<<

E2836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 19, 2009 DR. ALLAN B. PEREL ing any time they must travel to a VA medical governments to help homeowners and busi- facility to seek treatment for a service-con- nesses install energy efficiency upgrades. HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON nected injury. Many veterans living in PACE projects are an innovative way to fi- OF NEW YORK backcountry Idaho and in other rural areas nance energy efficiency investments like insu- lation and home sealing projects, energy effi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES around the country must travel on narrow, winding roads for the better part of a day to cient appliances or renewable energy genera- Thursday, November 19, 2009 reach the nearest Veterans Hospital or clinic. tion systems. These programs provide home- Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise They deserve to be reimbursed for their travel owners or businesses the upfront capital to today to honor Dr. Allan B. Perel, a dedicated expenses. pay for the improvements and allow them to fi- physician, leader in the MS community and a f nance repayment through the property assess- true humanitarian. He is one of Staten Island’s ment taxes they pay to state or local govern- ‘‘everyday heroes.’’ AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ment. Because PACE financing offers real Dr. Perel was educated in New York City AMERICA ACT savings immediately and in the long term, schools, attending Brooklyn College, and ob- homeowners and business owners are much SPEECH OF taining his medical degree from the State Uni- more likely to pursue energy efficiency im- versity of New York Downstate Medical Cen- HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS provements. ter. He completed his residency at Columbia OF MARYLAND The legislation I am introducing will make it University—Presbyterian Hospital and interned IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES easier for state and local governments to raise capital for PACE programs by making the in- at Staten Island University Hospital. Saturday, November 7, 2009 Dr. Perel is a great physician, and he gives terest earned on PACE-related bonds tax free. back to his community. His has gone above Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I For example, under current law, when govern- and beyond by providing unprecedented care strongly support H.R. 3962, the Affordable ment bodies issue bonds for the construction to those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and Health Care for America Act because it elimi- of roads, schools, or other infrastructure, their other life altering conditions. He has served as nates the discriminatory insurance industry investors receive tax free interest payments. the Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of practice of charging women higher premium The PACE Tax Benefits Act will ensure that Staten Island/ Chapter Site NYCMS Society rates than male customers for the same insur- energy efficiency projects are treated in the for the past 15 years. ance benefits. This practice, known as ‘‘gen- same manner—allowing state and local gov- He is also the Chairman of the Board of the der rating,’’ leaves women burdened by higher ernments to raise adequate capital and pro- Staten Island Heart Society for the past 5 insurance costs. In fact, women are charged viding the low cost financing to property own- years and was the only Neurologist to have 25–50 percent more than men for comparable ers that will make PACE programs more wide- served as President of the American Heart As- insurance benefits. For decades, insurance spread. sociation. Dr. Perel also founded and served underwriters have tried to justify this disparity This is an innovative and cost-free mecha- as the director of the Staten Island University by asserting that women use more health nism to encourage energy efficiency. The po- Hospital—NYS Department of Health Certified care, especially during child-bearing years. tential for economic growth and energy sav- Stroke Center. This claim is contradicted by the reality that ings is vast if we establish a framework that Throughout his career, Dr. Perel provided many women are denied insurance coverage allows for them to expand more broadly. By educational materials to the community and for maternity care and even denied coverage doing so, we will create thousands of new supported legislation that benefited both doc- based on a history of prior pregnancies. Fur- jobs; save billions of dollars in energy costs tors and patients. He helps coordinate the Is- ther, female nonsmokers pay more for health for consumers; and make significant progress land-wide September 11 Memorial blood drive, insurance than men who smoke. In a recent in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emis- and continuously supports charity walks for study, more than half of women (compared to sions. many causes. 39 percent of men) reported delaying needed f Dr. Perel has been an active participant of medical care due to cost. Gender rating is pro- the Richmond County Medical Society since hibited in the individual market in 10 States HONORING JAMES POPPELREITER 1989. In July of 2008, Dr. Perel was selected (Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, to be the organization’s president. On Satur- New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, HON. GARY C. PETERS day, November 14th, the Richmond County North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington). Two OF MICHIGAN Medical Society honored Dr. Allan Perel for States have ‘‘rate bands’’ that allow 20 per- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his tireless dedication to his profession and cent variation in charges (Vermont and New Thursday, November 19, 2009 the people of his community. I wish to join this Mexico). Twelve States ban gender rating in organization in praising the accomplishments the small group market, including my home Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, today I rise of one of Staten Island’s finest physicians. State of Maryland (as well as California, Colo- to honor James Poppelreiter, Fire Chief of Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rado, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, Maine, West Bloomfield Township, for his 44 years of join me in commending Dr. Allan B. Perel on Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, dedicated service to the safety and well-being his dedication to the citizens of Staten Island. New York, Oregon, and Washington). H.R. of his community and its citizens. Since beginning his career as a sergeant f 3962 ends the discriminatory practice of gen- der rating in all States and ensures that with the department in November 1965, Chief SUPPORTING S. 4073, THE RURAL women and men are charged equitable prices Poppelreiter has served West Bloomfield VETERANS REIMBURSEMENT ACT for premiums. Township with the distinction, valor, and te- As a life-long advocate of women’s rights nacity that have been essential in creating this HON. WALT MINNICK and a domestic violence prevention advocate, vibrant and diverse suburban metropolis. In OF IDAHO I support this ban on gender rating and sup- recognition of his 35 years of outstanding work IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES port equal access to the insurance market for and leadership with the West Bloomfield Fire women. Department and the greater community, Chief Thursday, November 19, 2009 f Poppelreiter was bestowed his current respon- Mr. MINNICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today sibilities as Chief in April 2000. Chief to honor the brave men and women of our Na- PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN EN- Poppelreiter’s ascent to one of the top public tion’s armed forces. As a U.S. Army veteran, ERGY (PACE) TAX BENEFITS ACT safety offices in the township was a product of I understand how important it is that we keep decades of perseverance and strong work our promises and thank them for their commit- HON. JOHN P. SARBANES ethic. ment to freedom. OF MARYLAND Chief Poppelreiter’s career spans a tran- I’m pleased to announce the introduction of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES scendent period for the West Bloomfield com- the Rural Veterans Reimbursement Act. This munity. At the start of Chief Poppelreiter’s ca- bill enjoys bipartisan support and has been Thursday, November 19, 2009 reer the West Bloomfield Fire Department was endorsed by the Iraq and Afghanistan Vet- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise a small volunteer force serving a mere 14,000 erans of America and the American Legion. today to introduce the Property Assessed residents in a rural hamlet of Oakland County. This legislation will allow rural veterans to Clean Energy, PACE, Tax Benefits Act. This The township has since grown to over 66,000 receive reimbursement for their food and lodg- legislation supports efforts by state and local residents and is one of southeast Michigan’s

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:50 Nov 20, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19NO8.073 E19NOPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with REMARKS November 19, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2837 most economically and ethnically diverse com- was given a third term—seven years of hard uate on time with a high school diploma. As a munities. During the years spanning Chief labor. Due to the efforts of Pope John XXIII result, some students leave high school with- Poppelreiter’s career, the Fire Department and U.S. President John F. Kennedy he was out a meaningful education that provides qual- grew to a full-time professional staff of over freed in 1963 to take part in the sessions of ity academic experiences sufficient for suc- 100 that serve West Bloomfield and several of the . cess in college or the workplace. Additionally, the surrounding communities. During his ten- Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic high school students are dropping out at an ure, Chief Poppelreiter’s commitment to excel- Parish in Chicago, Illinois was founded in alarming rate. A recent study found that only lence has ensured that the residents of West 1968 by Josyf Slipyj. Among the rea- 53 percent of all young people in the nation’s Bloomfield have received outstanding fire sons for establishing this distinct parish was 50 largest cities are graduating from high safety protection. the desire to preserve and more intensely nur- school on time. Regrettably, roughly 12 per- Chief Poppelreiter’s career illustrates exem- ture the traditions of the Ukrainian Church. cent of all secondary schools in the United plary public service in its truest spirit and fin- The elements contributing to the Ukrainian States produce approximately half of the na- est tradition. His absence in retirement will Church’s distinctiveness within the Universal tion’s secondary school dropouts. In these surely be felt by his colleagues and the resi- are the Julian Calendar, a tra- secondary schools, known as ‘‘dropout fac- dents of West Bloomfield. Madam Speaker I ditional liturgy, as well as a unique spiritual tories,’’ African American, Native American ask all of my colleagues to join me today in heritage. and Hispanic students have graduation rates honoring the courageous work and unwaver- Members of the parish are proud of the fact that are 50 percent or below. ing commitment of Chief Poppelreiter to the that Patriarch Josyf Slipyj was involved in all Recently, strong reform efforts have tar- community and citizens of West Bloomfield. significant events of the parish’s development. geted dropout factories and other low per- f Besides establishing the parish, Patriarch Josyf blessed the cornerstone of the church forming high schools, but it is obvious we HONORING JOSYF SLIPYJ and subsequently, in 1973, blessed the church have to do more and start our efforts earlier. itself. The reason for the parishioners’ pride More of an emphasis must be placed on the HON. MIKE QUIGLEY had to do with the Patriarch’s position in the lowest performing middle schools. Too many students leave middle school with significant OF ILLINOIS Catholic Church as a Confessor for the Faith. deficiencies such as being behind on English IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Taking the lead from his predecessor Metro- politan (+1944), as well as and Math proficiency; this leaves them ill pre- Thursday, November 19, 2009 the decisions of the Second Vatican Council, pared for the rigors of high school. Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today Josyf Slipyj worked to restore self-government Increasing graduation rates and improving to recognize the lifelong service and dedica- to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the form of academic achievement will enrich the lives of tion of the Servant of God, Patriarch Josyf a Patriarchate. In 1965, he was made a car- our children as well as strengthen our work- Slipyj to the Ukrainian Church and community. dinal by Pope Paul VI. force and nation as a whole. A nation enjoys He died on September 7, 1984, and on No- He died on September 7, 1984. In 1992 his a competitive advantage in the global market- vember 22nd, 2009, a monument will be remains were brought to , where they, in place when it has a well educated and well raised in his memory at the Sts. Volodymyr the presence of more than one million faithful, trained workforce. If we expect to compete, we and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Parish. were re-interred in the crypt of St. George’s must ensure that all of our children receive a Josyf Slipyj was born on February 17, 1892 Cathedral. Patriarch Josyf Slipyj has been pro- quality education. in the village of Zazdrist, Ternopil region, claimed a Servant of God and the Ukrainian , into the Kobernytskyj-Slipyj and faithful pray for his beatification. The Graduation for All Act will make edu- Anastasia Dychkovska families. He completed Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join cation a priority and invests significant funding grammar school in his village and secondary me in recognizing the great sacrifices and to accomplish several goals. First, it provides school in Ternopil. He studied theology in Lviv, contributions Patriarch Josyf Slipyj made in his funding for schools to increase teacher and and completed his philosophical and theo- lifetime. His monument will stand as a re- leadership effectiveness, hire highly qualified logical studies in Innsbruck, Austria. minder to all of his great achievements to fu- teachers, restructure schools, and transition He was ordained to the priesthood by Met- ture generations. students out of low performing schools into ropolitan Andrej Sheptytsky on September 30, f higher achieving schools. Second, the bill will 1917. fund initiatives that increase college access INTRODUCTION OF THE GRADUA- and completion such as dual enrollment and He returned to Innsbruck to continue his TION FOR ALL ACT OF 2009 post-graduate studies, attaining a doctorate in early college programs. Finally, the legislation sacred theology. From there he traveled to includes provisions from the Every Student where he was bestowed with the title HON. ROBERT C. ‘‘BOBBY’’ SCOTT Counts Act (ESCA, H.R. 1569), which I intro- OF VIRGINIA Magister Agregatus. duced on March 17, 2009, that will require IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He began lecturing in 1922 on dogmatic consistent and accurate counting of high theology at Lviv Theological Seminary. Toward Thursday, November 19, 2009 school dropouts, require the establishment of aggressive and attainable graduation rate the end of 1925 he was appointed rector of Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I goals, and provide incentives to meet these this institution, and in 1929 he was appointed rise today in support of H.R. 4122, the Grad- goals. rector of the newly created Theological Acad- uation for All Act of 2009 (GFA). I would like emy. In 1939 metropolitan Andrej consecrated to thank Chairman GEORGE MILLER for intro- This bill will make significant strides toward him with the right of succession. On ducing this comprehensive bill that creates a improving student achievement, postsec- November 1, 1944, he became head of the three-year grant to help turn around our na- ondary readiness and graduation rates. It is Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. tion’s lowest performing schools. This bill will my hope that Congress will move this legisla- On April 11, 1945 he was arrested by the help address some of the problems facing our tion quickly and it will be signed into law. This Bolsheviks and given an eight year sentence schools and ensure that they are moving to- will ensure that all of our nation’s students will of hard labor in . After this ended and ward a goal of graduating all of our children. receive the kind of help and support required without any cause, he was imprisoned a sec- For far too long, schools have not been held for them to obtain a quality education. Thank ond time for an unspecified term. In 1957 he accountable for ensuring that students grad- you.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:50 Nov 20, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19NO8.077 E19NOPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with REMARKS