6156 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS April 12, 2005 KELLER HIGH SCHOOL WINS On behalf of the United States Congress, I Carlos Castillo, an outstanding Lion mem- STATE ACADEMIC DECATHLON am proud to join her many admirers in offering ber, was born in Myaguez, Puerto Rico. Upon our highest praise and congratulations to graduating high school in 1959, he originally HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS Heather Meyer for her selection as winner of came to New York for just two weeks. How- OF TEXAS the 2005 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This ever, those two weeks ended lasting a life- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor not only recognizes her efforts, but also time. He got into the supermarket business is a testament to her parents, teachers, and and continued that venture for 40 years. Tuesday, April 12, 2005 other individuals whose personal interest, Through his work, he has become a highly Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, It is my great steadfast support, and active participation con- recognized and distinguished individual in his honor to recognize the outstanding achieve- tributed to her success. To this remarkable industry. In 1989, his efforts were recognized ments of the Keller High School Academic De- young woman, we extend our most heartfelt with the Businessman of the Year Award. cathlon team from Keller, Texas located in the good wishes for all her future endeavors. Also, in 1991 he received the Outstanding 26th Congressional District of Texas. f Puerto Rican Professionals Award from the Keller High School won the state level Aca- Office of the New York City Council President, demic Decathlon competition out of a field of IN HONOR OF DR. ELIZABETH K. the Honorable Andrew Stein. 40 teams. The Keller High School HS team BALRAJ In addition to his accomplishments as a brought home 22 team medals and 28 indi- businessman, he is also a noted humanitarian. vidual event medals from the large school divi- HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Carlos joined the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club sion. In addition, Keller senior Xiaochu ‘‘Chu’’ OF OHIO in 1984 and has always had an eye on help- Song earned the highest overall score at the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing those in need. Throughout his tenure with competition. Tuesday, April 12, 2005 the Lions, he has received the Lion of the Having won the Texas State Academic De- Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Year Award, the 100% President Award, the cathlon, team members Alex Dang-Tran, Tyler recognition of Cuyahoga County Coroner, Dr. Melvin Jones Award, and the prestigious Gibson, Van Hoang, Jeff Marthers, Spencer Elizabeth K. Balraj, as she is recognized by Uplinger Award. He is also a devoted father and an all Scherer, Brandon Simmons, Chu Song, Jen- the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party for around exceptional family man. He has been nifer Swegler and Joey Wilkinson will rep- her outstanding service to our community. resent the State of Texas at the National Aca- In 1966, following her studies to become a married to his wife Astrid, for 40 years, and to- demic Decathlon in Chicago. physician and surgeon, Dr. Balraj left her gether they have raised three successful chil- The team has been strongly competitive for homeland of India to immigrate to the United dren: Charles Jr., Sandra, and Nelson. He is the past 10 years, but this is the first time in States. She practiced medicine at Akron Gen- the proud grandfather of Michael, Taylor, Ivan, its 20 years of existence that the Keller High eral Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleve- and Carlos Luis. School Academic Decathlon team has ad- land. Dr. Balraj began her work in the Cuya- Mr. Speaker, Carlos Castillo has been a vanced to the national arena. These bright hoga County Coroner’s Office as Deputy Cor- leader in his community and has been a won- young students are coached by Vicki Whitaker oner and Pathologist. In 1987, following the derful example of how dedication and perse- and Kaye Blevins. retirement of Coroner Dr. Samuel R. Gerber, verance can lead to success. As such, he is I wish them the best of luck at they compete she was appointed Coroner of Cuyahoga more than worthy of receiving our recognition April 14–16 at the national level. I am proud County. Dr. Balraj was elected Coroner in No- today and the award of Lion of the Year to represent such gifted students and dedi- vember of 1988, and has been re-elected ever Award. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me cated teachers. since. in honoring this truly remarkable person. f Dr. Balraj’s unwavering focus and energy is f STATEMENT HONORING HEATHER reflected every day throughout this office. Be- IN MEMORY OF ARMY SGT. MEYER, WINNER OF THE 2005 yond supervising a multi-million dollar budget DANIEL TORRES LEGRAND SMITH SCHOLARSHIP and a workforce of 87, she often leads cross- agency teams in uncovering answers for law enforcement officials, and most significantly, HON. KAY GRANGER HON. JOHN J.H. ‘‘JOE’’ SCHWARZ for families who grieve the death of their loved OF TEXAS OF MICHIGAN one. Dr. Balraj’s integrity, combined with her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sense of calm and precision, has elevated the Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Tuesday, April 12, 2005 work and mission throughout the Coroner’s Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. SCHWARZ of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Office. She broke the glass ceiling for women honor the courage of a young hero from my let it be known, that it is with great respect for by successfully carving a path into an area of district. On February 4, 2005, the Department the outstanding record of excellence she has science and medicine where women were vir- of Defense declared that Sergeant Daniel compiled in academics, leadership, and com- tually non-existent before. Torres (United States Army, 3rd Infantry Divi- Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and munity service, that I am proud to salute sion) was killed in the line of duty when a recognition of Dr. Elizabeth K. Balraj. Her in- Heather Meyer, winner of the 2005 LeGrand roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle 140 tellect, wisdom, leadership, quiet determina- Smith Scholarship. This award is given to miles north of Baghdad. Torres enlisted in the tion, and above all, her compassion and heart, young adults who have demonstrated their army following 9–11 and was planning to save all serve to offer answers to members of law true commitment to playing an important role up for college. He wanted to study marketing enforcement, and most importantly, closure, in our Nation’s future. and international business and also had solace and peace within the minds and hearts As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholar- dreams of becoming a police officer. of families and individuals within Cuyahoga ship, Catherine is being honored for dem- His friends describe Torres as spiritual, County. onstrating the same generosity of spirit, intel- someone who encouraged his friends to stay ligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity f strong when they were down, and who was a for human service that distinguished the late A TRIBUTE TO CARLOS CASTILLO role model to his peers. LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. He was also devoted to his family. He Heather is an exceptional student at HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS played catch with his younger sister Christina Addison High School. Aside from being one of OF NEW YORK to help her improve her softball skills, which the highest in her class academically, Cath- she says played a part in her recently receiv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erine possesses an outstanding record of ing an athletic scholarship to a community col- achievement. She has been very active in the Tuesday, April 12, 2005 lege in Louisiana. He also had just found out National Honors Society, Girls State, FFA and Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of that he was about to become a father and was 4–H, as well as other community and school Carlos Castillo who is being honored at the ecstatic at the prospect. activities. She has also devoted a great deal Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as Torres had been deployed to Iraq at the be- of her time volunteering to help others. ‘‘Lion of the Year.’’ ginning of the war and remained there for

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He been working on a fair resolution to this matter OF NEW YORK told his parents that he was fighting for the over the past 2 years. We have worked with children or Iraq, so that they and other Iraqis the Department of the Treasury and the chair- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his age could have a better life and a better men and ranking members of the House Ways Tuesday, April 12, 2005 future. He also told them to be strong and and Means and Senate Finance Committees. have faith in God. The legislation I am introducing today is simi- Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in It is qualities of incredible courage, strength lar to a bill I introduced last year, H.R. 2186, recognition of a distinguished organization, the and pride in serving his country that we see in but with several revisions aimed at facilitating United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. young heroes like Daniel Torres that makes us implementation. This legislation proposes a It is an honor to represent The United Jewish appreciate the freedoms we have here at fair federal-territorial cost sharing arrangement Organizations of Williamsburg in the House of home. I am proud to honor Sergeant Torres’ which will allow low income citizens in the ter- Representatives and it behooves us to pay service to the state of Texas where he entered ritories who pay FICA taxes to realize the tribute to such a selfless organization. the service, and to the United States of Amer- same tax benefits as their counterparts in the Mr. Speaker, The United Jewish Organiza- ica. He will not be forgotten. 50 States and the District of Columbia without tions of Williamsburg was founded in 1966 to f bankrupting the local treasuries of Guam and help families in need in South Williamsburg. the Virgin Islands. INTRODUCTION OF THE INSULAR Over the course of its Thirty-Nine years of AREAS TAX CREDIT ACT I look forward to working with House Ways service to the Brooklyn community The United and Means Committee Chairman THOMAS and Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO Ranking Member RANGEL on this legislation. thrived marvelously where today it represents OF GUAM more than 50,000 community residents and f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 148 not-for-profits, religious, educational, char- itable organizations and civic associations in Tuesday, April 12, 2005 IN HONOR OF THEODORE the Jewish community of Williamsburg, Clinton REKLINSKI Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I am Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant. introducing legislation that would resolve an Under the tutelage of their President, Rabbi issue of tax compliance between the United HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH David Niederman, The United Jewish Organi- States Department of the Treasury and the zations of Williamsburg has established itself governments of Guam and the United States OF OHIO as a direct provider of social and housing Virgin Islands. This legislation addresses con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES services and is the address for urban plan- cerns regarding the coordination of the pay- ment of the Earned Income Credit, EIC, and Tuesday, April 12, 2005 ning, public health and community develop- Child Tax Credit, CTC, to qualifying taxpayers ment services for the Jewish community of Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Greater Williamsburg. within these jurisdictions. honor and recognition of Theodore ‘‘Ted’’ The tax codes of Guam and the Virgin Is- Reklinski, upon the occasion of his retirement The United Jewish Organizations of Wil- lands mirror that of the Internal Revenue after more than 30 years of dedicated service liamsburg, has been a leader in providing low- Code, IRC, and taxpayers in these jurisdic- with the Social Security Administration, where income housing to the Williamsburg commu- tions file their annual returns with their respec- he worked diligently on behalf of the citizens nity. Their most recent project includes the de- tive local departments of revenue and taxation of our community. velopment of a waterfront property at the site in lieu of filing with the Internal Revenue Serv- of the former Schaeffer Brewery, which has Mr. Reklinski began working as a Claims ice. The revenue and taxation departments of 149 housing units reserved for low-income Representative for the SSA in 1973. He quick- Guam and the Virgin Islands must incorporate people. Additionally, they are the central ad- ly ascended through the ranks, and by 1980, all provisions of the IRC related to individual dress for the New York State and New York he was promoted to the position of Operations and business taxes for their respective tax- City Departments of Health and the Center for Supervisor at the Painseville office. In 1987, payers, including provisions authorizing tax Disease Control in researching and conducting he returned to the Cleveland office as Oper- credits such as the EIC and the CTC. Reve- pilot projects on Cancer and Shigellosis in the ations Supervisor, and moved to the west side nues are retained by local treasuries, which office in 1994. Mr. Reklinski’s expertise, dili- culturally rich Hasidic Jewish community. They they may use to cover the costs of operating gence and keen understanding of the com- also have been instrumental in providing treat- local government agencies and providing for plexities of our Social Security system, en- ment to those suffering from the adverse ef- public services. abled him to provide solutions for countless in- fects of tobacco as well as being involved in The coordination of the EIC and CTC is dividuals, children and families in critical need collaborative efforts witl1 other not-for-profits problematic because it requires the treasuries of assistance. to providing for the overall betterment of the of Guam and the Virgin Islands to pay ‘‘re- Williamsburg community. fundable’’ portions of these credits, or those Beyond his outstanding service to his con- Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent amounts that exceed an individual taxpayer’s stituents, Mr. Reklinski forged solid bonds with on this body to recognize the achievements of total tax liability. While I support the EIC and community leaders and agencies. He served the United Jewish Organizations of Williams- CTC and believe that low-income taxpayers in as an invaluable contact for my Congressional burg. After the destruction and decimation of my district should be able to receive this form Staff, and his work reflected diligence and of tax relief, requiring the treasuries of Guam heart, enabling my Congressional Staff to as- many Hasidic dynasties in Europe during the and the Virgin Islands to cover all ‘‘refundable’’ sist our constituents and their families when Holocaust, it is truly an inspiration to see the portions of these credits constitutes an un- needed. Hasidic sects of Satmar, Pupa, Vishnitz, Vien, funded federal mandate. In theory, the amount Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me Tzelem, Skver, Klausenberg and Spinka join of such credit that exceeds an individual tax- in honor, gratitude and recognition of Mr. Ted together under the umbrella of The United payers total tax liability is meant to offset the Reklinski, for his exceptional work and advo- Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and call impact of FICA taxes on low-income individ- cacy on behalf of the citizens of our Cleveland Brooklyn their home. uals. While residents of Guam and Virgin Is- community. His integrity and expertise, and Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to lands pay their FICA taxes to the U.S. Treas- more importantly, his sincere concern for oth- benefit from the civic actions of The United ury, the territorial treasuries are tasked with ers has uplifted the lives of countless citizens Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and covering the cost of the ‘‘refundable’’ portion throughout our District. community groups similar to them.

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