[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 6587-6588] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING YVONNE BRATHWAITE BURKE ______ HON. LOIS CAPPS of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to honor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who served as a Representative of California's 37th Congressional District from 1973 to 1979, and is retiring at the end of this year, after an impressive five-decade career as a public servant in the State of California. On the occasion of Mrs. Burke's retirement from public office, we wish to extend to her, sincere congratulations for the decades of dedicated service that she has given to her Nation, her State, and her county, most recently as chair of the county of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, the largest county in the Nation with a population of over 10 million. For the past 15 years, she has served with distinction as the supervisor of the second district, representing nearly 2.5 million residents. During her tenure, Mrs. Burke has focused on improving the lives of children, encouraging economic development, and improving transportation throughout Los Angeles, as well as promoting public social services, health care for the uninsured, and affirmative action for women and the economically disadvantaged. While Mrs. Burke has innumerable accomplishments over the past 15 years, these are some significant highlights of her service in the Second Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County: Currently chairs the Los Angeles County Children's Planning Council that is regarded as the most influential forum for advocating reform of children's service systems in a major metropolitan area. Helped to establish the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services ``Family to Family'' program, which advocates the placement of foster children in homes near their original communities. Established the Second District Education and Policy Foundation that awards scholarships to deserving local students. Encouraged private businesses and organizations to make computer laboratories available in areas such as public housing, and encouraged constituents to make use of computer research facilities in the county library system. Promoted the establishment of businesses in areas of the county that have been underserved, providing on-going services to small businesses and establishing the county's website that lists available contracts for small businesses. Pushed for the establishment of a multi-modal public transportation system, as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation [[Page 6588]] Authority Board, and continues to labor for the development of the Crenshaw Corridor and for a light and heavy rail system. Served as Past President and currently serves as a Board member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), where she focused on major regional concerns, including the establishment of a multi-modal public transportation system for the Los Angeles area. Implemented the La Brea Green Belt as a major transportation artery in Los Angeles, as well as providing fire, flood, and landslide abatement. Led on many environmental issues, including joining the City of San Francisco, calling on residents to turn off lights for an hour to conserve energy; urged the use of paper, rather than plastic bags; and pushed for the observance of America Recycle Day in Los Angeles County. Spearheaded an effort in the County that resulted in a voluntary program for restaurants to eliminate trans fat. On behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, the State of California, and the County of Los Angeles, I want to thank Yvonne Brathwaite Burke for sharing her tremendous gifts with us for so many years. We believe Mrs. Burke is an impeccable inspiration to all young women who aspire to posts of leadership and public service. We offer our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Burke for her countless contributions throughout her phenomenal career. We join with her many co-workers, family, friends, and associates in wishing her health, happiness, and continued good fortune. ____________________