[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 130 (Friday, September 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1808-E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TRIBUTE TO EBRI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 1998

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Employee Benefit 
Research Institute on their 20th Anniversary. The Employee Benefit 
Research Institute, or EBRI as it is more commonly known, is the only 
nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to original public policy 
research and education on economic security and employee benefits. For 
the last 20 years, they have been instrumental in promoting knowledge 
and understanding among the media and policymakers of employee 
benefits. I believe their greatest service has been in advancing the 
public's understanding of employee benefits and their effect on the 
nation's economy. Their commitment to diseminating the facts has earned 
EBRI reown

[[Page E1809]]

as the preeminent public policy research organization on issues 
affecting workers and their benefits.
  EBRI has provided me with invaluable objective research, data, and 
analysis. The Institute is guided by the tenet that policy initiatives 
cannot ``. . . . be successful unless they are founded on sound, 
objective, relevant information.'' The information produced by EBRI 
covers health, retirement, among other economic issues, is thorough and 
comprehensive.
  One of the most important reference materials to come out of EBRI is 
the Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). The RCS is an important 
indicator of societal attitudes toward retirement planning and savings. 
While the House considers legislative measures, I find the issue briefs 
and research documents to be a valuable research and information tool.
  As increased attention is paid by policymakers, media, and the 
benefits community to the unique challenges facing minority groups, I 
think they are to be especially commended for including the RCS 
Minority Special Report. This report examines the attitudes of minority 
groups about preparing for retirement. Such an important effort shines 
a much-needed spotlight on a issue that is critical to the economic 
health and well-being of the African American community that is long 
overdue.
  I know many members who are interested in these issues rely on EBRI 
to provide credible comprehensive data and analysis and use it to make 
informed decisions about policy initiatives and approaches.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Dallas Salisbury and EBRI continued success as 
they purse their quest for the facts.

                          ____________________