruhn was first elected to what is now the California Labor Federation as district vice president and became its president in 1960. He led with skill, enthusiasm, and passion until his retirement in 1996. He helped build the organization into a strong and effective advocacy group for the rights of workers, inspiring several generations of political and labor leaders along the way.

During the 1960s, Mr. Gruhn was also a founder of the Association of California Consumers, California's first consumer group, and later became a founding officer and then president emeritus of the Consumer Federation of California. He also devoted some of his considerable energies to the California Apprenticeship Council and the California Constitution Revision Commission as well as serving on various state commissions. These were appointments over the decades by five California governors and covered a variety of issues from fair housing to air pollution. One of the commissions dealt with children and youth, reflecting his deep involvement in the annual scholarship program established by the California Labor Federation.

Mr. Gruhn was always politically active as a means of supporting the causes he believed in. From campaigning for Franklin Roosevelt at the age of 17 to serving as an Adlai Stevenson delegate in 1956, he stayed engaged in the process. In 1944, he founded the Northern California AFL Political League.

Mr. Gruhn was married to the former Dorothy Coon for over 37 years. Dorothy predeceased him in 2005, and the couple are survived by a large family of eight children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, Albin Gruhn was proud to fight for working people, and all those with whom he came in contact--from family and friends to political leaders and co-workers--drew inspiration from his commitment. It is fitting in honoring him today to remember the remarks he always used to conclude his labor speeches: ``In unity there is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. An injury to one is an injury to all.''

Madam Speaker, Barbara Olds has served the children of South San Francisco as a teacher, principal, Superintendent and everything in between for more than forty years, since taking her first job as a teacher at South San Francisco High School in 1966.

Superintendent Olds' legacy of service is a remarkable achievement, one truly fitting of recognition. She is set to retire at the end of this academic year to give herself time to pursue her many and varied interests.

Barbara Olds was the type of teacher that kids tell their parents about and parents pray that their children get assigned to her classroom. To Barbara, instruction never ended at the bell and learning was never confined to textbooks. During her 14-years as a teacher, Ms. Olds tirelessly gave of her free time for the benefit of her students and fellow educators, serving as Director of Student Government, Director of Student Activities, and serving the South San Francisco Classroom Teachers Association in many capacities--including as a member of the Negotiating Council and as both President and Vice President.

Since moving into school administration in 1979, Barbara served as an Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance, then Counseling and Guidance, before being named Principal of South San Francisco High School in 1991.

In 2003, her excellent work, unparalleled standing in the community and clear passion for education led the SSF Unified School District Board of Trustees to elevate Barbara Olds to the position of Superintendent of Schools. Since that time the district has thrived, despite difficult financial times.

Barbara Olds received her Bachelor of Arts and Secondary Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University and a Master's of Public Administration from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont. She further advanced her education with an IDEA Fellowship in 1989.

Madam Speaker, I have been privileged to know Superintendent Olds these many years and can attest to the fact that she shaped thousands of young minds and encouraged countless students to engage in their world and pursue their dreams. Her love and passion for education was passed onto her son, Robert, who continues the family tradition as a fourth grade teacher.

Our community and our nation are better places because of the work of Barbara Olds. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the grateful citizens of the City of South San Francisco, I thank her and wish Barbara much joy and success in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, the end of every school year is a time of change as graduates move on and students move up. In California's Twelfth Congressional District, this school year ends by bidding farewell to an unparalleled education professional, Marilyn Miller, Superintendent of the Hillsborough City School District.

Ms. Miller came to our community in 1975, with ten years of teaching under her belt in Southern California and Illinois. Her experience, passion for teaching and devotion to her students were immediately recognized and within five years, Marilyn was promoted to Principal of South Hillsborough School. In 1984, she was given even greater responsibility when she moved to William H. Crocker Middle School, where she stayed until ascending to the Superintendent's position 17 years ago.

Under Superintendent Miller's extraordinary leadership, Hillsborough schools have been singled out for local, statewide, national and even international awards. Nine times in her tenure, Hillsborough schools have been named a California Distinguished School, while on ten occasions the district has been awarded a J. Russell Kent Award for outstanding programs in San Mateo County public schools. Under Marilyn's stewardship, Hillsborough schools have also received four National Blue Ribbon Awards and in 1993, received the ``Best in Services Recognition'' from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

As both a principal and superintendent, Marilyn's tireless dedication has led to numerous public and private grants for her school system, including funding for science, technology, reading and reforming curriculum.

Madam Speaker, I know from personal experience that everything Marilyn has done in her educational career has been to further the excellence and opportunities of the children in her care. Nevertheless, she has been singled out for numerous personal recognitions, including being a finalist for the National Safety Council's Principal of the Year; elected President of the Association of California School Administrators; State Coordinator of the California Partnership Network Schools; Chairperson of the ACSA Middle School State Conference; and awarded College of Notre Dame, Belmont's Alumnus of the Year; Hinsdale, Illinois' Teacher of the Year; and San Mateo County's Outstanding Educator.

Marilyn has represented our community and our nation at international conferences, including presenting to the Stockholm School of Economics and serving as the United States representative to the New Leaders Conference in Singapore. In addition, she regularly attended the nationally-acclaimed Harvard University Superintendents' Forum.

Marilyn Miller studied History and English at the University of California, Berkeley before transferring to San Jose State University for her Education Degree. She went on to receive a Masters in Public Administration at Belmont's College of Notre Dame.

Madam Speaker, Marilyn has earned her retirement, even if the hole she leaves will be impossible to fill. She recently welcomed a new grandson, Cole, who with granddaughter, Erin, will happily occupy whatever free time Marilyn finds herself with. She and her always supportive husband, Dr. Arthur Miller, will now be able to spend more time with the little ones as well as their daughter Ashleigh and sons Garreth and Heath. As with all great public servants, their service is largely dependent on the amount of support they receive at home, so it is fitting to thank Marilyn's loving family for sharing their wife and mother with the greater community for all these years.

Madam Speaker, San Mateo County has one of the most respected Emergency Medical Services agencies in the nation. Much of that success is due to EMS Program Administrator Barbara Pletz, who retires May 21st after 21 years of dedicated and inspired service.

Under Barbara's leadership, the San Mateo County EMS system has been transformed into a nationally recognized model of excellence. The department has been singled out for many honors, including the Award for Excellence from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International City-County Management's Award for Outstanding Partnerships, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Public Safety from the League of California Cities, and a commendation from the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.

Barbara Pletz has advanced emergency medical services in San Mateo County by, among other things, encouraging public-private partnerships, working with hospitals to develop the County's Trauma and Stroke Plans and helping develop the San Mateo County Mental Health Assessment and Referral Treatment Program.

Ms. Pletz is a registered nurse with over 35 years of health care experience, including a quarter century in emergency medical services. She is past president of the Emergency Medical Services Agency Administrators' Association of California and was its Legislative Chair from 1998-2004. She is also past president of the California Emergency Department Nurses Association and was one of the very first commissioners on the California State EMS Commission.

Besides honors bestowed on her department, Ms. Pletz has received personal acclaim, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Emergency Nurses Association, the Circle of Service Award from the California State Association of California, and the Lawrence M. Herman Award for Legislative Advocacy from the American Heart Association.

Madam Speaker, all of us in San Mateo County are sorry to see Barbara go, but we wish her much joy and adventure as she pursues her love of travel and experiencing new foods and cultures. Our county is a better place because of her service and for that we are eternally grateful.

Mr. Speaker, two-thirds of the American people believe that global warming is a clear and present danger, yet there are still Members in this House that deny it even exists.

Fortunately, many here are working diligently to craft a bipartisan and commonsense energy plan that makes polluters pay, provides for middle class energy tax credits, and creates a new industry and lots of good, clean, green jobs. In the process, we will reduce our reliance on foreign oil from nations that mean to do us harm and put us on a path towards being faithful stewards of this beautiful planet that God has loaned us.

But the science deniers don't care about any of that. They choose, instead, to twist the simple idea that polluters should pay for what they pollute into the same tired argument that it is somehow a tax.

The American people are speaking loud and clear. They want Congress to do something about global warming. At least some of us are listening.

Madam Speaker, Mark Raffaelli joined the South San Francisco Police Department as a patrol officer in 1971. This month, he retires--after 37 years of public service--as Chief of Police for the City of South San Francisco.

Chief Raffaelli will not be easily replaced. Everyone who knows Mark, myself included, appreciates his sense of humor, easygoing manner and dedication to his employees and the citizens they are sworn to protect. Mark is a leader who leads by example--and by his example--has mentored more men and women than he even knows.

On his journey through the ranks, Mark served in virtually every capacity a peace officer can serve. He put his skills to work in patrol, investigations, communications, training, operations and was a steady and reliable community presence for generations of South City residents.

Mark is a fixture in his community, having served as President of the South San Francisco Boys and Girls Club, SSF Host Lions Club, San Mateo County 100 Club and the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association. He has taken leadership roles in groups as diverse as the San Mateo County Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peninsula Police Officers Association, San Mateo County Gang Task Force, SSF Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee, North Peninsula Family Alternatives, Skyline College President's Council, Skyline College Hermanos Program and the San Mateo County Law Enforcement Training Site Fundraising Committee.

As Chief of Police, Mark Raffaelli has always welcomed new ideas. Under his watch, the SSFPD created or expanded the D.A.R.E. drug education program, Community Oriented Policing, Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System, a scholarship program for members of the Explorer Post and NEAT (Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team) for first time juvenile offenders.

Madam Speaker, I have had the great privilege of working with Chief Raffaelli for decades and have always been impressed by his ability to find solutions for vexing problems and show leadership when it would be easier to duck and cover.

Chief Raffaelli has earned his retirement and will, no doubt, enjoy his newly found leisure time with his lovely wife Patricia and sons Isaac and Rick. For decades, the Raffaelli family has shared their husband and father with all of us and we are forever indebted to them.

Madam Speaker, the biggest challenge of paying tribute to Chief Raffaelli is deciding which of his many accomplishments to leave off the list. Perhaps the greatest endorsement of his service is in the words of those who came under his command. Here is just a small sampling:

``Exceptionally dedicated to the city, department and citizens of South San Francisco. . . .''

``Always goes out of his way to greet employees. . . .''

``More frugal than Mr. Scrooge. . . .''

And my personal favorite: ``Great hair.''

Madam Speaker, today I rise to applaud the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council and the San Mateo County Youth Commission for their inspired work in creating the Bill of Rights for Children and Youth of San Mateo County. I especially want to thank Youth Commissioner James B. Pollack for his articulate and passionate presentation of the Bill of Rights when the groups visited with me last month.

This ground-breaking document was born from the shared belief that all young people--regardless of race, gender, disability, economic status or other identifying characteristic--should be allowed to grow and blossom to their fullest potential, experiencing the joy, wonder and happiness that so many of us remember from our own childhoods.

The Bill of Rights reads:

``We resolve to invest in all children and youth so that:

They have a healthy mind, body and spirit that enable them to maximize their potential;

They develop a healthy attachment to a parent, guardian or caregiver and an ongoing relationship with a caring and supportive adult;

Their essential needs are met--nutritious food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and accessible transportation;

They have a safe and healthy environment, including homes, schools, neighborhoods and communities;

They have access to a 21st century education that promotes success in life, in future careers and a love of life-long learning;

They have training in life skills that will prepare them to live independently, be self-sufficient and contribute to their community;

They have employment opportunities with protections from unfair labor practices;

They have freedom from mistreatment, abuse and neglect;

They have a voice in matters that affect them;

They have a sense of hope for their future.''

Madam Speaker, in our democratic system of government, we are taught to believe that all voices are heard equally. But most 12-year-olds don't have a lobbyist and few tables in the halls of power make room for families. That is why the work of the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council and the San Mateo County Youth Commission and the principles laid out in the Bill of Rights for Children and Youth are so vitally important.