January 11, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E25 In 2013, he was elected as the City’s means that preventative care and treatment HONORING ALLEN CHIN mayor. Over the last seven years, he has led for the poorest Americans in the insular areas Lawrence through two major crises—the 2018 will always be less available than for Ameri- HON. GREG STANTON Merrimack Valley natural gas explosions and cans elsewhere. OF ARIZONA the COVID–19 pandemic. Time and again, he The final Obama-Biden administration budg- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has demonstrated his leadership and dedica- et proposal, for fiscal year 2017, addressed Monday, January 11, 2021 tion to the residents of the great City of Law- this systemic inequity by proposing an align- Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to rence. ment of insular area Medicaid programs with The Merrimack Valley gas explosions forced honor the life and legacy of Allen Chin, who the rest of the nation, first by removing the thousands of families to flee the area, dam- passed away on November 18, 2013 at the cap on Medicaid funding, so that it would no aged and destroyed dozens of homes, left age of 91. A proud Chinese Immigrant, Allen longer operate as a block grant in any insular many businesses with considerable financial was a member of the Greatest Generation, area. losses, and tragically took a young man’s life. and valiantly served our country in WWII to Throughout that period, Mayor Rivera led with Congress has also acknowledged this in- protect our freedom and American values at purpose and empathy in every decision he equity. We acted to provide more Medicaid home and abroad. Allen’s life embodied the made to get the City on the path of recovery, funding for the insular areas by substantially highest ideals of our nation, and his remark- while fighting to ensure the community re- lifting the cap through P.L. 116–94, Further able courage are forever etched in our na- ceived all necessary support and resources. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. Pro- tion’s history. For his service and sacrifice, He has been a close ally as we successfully visions in P.L. 116–127, the Families First Allen was posthumously awarded the Con- advanced the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Coronavirus Response Act created equity be- gressional Gold Medal for his service during Act. This legislation will ensure no community tween the states and the insular areas with re- World War II. ever faces a disaster like this one again, be- spect to the increase in the federal-local At age 15, Allen left his family in coming law in December of 2020. match for Medicaid. Families First, also, pro- Guangdong, China and emigrated to San Just as the City of Lawrence was recovering vided additional federal dollars for the insular Francisco, California with a sponsorship from from the natural gas explosions, the COVID– area Medicaid programs. But our actions were his uncle. When WWII broke out, Allen an- 19 pandemic struck. Lawrence has been temporary. These funding increases expire at swered the call of duty and joined the U.S. among the hardest hit communities in the the end of fiscal year 2021. Army. Allen was sent to serve in the Pacific Commonwealth by the pandemic, dispropor- Now, Congress must act again. And in Theater and became a machinist who helped tionately impacting its large population of doing so, we must create an enduring policy train Chinese allied troops. His service instilled Black and brown residents. With the utmost that safeguards the health of the poorest in him a deeply-held patriotism, which he transparency in communication, Mayor Rivera Americans in our insular areas. would later inspire in future generations. consistently urged the community to maintain Upon returning home to California, Allen be- social distance, enacted a city-wide eviction To achieve that goal, I am introducing the came an American citizen and sponsored his moratorium to protect renters, created two Insular Area Medicaid Parity Act. My bill aligns family in China to come to the United States. Emergency Small Business Relief Programs with President-elect Biden’s pledge to address Allen’s first civilian career was owning and op- designed to help the Lawrence businesses healthcare disparities in minority communities erating the Sonoma House grocery store—a and immigrant entrepreneur communities as by repealing the arbitrary cap on Medicaid for place where all in the neighborhood convened they work to get back on their feet, and dili- Americans in the insular areas. and shopped. He met and married his wife Lil- gently collaborated with the State and Federal By repealing the cap, we will be doing more lian who he called the ‘‘Pretty girl from Shang- governments to set up testing sites around the than just ensuring there are sufficient re- hai’’ and they began a long life together. city. sources to face the coronavirus crisis. We will Allen and his wife raised their daughter Ar- Mayor Rivera’s leadership and hard work be setting up the healthcare systems in the in- lene and settled down permanently in Arizona has been recognized by various organizations. sular areas to respond to the next public to forge a new path filled with adventure. Allen He was awarded Masslnc.’s Mayor Bill Car- health challenge, whatever it may be. Most im- was a devoted father and active member of penter Award for Excellence in Gateway City portant of all, we will ensure that day-after-day the Tempe community. He opened and sold a Leadership in 2020, and in 2018 was recog- and year-by-year those with the smallest in- successful Chinese restaurant, worked as a nized as one of the 100 Most Influential Peo- comes and no access to other insurance re- machinist in the semiconductor industry, and ple of Color in Greater Boston by Get ceive the care that will keep them healthy and pursued perhaps his greatest passion: ball- Konnected. help ward off debilitating disease. room dance. A man of dignity and honor, Al- Through his many years of service, Mayor len’s spirit lives on with his daughter Arlene, Rivera has made the City of Lawrence a bet- We will, also, be providing a level of cer- who has followed in his footsteps and contin- ter place to call home. Thanks to his efforts, tainty to healthcare providers—in the public ued his legacy of service. She has served the City’s future is bright, and I join Lawrence and private sector—that will encourage invest- Tempe proudly becoming its first Asian-Amer- residents in thanking him for his dedication to ment in the health industry in the insular ican city councilmember. this incredible community. areas, which by any measure lags the rest of We all owe a debt of gratitude to Allen for f the nation. And by doing so we will create a his selfless commitment and sacrifice. I wish virtuous cycle of rising quality of care powered to extend my heartfelt appreciation for all he INTRODUCTION OF THE INSULAR by rising access that will benefit all at every in- has done to make our community, our state, AREA MEDICAID PARITY ACT come level. and our country a better place. In this spirit of The pandemic has brought home this truth: gratitude and remembrance, I humbly rise to HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO none of us can truly remain well, while some honor his life and legacy, which will continue SABLAN of us are ill. Now it is time for Congress to to be felt for generations to come. OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS fully commit to making sure the poorest in the I thank Allen, and wish him Godspeed. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES insular areas are treated equitably. f Monday, January 11, 2021 I thank my colleagues who joined me in in- INTRODUCTION OF THE FARM-TO- Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, President- troducing this legislation—Chairman MCGOV- MARKET ROAD REPAIR ACT OF elect Biden has pledged to address the ERN, Chairwoman VELA´ZQUEZ, Chairwoman 2021 healthcare disparity in minority communities DELAURO, Chairman NADLER, Mr. CLEAVER II, that the coronavirus pandemic has laid bare. Mr. SAN NICOLAS, Ms. RADEWAGEN, Mr. HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS One longstanding disparity is that our national ESPAILLAT, Ms. LEE, Ms. MOORE, Mr. OF FLORIDA CA´RDENAS, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. SIRES, Ms. Medicaid program does not reach all Ameri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cans with full coverage. BARRAGA´N, Mr. GARCI´A, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. The Northern Mariana Islands, American CARSON, Mr. CASE, Ms. CLARKE, Ms. JACKSON Monday, January 11, 2021 Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Vir- LEE, Ms. NAPOLITANO, Ms. NORTON, Ms. Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise gin Islands are subject to a hard, statutory MENG, Mr. CASTRO, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. today to introduce the Farm-to-Market Road limit on federal Medicaid support, unlike the TRONE, Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ, Ms. GONZA´LEZ- Repair Act of 2021, legislation that will expand states and the District of Columbia. This cap COLO´ N, Ms. KELLY, and Ms. CHU. eligibility for the Surface Transportation Block

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:22 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11JA8.007 E11JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS E26 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 11, 2021 Grant program to include rural roads that College from 1984 to 1994, and for 18 years Madam Speaker, as Supervisor Yee exits serve to transport agriculture products from was the executive director for Wu Yee Chil- public service, he will be remembered as the farms or ranches to the marketplace. dren’s Service, an advocacy group supporting man everyone could have over for dinner be- American agricultural communities play a child services in San Francisco. He was elect- cause he’s so earnest and so interesting. Now pivotal role in the economy within my district ed as a commissioner of the school district in that he’s leaving, his wife Cathy and their two and across America. These farms and 2004 and served as its president during his children Karissa and Chandra may see him for ranches provide the communities they serve second term. a few more dinners. We thank them for their with fresh products daily, ensuring consumers In 2012, he was elected to serve on the San service, as well, because they also sacrificed have an adequate and healthy food supply. Francisco Board of Supervisors. In this role, for the community’s best interests during his Unfortunately, many of the roads are deterio- he sponsored or cosponsored 780 pieces of time in elective office. We will see Norman on rating. legislation, many of citywide significance that the streets of Westwood, his neighborhood, Over 70 percent of our nation’s total road also went to the ballot. For example, in 2016 and perhaps in city hall from time to time. We mileage is in rural areas, yet, between 2009– he cosponsored Proposition W which made will also remember him as the man who un- 2015, these roads have only seen about 37 City College free for all city residents. In 2018, derstood every corner of his beloved San percent of federal highway fund. As Congress he cosponsored Proposition C to fund uni- Francisco because he earned the friendship of debates how to move forward with a bold plan versal childcare. Both measures passed be- people throughout this great city. to address infrastructure, we need to ensure cause San Franciscans deeply appreciate road-repair projects like these do not fall by education. For his district, he secured more f the wayside as we seek to address other larg- funding for parks, negotiated with neighbors to er infrastructure projects. Just because a road allow local businesses to expand, opposed HONORING MARIO LIZCANO is in a rural area does not mean the road is short-term illegal rentals by AirBnB, pushed for small or otherwise unimportant. To the con- lower speed limits on dangerous streets, and HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ trary, I am aware of several rural road projects led efforts to boost funding for senior pro- OF TEXAS in my district and the surrounding region that grams. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES are major connectors that would benefit from He spearheaded creation of the city’s Early this type of funding opportunity. Head Start program, the Asian Parent Edu- Monday, January 11, 2021 Madam Speaker, my bill expands the cur- cation Network, the San Francisco Child Care Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam rent surface block grant program to include Providers Association, and the Chinatown Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Mario these roads—roads that serve as a lifeline to Beacon Center. He remains a board member Lizcano of Edinburg, Texas for his incredible the people that depend on them. We must in- of the San Francisco Child Care Providers As- commitment to serve the Rio Grande Valley. vest in our rural infrastructure now, before it is sociation. Mario is a community leader who grew up in in complete disrepair. This legislation was in- Last year, Norman Yee was elected presi- Pharr, Texas. He went to high school at PSJA cluded in H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, dent of the San Francisco Board of Super- High and attended college at the University of when it passed in the House of Representa- visors. He is fair in setting agendas and works Texas San Antonio. tives in the 116th Congress, and I look for- collaboratively with colleagues. He is also a Mr. Lizcano is now the Administrator of Cor- ward to working with my colleagues to ensure leader. An example is the new housing being porate Affairs at DHR Health, a physician- it passes again. I urge my colleagues to sup- developed in his district at the Balboa res- owned health system that offers some of the port this measure. ervoir. most comprehensive medical care on the U.S. f Rents in San Francisco have declined dur- ing the pandemic, but the long-term trend is Southern Border. Mario has been with DHR PERSONAL EXPLANATION sharply upward. The reservoir site is adjacent Health for nearly 14 years and has contributed to the main campus of City College, a treasure significantly to the promotion of health and HON. KEVIN BRADY within my district that I proudly support. Pro- COVID–19 awareness in the Rio Grande Val- OF TEXAS posals for housing stretch back to the 1960’s. ley. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A year before he was tragically taken from us, Mario was named Man of the Year for 2020 by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce for Monday, January 11, 2021 I personally spoke to Mayor Ed Lee about placing housing at this site. However, it’s hard his magnificent record of public service. He Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I have been to build when the public is divided. was not only recognized for his work with diagnosed with covid–19. Had I been present, Supervisor Yee rolled up his sleeves to cre- DHR Health, but for his countless other self- I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 10 ate a proposal acceptable to most and of en- less acts that benefit the community. Mario and NAY on Roll Call No. 11. during service to low income residents of San served as the 2020 Edinburg Census Com- f Francisco. Over time, many thousands will be mittee Chairman and helped ensure South IN HONOR OF NORMAN YEE served. 1,100 units of housing will be built, 50 Texas had the most accurate count possible. percent affordable, and 150 units will be dedi- He is also the Chairman of the Board for the HON. JACKIE SPEIER cated to City College faculty and staff. Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and the As our nation struggles to come to grips Vice President of the Pharr Economic Devel- OF CALIFORNIA with systemic racism and abuses by some on opment Corporation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES police forces, Supervisor Yee recently placed In addition to his various leadership roles Monday, January 11, 2021 onto the ballot a measure to change the way within the community, Mr. Lizcano is a 20-year Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in which San Francisco staffs its police force. volunteer firefighter veteran, achieving the to recognize the President of the San Fran- An existing city charter provision required San rank of Firefighter of the year, twice, by the cisco of Supervisors Norman Yee who is de- Francisco to have 1,971 full-time duty officers city of Mission, as well as the Firefighter of the parting the Board of Supervisors after eight on the force. In November, San Francisco vot- Year for the entire Rio Grande Valley. Once, years, and after serving a prior eight years as ers abolished this provision. This will allow the he even ran a 5k in full firefighter uniform to a commissioner on the San Francisco Board board, the police and community to talk about raise money for charity. of Education. how the department will be staffed. 71 percent Mario has contributed and volunteered for Norman is a native San Franciscan and was of the city’s voters agreed with Norman Yee more than 500 regional and statewide events raised in Chinatown. From an early age, he that this change is needed to move the com- and has accumulated innumerable awards. worked at a Noe Valley grocery store owned munity forward. The sheer amount of leadership positions and by his parents. He graduated from Galileo Supervisor Yee is a gentleman and a awards Mr. Lizcano has achieved is too many Academy of Science and Technology, then at- thoughtful public servant. I’ve known some to recognize today in my allotted time. tended City College, and finally matriculated to elected officials who light up a room by de- Therefore, Madam Speaker, I stand here the University of California at Berkeley, grad- structively setting off verbal fireworks in a today to acknowledge the countless achieve- uating with a BS in Civil Engineering. He also tightly crowded auditorium. Norman simply ments of Mario Lizcano. He has dedicated his holds a MA in Education from San Francisco tells it like it is. This reassures his constituents life to the betterment of his community and his State University. that he’s not present at the meeting for adula- legacy will no doubt inspire public service and Norman Yee is an activist and leader. He tion from the crowd but for the hard work that volunteerism of future generations. I thank Mr. taught ESL and citizenship classes at City produces progress. Lizcano and congratulate him.

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