[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 53 (Monday, May 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4215-S4216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO VERMONT'S FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, the week of May 4, 1998 is Public 
Service Recognition Week. It is a time to applaud the tremendous 
efforts and accomplishments of government employees, and to educate the 
public about the far reaching capabilities and services provided by 
government employees. It is also a time for public servants to remind 
ourselves why we chose to serve society through careers in public 
service.
  This year's theme is ``Working for You, Working for America'', 
highlighting the commitment of public employees to work for the benefit 
of each individual, and for the collective benefit to improve the 
quality of life across our great nation.
  In Vermont, over 6,000 members of our workforce are federal 
employees. We provide technical assistance to farmers, respond to 
disasters, manage forest land, and deliver mail. We administer federal 
funds to provide educational benefits, housing assistance, job 
training, and school breakfast and lunch programs. We process social 
security survivors benefits, veterans

[[Page S4216]]

compensation, and small business loans. We are the faces of 
government--caseworkers, nurses, administrators, law enforcement 
officers. Day to day, our jobs are rarely front page news. We are on 
the front line and behind the scenes, working hard to resolve problems 
and make systems more effective.
  Yet during this one week of the year, we hope to let people know how 
we touch their lives. We'd like the media to highlight the successes: 
thousands of tax refunds processed on time, hundreds of packages 
delivered the night before Christmas, dozens of checks issued for crop 
assistance after a spring flood, thousands of affordable housing units 
for the elderly and disabled, and upkeep of a hiking trail from one end 
of the state to the other providing unparalleled vistas.
  Federal employees tout years of experience and commitment, investing 
themselves to bring about positive change. Continuously striving to be 
more efficient, more effective and more customer-service oriented, 
public servants care, and know government has a role to empower 
citizens to make life better. Federal employees contribute to our one-
of-a-kind democracy. I rise to salute Vermont's federal employees . . . 
you truly make a difference.

                          ____________________