Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize InterMetro Industries on receiving an Excellence Award from the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Association in the Manufacturer Product Innovation and Process Improvement category. They will be honored on May 7, 2019 for their accomplishments.

Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, InterMetro Industries (Metro) is a leading manufacturer in storage and transport products for the food service, commercial products, and health care industries. What started as a shelving company has grown into a world-class, innovative, and solutions-based company that has revolutionized the way many industries conduct their day-to-day business.

InterMetro is being recognized for its PrepMate MultiStation, an adjustable-height, high-productivity worktable that has changed the way food is prepared in commercial settings. The PrepMate MultiStation's unique design reduces food waste and operator fatigue. This fairly- priced piece of equipment helps increase efficiency in the kitchen by eliminating the need to consistently change workspaces for different purposes.

It is an honor to recognize InterMetro on this outstanding accomplishment. I applaud the excellent work they're doing to create revolutionary new products to help businesses meet the needs of their customers. I wish them the best for many successful years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Women's Club of West Pittston on the 100th anniversary of their founding. The Women's Club, under current president George Anne Neff, meets the third Tuesday of the month, from September through May, at the First United Methodist Church of West Pittston.

Founded in 1919, the Women's Club of West Pittston provided a social opportunity for women in the community to gather and work toward the betterment of their community. Throughout their storied history, the Women's Club of West Pittston has been involved in many philanthropic and local endeavors. The Club famously rallied support behind the Iron Bridge over the Susquehanna River, which connects West Pittston and Pittston, and they are credited with helping save the historic structure.

The Women's Club focuses their mission on supporting four key local entities: fire companies, ambulance companies, Meals on Wheels, and the West Pittston Library. Each year, they raise funds and donate them to these groups. Members of the Women's Club are actively involved with the West Pittston Library, serving as volunteers and as board members, and donating money and books in honor of deceased members.

The Women's Club partners with local community organizations throughout the year, including the Salvation Army, Dress for Success, Blue Chip Animal Rescue, and the SPCA. Using funds raised from their annual clothing sale, the Club supports two $500 scholarships for graduating female seniors from Wyoming Area Secondary Center, to help further their education.

For generations, the West Pittston Women's Club has provided an environment for women to gather and find their voices to give back to their community. It is a great honor to recognize this organization for the work they have done and will continue to do. I wish them the very best for another hundred years of growth and prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wyoming Seminary Field Hockey team on winning their state championship in Pennsylvania. The Blue Knights were named the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's Class 1A Field Hockey State Champions on November 17, 2018, after they won the final game against the Newport Buffalos by a final score of 2-0. The team also earned the WVC Division 1 and District 2 Class A Field Hockey Championships.

Head Coach Karen Klassner, Assistant Coach Kim Barbacci, and Assistant Coach Margaret Kerrick led the team to victory during the season. The state champions team roster includes: Grace Aiello, Kate Barilla, Maggie Barilla, Emma Bean, Ava Bufalino, Cristiana Burcovschii, Reese Butcher, Shawna Casey, Julia Christian, Ahna Dinsmore, Halle Kehl, Bari Lefkowitz, Mia Magnotta, Hannah Maxwell, Tyra McCormick, Abby McDaniel, Quinn Medico, Anna Mozeleski, Aubrey Mytych, Grace Parsons, Coty Pinero, Dani Reiser, Kelsey Reznick, Katie Ritsick, Abby Santo, Elisabeth Seyfarth, Alex Wesneski, Emily Williams, Tyler Wood, and Tiana Wren.

Senior midfielder Kelsey Reznick scored the initial point during a penalty stroke in the final minutes of the first half. In the opening minutes of the second half, forward Hannah Maxwell scored the additional point for her team. Keeper Mia Magnotta made two saves for Wyoming Seminary throughout the course of the game.

It is an honor to recognize the outstanding achievement of these young women and their

coaches. It is with great pride that I congratulate them on their winning season. Go Blue Knights.

Madam Speaker, I read with dismay this morning that the Justice Department and the current administration has decided to continue to treat the Affordable Care Act as an unconstitutional wrong committed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the last administration. I can't believe that they are taking this position.

This has been a long national struggle that we have gone through. We have had this debate, we have had this discussion, and we have had this fight. And to say now that it continues to be unconstitutional, the way that they have said all along, we don't need to do this again. We have 10 to 20 million

Americans with preexisting conditions that depend on the workings of the Affordable Care Act to keep covered so that they don't have to file for bankruptcy when they get sick, so that they can move from job to job without worrying about their healthcare coverage. Let's not do this again.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues here in the House to reject the idea that the ACA is unconstitutional.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kevin Kane who received the Wyoming Valley Children's Association's (WVCA) ``Making A Difference'' Award along with his wife Mickey Kane on Friday, March 22, 2019 during the organization's 95th Anniversary Gala.

The WVCA provides quality, early childhood education as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs to students diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and speech delays, and also to other children. The ``Making A Difference Award'' recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment and service to the WVCA.

Kevin currently works for the Luzerne County Court Administration as the Director of Domestic Relations for Family Court. Kevin has proudly served on the Board of Directors for Wyoming Valley Children's Association for twenty-seven years. He also served as the President of the Board. Kevin and Mickey are the proud parents of two children: Katie and Sean. Together they established the Sean P. Kane Memorial Fund in honor of their son. It supports services, programs, and causes aligned with health, wellness, and wellbeing of people across the community, with an emphasis on individuals with special needs.

It is an honor to recognize Kevin as he and Mickey accept the Wyoming Valley Children's Association's ``Making A Difference'' Award. May they continue to support the early childhood education needs of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mickey Kane who received the Wyoming Valley Children's Association's (WVCA) ``Making A Difference'' Award along with her husband Kevin Kane on Friday, March 22, 2019 during the organization's 95th Anniversary Gala.

The WVCA provides quality, early childhood education as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs to students and developing children that have been diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome, or speech delays. The ``Making A Difference Award'' recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment and service to the WVCA.

Mickey is a Senior Registered Associate with Morgan Stanley in Wilkes Barre, PA. She started with Morgan Stanley's predecessor firm in 1988. Mickey holds a General Securities Representative License (Series 7) and passed the Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66). Mickey is essential to several Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor teams, and she is responsible for administrative and account services for Wealth Management clients.

Kevin and Mickey are the proud parents of two children: Katie and Sean. Together they established the Sean P. Kane Memorial Fund in honor of their son. It is intended to support services, programs, and causes aligned with health, wellness, and wellbeing of people across the community, with an emphasis on individuals with special needs.

Mickey has been active in the WVCA Walk-A-Thon for more than 25 years, coordinating ``Team Katie'' for that event. In addition, she also works on the committee for the annual Sean P. Kane Memorial Mixer.

It is an honor to recognize Mickey as she and Kevin accept the Wyoming Valley Children's Association's ``Making A Difference'' Award. May they continue to support the early childhood education needs of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward Hart, who was named the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons Man of the Year at their annual St. Patrick's Day celebration on Sunday, March 17, 2019.

Edward is a Pittston native and the son of the late Edward and Jean Morrow Hart. He is a graduate of Pittston Area High School and the University of Scranton.

Edward has dedicated his career to radio and broadcast television, concentrating in revenue development and management. He began his career at WARM before moving on to Magic 93. In 1988, while working at Q102 Radio, Edward became the youngest radio station manager in the country. He then transitioned to television, working in various sales and management roles for WOLF-TV, which later became FOX56. In 1998, Edward was the first to generate over $1 million in revenue in FOX history. Edward transitioned to WNEP in 2006 where he also managed the local sales efforts to record levels.

Edward is an active member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. In 2014,

he served as president during the group's centennial year. He dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort liaising with the Secret Service and the Office of the Vice President to secure Vice President Joe Biden as the principal speaker at the organization's centennial celebration. Edward also instituted the recitation of St. Patrick's prayer to begin every meeting--in order to honor the group's patron saint.

Edward has been married to his wife, Natalie Amico Hart, for 25 years, and they have three children, Edward IV, Alexandra, and Emma. Edward is actively involved in his community as a youth sports coach for basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. He is a member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish in Pittston and a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Assembly No. 948 and JFK Council No. 372.

It is an honor to recognize Edward as the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons 2019 Man of the Year. I thank him for his dedicated service to our community and wish him the best this St. Patrick's Day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William J. Williams, who will receive the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons' Swingle Award. William was honored on Sunday, March 17, at the Friendly Sons' annual St. Patrick's Day event.

William was born to William and Susan Rudick Williams on May 25, 1955. He is a graduate of Pittston Area High School (class of 1973), and he earned an associate degree in industrial electronics from Luzerne County Community College and a real estate license from Penn State University.

William found success in a variety of fields throughout his career, in the medical field as

a respiratory therapy technician, in commercial building sales, and as a real estate agent with Atlas Realty. William has been involved with the Pittston City Ambulance Association since 1973, and he earned his EMT certification in 1977. He is also a member of the Hughestown Hose Company, president of the Eagle Hose Company, and the secretary of the Pittston Volunteer Fireman's Relief organization.

In 1990, William was hired by the City of Pittston as a firefighter. In 1998, he received commendations for valor from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate after valiantly rescuing an elderly woman from her gas-filled home. William retired from the profession in 2018 as an Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Inspector.

In addition to having an impressive professional career, William has always been actively involved in his community. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1998, achieving 4th degree in 2003. William has been a member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons since 1998, serving as president of the organization in 2009. He currently serves as the co-chair of the Friendly Sons Scholarship Committee.

William resides in Pittston and has been married to his wife Irene for 42 years. He is the proud father of three daughters: Amy, Jennifer, and Samantha.

It is an honor to recognize William for his many years of service to our community. I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Balon, who was named the Freeland Sons of Erin 2019 Citizen of the Year. He was honored on Saturday, March 16, at the organization's annual St. Patrick's Day event.

Frank is a graduate of Freeland High School and Pennsylvania State University. He worked as a mechanical engineer at Tobyhanna Army Depot before retiring after thirty years of service in 2013. During his tenure at Tobyhanna, Frank received the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service in both 1997 and 2002.

Frank brings something unique to Northeastern Pennsylvania that is never in adequate supply: the joy of music. He plays trumpet in several local ensembles including the Freeland St. Ann's Band, where he also serves as band president, and the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra and Big Band. Frank is also the leader of the popular brass quintet, the Hot Tin Roof Brass Band. As part of his musical career, he has performed the national anthem for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Triple-A baseball teams on many occasions, and he has additional appearances scheduled for the upcoming season. Frank's musical talents extend to singing as well. He is a choir member and cantor at Immaculate Conception

Church and an officer and founding member of the Freeland Community Choir.

Frank is diversely active in his community. He is a contributing writer for the monthly Progress Magazine, and he enjoys researching family history and genealogy. Frank enjoys hiking and is an avid outdoorsman. He also currently serves as the secretary for the Hazelton Archery Club.

Stemming from his civilian employment with the United States Army at Tobyhanna Army Depot, Frank is dedicated to honoring and serving our veterans. He is part of the honor guard and a proud honorary member of American Legion Post 473 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5010. His community efforts were recognized by the Freeland American Legion Post when they named him Citizen of the Year in 2017.

It is an honor to recognize an outstanding individual like Frank as he accepts the Citizen of the Year Award. I am grateful for his many talents and his willingness to serve the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, especially veterans. I wish him the best this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind this House of the Democratic For the People agenda, which starts with rebuilding American infrastructure and creating good paying jobs doing so.

It includes expanding healthcare so that it is available to more and more Americans, and bringing down the costs of healthcare and prescription drugs.

It includes cleaning up our American democracy and rooting out corruption in our electoral process.

We achieved the third one this month with H.R. 1, the For the People Act, but the other two took a serious blow this week when we saw the President's budget, which cuts Medicare to the tune of $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, breaking a core promise of the President's campaign, and also cuts infrastructure spending.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject that shortsightedness in the President's budget, and let's go ahead and achieve the For the People agenda.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin F. Quinn who will receive the Achievement Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick at their annual St. Patrick's Day dinner on Sunday, March 17, 2019. Martin is an active member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons, and he was named Man of the Year by the organization in 2010.

Martin Quinn is the son of the late Martin J. Quinn and Margaret Mitchell Quinn. He was born and raised in the Cork Lane section of Pittston Township and graduated from Pittston Central Catholic High School in 1955. Motivated by the desire to serve his country, Martin served in the United States Army. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Martin transitioned to civilian life. Martin is a licensed electrician and served as the recording secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1153. Prior to returning to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1973, he worked in the trucking industry in New Jersey and was vice president of the Teamsters Union Local No. 701. He was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad and ConRail, Inc. for over thirty years, retiring as a Line Foreman in 1999.

Martin is an ardent supporter of education, having served on the Pittston Area School Board for 28 years. During his time on the board, he was instrumental in the construction of the Pittston Area Primary Center in Hughestown. In recognition of his efforts, the school was named in his honor in November 2016.

Martin is a steadfast community servant and dedicates his time to many local clubs, civic organizations, and community activities. He is a charter member of the Wolfe Tone Luzerne County Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council No. 372 and its Fourth Degree Assembly. He also serves as a board member of the Parking Authority of the City of Pittston. Martin is active with the Third District Democrats, serving many years as the committeeman for his ward. He is a social member of the Polish Club in Dupont, the West Side Club in Avoca, and the Pittston Township Italian Club. He belongs to Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish.

Martin lives in Pittston with his wife Barbara. They are proud parents and proud in-law parents of Mitch and his wife Kim, Mike and his wife Tara, and Brian and his wife Denise. And they are equally proud grandparents of Zach, Jake, Samantha, Katie, and Kearney.

It is an honor to recognize Martin F. Quinn for a lifetime of community involvement and service. I am grateful for the work he has done on behalf of the people of the Greater Pittston Area and wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marilyn Pryle, who was named the 2019 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education at their annual professional development conference on December 10, 2018. Marilyn was selected as the Teacher of the Year from a competitive field of twelve finalists for her dedication to students, unparalleled commitment to her field, and her innovative methods of pedagogy.

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Scranton, Marilyn began her teaching career with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Kathmandu, Nepal. In 1996, she received her Master's degree in education, also from the University of Scranton. While teaching in Braintree, Massachusetts, Marilyn earned her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Emerson College. She is a National Board Certified teacher in secondary English and reading instruction and has experience teaching at the middle school, high school, and college levels.

In addition to extolling the virtues of literature and the art of writing to high school students, Marilyn has devoted much of her career to educating educators. She is steadfastly dedicated to the field of teaching and has challenged educators to ``create an inspired classroom.'' She is also an advocate for the indispensable place the humanities have in our education system. Marilyn is the author of seven books about teaching reading and writing, and she speaks regularly at local, state, and national conferences. As Teacher of the Year, she will continue to speak, educate, and inspire both pre-service teachers and experienced teachers at events and meetings across Pennsylvania.

In addition to her work in the classroom and many speaking engagements, Marilyn is an ardent community volunteer and advocate. Together with Catholic Social Services, she facilitates an English-as- a-second-language conversation group for refugees in the Scranton area.

It is an honor to recognize Marilyn Pryle as the 2019 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Her level of dedication to her students, her profession, and her community has been remarkable. Marilyn has always possessed an unwavering zeal for teaching and a belief that, with the right tutelage, any student can succeed, and that has produced wonderful results. May she continue to energize and inspire students and teachers alike for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, who will receive the Man of the Year Award at the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons' annual St. Patrick's Day celebration on Friday, March 15, 2019. Eddie has been a dedicated public servant for more than four decades, first as a music teacher, then as a state representative.

Eddie is a native Northeastern Pennsylvanian. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Wilkes University and has a master's equivalency. For 38 years, Eddie served as music teacher and choral director in the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. He was an active member of the union, the GNA Education Association, where he advanced the profession of teaching and ensured that students receive a quality education from highly qualified and equitably treated educators. Always motivated to serve at the highest level, Eddie took on leadership roles such as chief spokesperson, vice president, and president.

Driven by his civic minded sensibility, outgoing personality, and desire to create sustainable change for the community at large, Eddie ran for the 121st Legislative District seat to represent Wilkes-Barre City, Fairview Township, Wilkes-Barre Township, Ashley Borough, Hanover Township, and Laurel Run Borough in the state house in Harrisburg. He handily won the 2006 election and has held the office since.

Eddie found great success as a state legislator. He is an ardent supporter of health care reform and has spearheaded a task force of regional experts to offer recommendations to improve our health care system to make it more affordable and accessible. In the wake of the devastating flooding in 2011, Eddie introduced a legislative package to help homeowners and small businesses rebuild and recover. His exceptional efforts on behalf of Pennsylvanians have earned him the title of Legislator of the Year from several organizations.

Though no longer a music teacher, Eddie Day continues to bring the joy of music to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania with his band, The Starfires. With his late wife, Millie, Eddie is the proud father of four children and grandfather to seven grandchildren.

It is an honor to recognize State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski as he accepts the Man of the Year Award from the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons. His public service career is admirable and unparalleled, and I thank him for his leadership in our community and in Harrisburg. May he continue to be extraordinarily successful in his work for greater good of our commonwealth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bernard McGurl, who will receive the Paul ``Hook'' O'Malley Man of the Year Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 4 on Thursday, March 7, 2019. .

Bernie grew up in Dunmore and is a graduate of Dunmore Central Catholic High School. He received degrees in political science and history from the University of Scranton and a degree in humanities from Keystone College. Bernie went on to attend Johnson College to study cabinetmaking and building construction. Early in his career, he worked jobs in construction, forestry, and rail.

Bernie is best known for his passion for preserving the environment. He has made extraordinary efforts to clean and maintain the Lackawanna River watershed, an area that encompasses 350 square miles across four counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bernie was also instrumental in establishing the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Under his direction, the Lackawanna River Conservation Association acquired sections of railbed that are now incorporated into the Lackawanna Heritage Trail. As Vice President of the Rail Trail Council, his work resulted in the acquisition of 40 miles of D&H railbed. As Executive Director for Lackawanna Valley Conservancy, he was successful in protecting 18 properties totaling 200 acres.

He is also a great supporter of the arts. Bernie is an active member of the Mulberry Poets and Writers Association. A lifelong learner, Bernie satisfies his intellectual curiosity and takes it upon himself to study different disciplines, including geology, history, ecology, and various aspects of engineering.

It is an honor to recognize a fellow environmentalist and public servant for all the great work he has done. May he continue to work for the good of the natural world and our community. I wish Bernard the best as he accepts the Paul ``Hook'' O'Malley Man of the Year the Award.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the leadership for bringing this bill up under suspension today, and to Representative Tonko for yielding time, also, to Republican Leader Upton for his kind words.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the entire Energy and Commerce Committee for their long-term support for this bill. And I say ``long-term'' because this bill has passed the House under suspension under each of the past three Congresses.

Unfortunately, our friends in the Senate--and I use that word loosely--have yet to bring it to the floor. I am glad the House is considering this bill early in the session with plenty of time for the Senate to act.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman Welch of Vermont, particularly, for his leadership on this bill. It is no secret that he is one of the great energy efficiency gurus in the House, and it has been a pleasure for me to work with him.

Mr. Speaker, across the country, school districts spend billions of dollars on their energy every year. These

are schools in need of upgrades and improvements to their facilities.

In its most recent Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our Nation's schools a grade of D-plus.

Now, what this bill proposes are enhancements that improve the state of our schools, our economy, and our environment by implementing economically and environmentally sustainable changes so school administrators can address short-term and long-term needs. In reducing their energy bills, schools can put the savings toward other educational priorities.

Now, according to the EPA and the Department of Energy, K-12 school districts, nationwide, spend approximately $8 billion on their energy every year, second only to personnel costs. $8 billion exceeds the costs of textbooks and supplies. An estimated $2 billion of that cost could be saved by improving energy efficiency, an amount that can pay for 40 million textbooks.

Moreover, 43 percent of schools, according to a Department of Education survey, indicated that the poor condition of their facilities interferes with the delivery of instruction. In fact, high-performance schools can lower a school district's operating costs by up to 30 percent.

Now, there are numerous Federal initiatives already available to schools to help them become more energy efficient, but these programs are spread across the Federal Government, making it challenging, time consuming, difficult, and costly for schools to identify and take full advantage of these programs. We are talking about harried, busy school administrators that don't have the time to dive in to do that kind of research.

These programs exist for schools to utilize them. We should make every effort to assist schools in enacting sensible upgrades that help our students learn and help our schools run smoothly and efficiently.

This bipartisan Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act aims to provide a coordinating structure for schools to help schools better navigate available Federal programs and financing options. Now, this legislation does not spend any additional money, and it keeps decisionmaking authority with the States, the school boards, and the local officials.

The bill establishes a clearinghouse through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The clearinghouse will disseminate information on Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to develop energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for schools.

The bill also directs the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to coordinate with Federal agencies and develop an outreach program to streamline communications and promote available Federal programs. For example, outreach may provide a single website where school officials can learn, with one-stop shopping, about the relevant programs.

This is commonsense legislation that will ensure that schools can more easily take advantage of energy efficiency programs. It is a strategic and cost-saving investment to relieve the fiscal pressure felt by school districts across the Nation while bringing us closer to energy security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.