September 19, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1473 HONORING THE LIFE OF JACK GEORGIA INDUSTRIES FOR THE the amazing country that is Taiwan. As a bea- HALL BLIND con of freedom and democracy in the global community, I look forward to continuing to HON. JIM COSTA HON. AUSTIN SCOTT work with Taiwan to strengthen our friendship OF GEORGIA and alliance. OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I wish the people of Taiwan a happy Double IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, September 18, 2014 Ten, and I yield back the balance of my time. f Thursday, September 18, 2014 Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speak- er, as we prepare to observe National Dis- IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ability Employment Month this October, I am PARENTS CORPS ACT OF 2014 honor the life of Jack Hall, who passed away honored to recognize Georgia Industries for on August 20, 2014 at the age of 57 after a the Blind (GIB). GIB works in partnership with short battle with cancer. Jack made a positive HON. JOHN LEWIS the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency difference in the lives of countless individuals, OF GEORGIA to generate employment opportunities through- and he will undoubtedly be missed by many. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES out Georgia in manufacturing and services for In 1957, Jack was born to Bill and Maureen people who are blind. It is appropriate, at this, Thursday, September 18, 2014 in Cork, Ireland. When Jack was a year old, time to reflect on and celebrate their achieve- Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to re- his family immigrated to the United States. ments. introduce the National Parents Corps Act of After living in Los Angeles and Firebaugh, There remains a significant gap in employ- 2014. I am proud to author this legislation Jack’s family settled in Fresno, California ment for those with disabilities. Today, nearly which intends to combat youth violence and where he graduated from Bullard High School seventy percent of workforce-eligible blind in- substance abuse in our country’s schools. in 1975. dividuals remain unemployed. The National Parents Corps Act aims to After graduating from high school, Jack GIB has helped bridge the employment gap continue the successful National Parents worked with his father for a farming operation for blind individuals in Georgia since it began Corps program first initiated in 2003. The bill in Firebaugh. He then worked at an account- in 1949 by providing good jobs in manufac- revitalizes a program which trains parent lead- ancy firm before serving as a fiscal analyst for turing and service industries. They currently ers to collaborate with schools, students, and the State Center Community College District. have four centers in Georgia that employ the community in order to proactively work to- In 1999, Jack received his Bachelor’s Degree nearly 200 people, most of whom are blind, gether in deterring and reducing alcohol and in Business Administration from California and generate over $12 million in annual sales. drug abuse, bullying, gang involvement, and State University, Fresno. Furthermore, GIB was presented with the other dangerous activities. Jack’s career in politics began in 2000 when Commissioner’s Cup Safety Award for 2013, a The program targets middle school students he was hired to serve as the Director of the distinction considered to be the top workplace and creates a collaborative network to recog- Central Valley and Agricultural Liaison for safety award in the State of Georgia. nize and respond to dangerous trends in the Governor Gray Davis. During his tenure with GIB demonstrates the importance of having most susceptible school-age population—mid- the Governor’s office, Jack helped to create an inclusive workforce. Their business suc- dle school. Professionally-trained parent lead- the ‘‘Buy California’’ marketing program which cess is not only measured in sales and ers will build critical networks between stu- later became known as the ‘‘Californian awards, but also in changed lives by affording dents, parents, teachers, administrators, local Grown’’ initiative. opportunities to those with disabilities. It is im- law enforcement, and the community. They When Governor Davis left office, Jack portant for us to raise awareness regarding will develop prevention programs, share sci- served as my first District Director. During his disability employment and the inherent value entific research, best practices, and create time, he was instrumental in establishing the that employing those with disabilities brings to spaces of open dialogue and targeted action. offices in California’s 20th Congressional Dis- the workplace. Mr. Speaker, I have always stood for invest- Mr. Speaker, please join me, on behalf of trict. He was an exemplary employee who ing in children and for peaceful communities, Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District, in rec- truly cared about the San Joaquin Valley and which is why I am reintroducing this legisla- ognizing GIB for its strong work and contribu- our entire nation. tion. No child should live his or her life in fear tions to Georgia. Upon his departure from my office, Jack or marked by drugs and violence. This bill re- f served as the Southern California Regional sponds to a clear need, with a targeted and Coordinator for the Alliance for a Better Cali- WISHING THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA effective approach, and I hope all of my col- fornia. In addition, he served as the Statewide A HAPPY DOUBLE TEN leagues will join this common-sense effort to Political Director for the California Faculty As- support healthy, safe, schools. sociation. Jack also served on the Big Fresno HON. MIKE QUIGLEY f Fair board, and he created his own firm, Cen- OF ILLINOIS RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- tral Valley Strategies. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TIONS TO JAZZ OF GERI ALLEN In January 2010, Jack began working as a Thursday, September 18, 2014 regional Director of Governmental Affairs for Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Comcast Cable. He served as Chairman of HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. recognize the Republic of China, commonly OF MICHIGAN the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. Jack was called Taiwan, on its upcoming National Day well respected by community leaders, his col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the Republic of China on October 10, 2014. leagues, and many friends. Thursday, September 18, 2014 This year marks the 35th anniversary of the More important than his career in politics, Taiwan Relations Act, which has facilitated a Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, jazz artist Geri Jack’s family meant everything to him. He was special relationship between the United States Allen will be honored this year by the Con- a devoted husband to his wife, Christina, with and Taiwan. Since 1979, we have enjoyed gressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) whom he had two children: Liam and Rachel. close security cooperation, culture exchange at the Jazz Forum and Concert during the He was a dedicated father who always took and trade flows. The economies of the U.S. 44th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). the time to attend his children’s athletic events and Taiwan are tightly linked, and Taiwan has Ms. Allen is an internationally renowned pian- from their days in youth leagues through their been an important trading partner to the ist, composer, and educator, who will also be collegiate careers. He is survived by his wife United States. performing at the Walter E. Washington Con- and children, as well as his mother, Maureen, I would also like to recognize the accom- vention Center, in Washington, D.C. Ms. Allen his siblings: Patricia, Anne, Kevin, Tom, Bill, plishments of President Ma Ying-jeou in con- will receive the 2014 CBCF ALC Jazz Legacy and Vince, and many loving nieces, nephews, tributing to peace and security in the region. Award for her contributions to jazz and world cousins, and in-laws. During his presidency, Taiwan and Mainland culture. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I China have had constructive dialogue between Geri Allen was born on June 12, 1957 in ask my colleagues in the U.S. House Rep- their leaders. I hope that this dialogue will con- Pontiac, Michigan, but she was raised in De- resentatives to pay tribute to the life of Jack tinue. troit, where she attended Detroit public Hall. His service to our community and fun- As a member of the Taiwan Caucus, I have schools. Her early music education came at loving spirit will always be remembered. had the opportunity to learn much more about Cass Technical High School in Detroit, and VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Sep 20, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18SE8.051 E19SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 19, 2014 through the Jazz Development Workshop, Though many changes have occurred in the months in office when some of us junior mem- where she was taught by Marcus Belgrave. past 150 years, one thing has remained con- bers managed to revive the state side match- She then came to Washington, D.C., where stant, and that is the dedication of Sunshine ing program, of the LWCF the landslide con- she received a degree from Howard University Elementary faculty and staff to their students. servation program. in Jazz Studies in 1979. At Howard, she stud- Past and current faculty and staff have con- It certainly was a proud moment and since ied under composers Thomas Kerr, pianists tributed long hours of committed service in then I have led an annual effort to fund the Raymond Jackson, John Malichi, Fred Irby, providing each Sunshine Elementary student LWCF.