Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mayor of Yountville, California, Mary Lou Holt, whose outstanding leadership and commitment to community service has significantly benefited the people of Yountville.

Prior to being elected as the mayor of Yountville in 1994, Mary Lou served as an elected member of the Yountville town council. As a member of the town council and as mayor, Mary Lou has been dedicated to improving the Yountville community. She founded the Christmas in April program, is a board member of the Hands Across the Valley program and chairs the Napa County Committee on Child Youth & Families.

Impressively, Mary Lou's community outreach has extended past Yountville and beyond our nation's boarders. By actively supporting programs like ``Roots of Peace,'' a program that aids Afghan farmers by providing them with free grape seeds in exchange for the destruction of land mines on their farmland, she has impacted people both at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, in Yountville, Mayor Holt is well known for her many accomplishments. While the community may know that she was honored as the Kiwanian of the year and that the Napa County Hispanic Network and many other service organizations have also honored her, it is most significant that the citizens of Yountville see and recognize that all accolades aside, their mayor is a person of character.

Mr. Speaker, far too often, people doubt their politicians. Cynicism and division have often replaced idealism and unity as building blocks for building societies. Fortunately, in her community, Mayor Holt has shattered that stereotype through her leadership and commitment to those she represents.

For nearly 10 years, Mary Lou Holt has been the matriarch of Yountville. And in that time, she has led and loved her fellow citizens. It was Mary Lou who helped create the ``If Given A Chance'' program that has awarded hundreds of scholarships to Yountville's underprivileged youth. It was Mary Lou who mourned with Yountville after the horrific events of September 11, 2001 and recounted her own experience of being in Washington D.C. and hearing the plane that crashed into the Pentagon fly over her head. And it has been Mary Lou, who has never been too busy being mayor to forget to be someone's friend.

Mr. Speaker, because of the many contributions she has made to the town of Yountville and for the special way that as mayor and friend Mary Lou Holt has impacted the lives of her fellow citizens, it is proper for us to honor her today as she retires from the office of mayor.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding the time, and for her great work on the effort to make this bill a better bill.

Mr. Chairman, since the implementation of TANF, California has tripled the number of welfare recipients who are today working. Cash aid has decreased by 45 percent and caseloads have declined more than 40 percent. H.R. 4 will not help California or any other State continue to make such progress.

The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) and the others who have worked on this substitute are offering a good measure. The substitute calls for tough, real work requirements that move welfare recipients into meaningful employment. The substitute gives States flexibility to create programs that prioritize efficiency over the majority's one- size-fits-all model.

The substitute gives States the resources needed to enact these new tougher mandates, unlike the majority's bill that provides $11 billion in unfunded mandates that no State can afford. It will cost California alone $2.5 billion over the next 5 years.

The substitute balances tough work requirements with financial resources that are necessary to move people into working jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all my colleagues to support the Cardin-Woolsey- Kind substitute.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of strong, meaningful welfare reform.

I was not a member of this body when welfare reform was first debated in 1996. But, the changes that came about as a result of that debate have brought significant and positive developments to my home state of California.

Under TANF, California has tripled the number of welfare recipients working and their average monthly earnings have significantly increased. Cash aid has decreased by 45 percent and caseloads have declined more than 40 percent.

These are the types of results that the 1996 reforms intended our states to achieve and we must build upon them in a way that will continue to bring people out of poverty and into meaningful employment.

Unfortunately, the bill that we debate today places unrealistic expectations on both our states and our welfare recipients. Worse, it calls for the enactment of work requirements that cannot be met without enhancing childcare, job training and transportation benefits--but minimal funds are provided for these support services.

Tough work requirements are a critical component of any welfare reform legislation and I strongly support strengthening our current provisions. But, I cannot support a plan that shifts a disproportionate financial responsibility onto our states simply because the federal government has squandered our surplus.

The underlying legislation contains approximately $11 billion in unfunded mandates--costs that our states will have to bear alone in order to comply with these new provisions. These mandates will cost California almost $2.5 billion--a tremendous hit particularly at a time when the state is struggling with a budget shortfall of $35 billion.

Mr. Chairman, as evidenced by the Cardin/Kind/Woolsey substitute, we can balance tougher work requirements with the financial resources necessary to truly move people from welfare to work.

This substitute calls for tough, real work requirements that move welfare recipients into meaningful employment.

This substitute gives states the flexibility to create programs that prioritize efficiency over the majority's ``one-size-fits-all'' model. Flexibility has enabled California to implement individual responsibility plans following job search and job preparation activities.

We have been very successful in placing people into work first, rather than wasting both funds and time to develop plans for individuals who have already attained employment.

These innovative approaches are supported by this substitute, which encourages states to implement sensible reforms and to tailor their programs to the needs of their beneficiaries--combining though work requirements with vocational training or ESL education.

Finally, this substitute gives states the resources they need to enact these new, tougher mandates--providing the $11 billion in additional child care funding that CBO has indicated states will need in order for recipients to meet these new work requirements. By preventing unfunded mandates and promoting flexibility, this substitute ensures universal engagement and continued success in transitioning people from welfare into gainful employment.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this substitute, which will build upon the accomplishments our states have already achieved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bruno Bartolucci, owner of Bartolucci Vineyards in Napa Valley California, for his outstanding contributions to America's wine industry and his community.

Born in San Francisco, the son of an immigrant garbage man, Bruno Bartolucci learned early on that hard work was not something to shy away from. Mr. Bartolucci's father relocated the family to a farm in Napa Valley in the 1930's and, though he was young, Mr. Bartolucci was responsible for tending to the chickens, gathering eggs, picking fruit and doing extensive maintenance. When the Bartoluccis began growing grapes, his workload became so extensive that during harvest season he only attended high school every other day.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 70 years have passed since Bruno Bartolucci first worked his father's vineyard. Since that time, Mr. Bartolucci's tremendous work ethic and personal commitment to excellence have made Bartolucci Vineyard famous for the quality of its grapes and renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Recently, America's wine business has experienced tremendous expansion. While it is gratifying to see such a robust industry, an unintended side effect of this growth has been the detachment of vineyard owners from their fields. This, however, is not the case at Bartolucci Vineyards.

Individuals visiting Mr. Bartolucci must walk into the fields to speak with him. It is there, amidst the perfectly aligned grape rows and surrounded by workers, that he can be found working in his classic green jumpsuit which sports the wears of his trade. At age 80, he still prunes grapes, supervises picking, fixes machines and maintains the beautiful garden.

Mr. Bartolucci's dedication to work is only overshadowed by the size of his heart. When he is not at work, Mr. Bartolucci can be found doing a wide variety of community service. Whether donating to charitable organizations or cooking dinner for the Sons of Italy, Mr. Bartolucci never ceases finding ways to serve our community's needs.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bartolucci is the standard to which all Americans should be compared. His commitment to farming and the community is rooted deeper than Napa Valley's famous vines. For these reasons and countless others, it is most appropriate that we honor Mr. Bruno Bartolucci today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Napa Chapter, for providing 100 years of outstanding community service throughout the Napa Valley in my home state of California.

Over the past century, every comer of our community has benefited from the contributions made from the distinguished membership of the Napa Elks Lodge #832. From its stage productions that entertained an entire community throughout the early 1900's to the charitable contributions it has provided families needing shelter, food and education, the Napa Elks Lodge has been a cornerstone of our community.

When the youth of our area need help in funding school programs or financial assistance to attend college, the Napa's Elks Lodge is always there with a helping hand. The same holds true for assisting community organizations that help our most vulnerable neighbors. Last year alone, dedicated Elks members raised over $8,000 for the Napa Emergency Women's Services, Children or Parents Emergency Services, Youth Programs and Job Rehabilitation. Every year it awards over $20,000 in college scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Mr. Speaker, during this past century the Napa Elks Lodge has been more than a tremendous service organization. Its members have provided daily examples of personal and social responsibility as well as advocating the Elks principles of justice, fidelity, charity and the spirit of American patriotism. Kelly Lamm, who will become the next Exalted Ruler, exemplifies the progression of this outstanding organization. A past board member of the local women's bar association and long-time volunteer with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, Ms. Lamm's commitment to service is a model of the true Elks character. She will soon be accepting the reigns from Exalted Leader Bret Meltzer who has provided outstanding leadership in guiding the Lodge to its recent successes.

Mr. Speaker, the Elks represent a dedicated and meaningful fabric of our community. As they are the standard by which other service organizations should compare themselves, it is most appropriate that we honor them on their centennial celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Virginia Rue, who is retiring after working for 27 years in the field of education. During the past nine years, Mrs. Rue has served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Napa Valley Unified School District.

Mrs. Rue has been dedicated to education throughout her life. Part of a new generation of women who refused to be denied a university education, she enrolled at Old Dominion

University, VA where she earned her Bachelors degree in American History. Even after completing her undergraduate education, Mrs. Rue's educational goals were not fulfilled. She continued studying and eventually earned her Doctoral degree in Educational Administration.

Mr. Speaker, it is most impressive that even with a doctorate in hand, Mrs. Rue felt that her educational goals could not be fulfilled without helping to educate others. As a high school teacher she motivated her History students to get involved in government and to appreciate our Nation's rich heritage. Later, as the Principal of Vintage High School in Napa, CA Mrs. Rue organized a dedicated staff, maintained a fiscally sound budget and spread an overall enthusiasm for education that was, quite simply, contagious.

During her time as Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Rue has supervised 21 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 comprehensive high schools, a technology school, one adult school and a continuation school. As Assistant Superintendent, she has also expanded services to Limited English Proficient students, incorporated a senior citizen tutoring program, secured substance abuse grants and implemented new reading programs. The improvements Mrs. Rue has made in the Napa Valley Unified School District have been enormous.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Rue is a shining example of dedication to education. The knowledge, concepts and programs that her students have benefited from during her tenure are a permanent reminder of how significant her educational contributions have been. For these reasons and countless others, it is most appropriate that we honor Mrs. Virginia Rue's educational career and extend our best wishes to her in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Willard Hunter, M.D., Clinical Director of Open Door Community Health Centers, Humboldt County, California, honoring 25 years dedicated to family practice medicine in Northern California.

Dr. Hunter received his BA with honors in Economics from Harvard University in 1970. In 1974 he graduated from the medical school of the University of California, Los Angeles and went on to complete his residency in Family Practice medicine at the University of California, Davis. He is Board Certified in Family Practice and Geriatric Medicine.

In an outstanding career dedicated to patient care, Bill Hunter has served as Medical Director, Redwoods Rural Health Center; Chief of Staff, Southern Humboldt Community Hospital and Clinical Director, Open Door Community Health Centers. In addition, he conducted teaching preceptorships for students of the University of California at Davis, Santa Rosa Community Hospital and Stanford University Medical Center.

Through his leadership and medical direction, Dr. Hunter plays a role in the care of one out of every four residents of the North Coast. During his career, he has personally provided more than 100,000 medical visits to 10,000 individuals. In addition to his medical skills, he is a fine athlete, a great fiddle player and a devoted father.

Dr. Hunter is widely admired and respected by his colleagues, patients and co-workers for his professional knowledge and skill and his open and friendly manner.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Dr. Willard Hunter for his devotion to the practice of medicine and for his exceptional contributions and service to the people of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William ``Bill'' Burns, who is being honored on the occasion of his retirement as the District Representative of the Operating Engineers in Eureka, California.

Bill Burns, who was born in Richmond, California, has dedicated his life to the labor movement in our country. He joined Operating Engineers, Local 3 in 1964 as a heavy-duty repair apprentice. After graduating from the apprenticeship program, he began his career as a mechanic and foreman, gaining experience and expertise on Northern California job sites. He was elected the conductor for Local 3 in 1982, a position he has been re-elected to in every election thereafter. Bill was named Business Representative in 1982 in Santa Rosa, California and in 1986 became District Representative in Eureka.

As a recognized community leader, Bill Burns has served on the Board of Directors of United Way; Board Member, Private Industry Council; Member, Citizens for Port Development; Secretary-Treasurer, Central Labor Council; Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Humboldt-Del Norte Building and Construction Trades Council and as a member of the Eureka City Schools Closure Committee. He also coached youth soccer for 10 years.

An active member of the Democratic Party, Bill serves as Vice-Chair and Executive Board member of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. In 1992 he was a Clinton delegate to the Democratic Convention and serves as an Executive Board Member of the California Democratic Party. In 1998, Bill Burns was named Humboldt County Democrat of the Year.

Bill Burns has lived his life with a conscientious and sincere commitment to working people and our democratic traditions. Raising the standard of living for those whose daily labor sustains our nation has been his life's work.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Bill Burns for his contributions and service to the people of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don Tuttle, Deputy Public Works Director, County of Humboldt, on the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of public service.

Don Tuttle received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and a masters degree from the University of California. In addition, he received a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University. After serving with the public works department in Walnut Creek, CA, he began his career in Humboldt County as Natural Resources Analyst for the Public Works Department, and later became Environmental Services Manager. In 1999 he was promoted to Deputy Public Works Director.

During his tenure, Mr. Tuttle was instrumental in protecting the environment, developing policy and guiding the permit process on in a broad array of county projects. He managed county parks, improved public access and protected fragile natural resources; he guided the effort to protect wetlands and enhance fish habitat; he detected the Western Snowy Plover, a federally threatened species, leading to the protection of its habitat; and was instrumental in getting more protections for fish affected by the diversion of the Upper Eel River. A singular accomplishment was his compilation of an environmental data bank comprised of 20,000 aerial photographs, both modem and historic, along with documents and maps pertaining to archaeological sites, geology, vegetation, wildlife, and roads. This material will guide land-use decisions in Humboldt County for many years to come. He has also been an active member of the Humboldt County Historical Society for over three decades.

Don Tuttle is a dedicated, exceptionally able public servant that has made outstanding contributions to Humboldt County and to the State of California.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Don Tuttle for his extraordinary service to the people of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant achievements of Charles M. Price, a retiring political science professor at Chico State University in Chico, California.

Dr. Price began his outstanding work at Chico State in 1965. During the 37 years that followed, he taught through some of our Nation's most turbulent times. The assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement and 9/11. These events shook the world and drastically impacted our college-aged youth. However, rather than allow frustration and confusion to rob his students of their confidence in government, Dr. Price used his unique talents to uplift and inspire students. He taught his students hope for a better tomorrow through our government, not in spite of it.

Dr. Price is a frequently sought-after commentator on direct democracy, California government and politics. His articles appear regularly in both local and national newspapers and the textbook he authored is the leading text on California government. He has received many accolades including several university merit awards. Yet as impressive as Dr. Price's resume is, his legacy lays in the civic involvement he has evoked from his students.

For over 10 years, Dr. Price served as director of the California Assembly Fellows program where students were able to gain a deep and thorough understanding of California's state government. He created and directs the Chico State University Sacramento Internship program, which provides Chico State students the opportunity to secure political internships and often jobs in politics. Several of Dr. Price's students have moved on to hold public office.

To have so many students become politically active is rare for many political science professors. For Dr. Price, it is the norm.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Chico State University. There, I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Price's political science students. The encouragement and motivation I received was profound as Dr. Price taught my class that we could, and should, make a difference in government. Dr. Price has the ability to make you believe that you can reach out and touch government; he made me believe I could get involved.

Mr. Speaker, for his invaluable contributions to Chico State University, his students Californian state government and our Nation, it is most appropriate that we honor Dr. Charles M. Price.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mel Varrelman as he retires from the Napa County Board of Supervisors. Mel's tenure as a Napa County Supervisor is a model for all those who are in public office and for all those who value community service.

During my service in Congress and the California State Senate, I have consistently turned to Mel for advice, assistance, and friendship. Since Mel was first elected to the St. Helena City Council in 1976 and then to the Board of Supervisors in 1982, he has represented his district, which includes my home in St. Helena, with sincerity, pragmatism and vision. Whether being on the winning side or the losing side of votes, Mel always cast his vote in the way he believed would improve the lives of his constituents. He has repeatedly demonstrated that true leadership often requires taking an unpopular position before time is eventually allowed to prove its benefits to all.

Mel shares a passion for agriculture and open space, particularly in the Napa Valley. Mel's steadfast commitment to the preservation of open space and agricultural lands in Napa County has allowed our Valley to remain as both an economic engine for the region and as one of the most beautiful places in the country. During, his tenure, Mel helped enact measures including a landmark plan to require a vote of the people to rezone land, a hillside ordinance, a 160-acre minimum parcel requirement for agriculture, watershed and open space lands, a groundwater ordinance and a viewshed ordinance.

As a private citizen, Mel has also contributed to the well being of those in our community. As an accountant and certified financial planner, he has helped individuals and small businesses navigate the tax code and the confusing world of finance. I often seek Mel's analysis of how national tax and fiscal policy will affect the lives of the hardworking people of the First Congressional District.

In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors, Mel also serves on the Napa County Emergency Medical Care Committee, the Upper Valley Waste Management Agency, the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency, the Local Agency Formation Commission and the Government Finance Committee of the California State Association of Counties.

Mel lives in my hometown of St. Helena with his wife, Rose. They have two great children and are wonderful neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize Napa County Supervisor and my friend Mel Varrehman for his tremendous contributions to the Napa Valley and its residents. Even as Mel retires as the District 3 Supervisor, I am confident that he will continue to provide leadership in Napa County for many years to come.