[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE TOM BANE--DECEMBER 28, 1913-APRIL 10, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, Mr. Berman, Mr. Waxman, and 
I rise today to remember the Honorable Tom Bane who died last Saturday, 
April 10, 1999. Tom was not only a great legislator and politician, but 
also a mentor and friend.
  Tom represented the San Fernando Valley in the California Legislature 
for 24 years, during which time he authored ground breaking legislation 
that improved the lives of all Californians--fighting to protect the 
environment, the poor, the elderly, and also working to enhance public 
education.
  Perhaps Tom's best known legislative victory was a 1988 law mandating 
heavy punishment for hate crimes committed in California--the first 
Hate Crimes legislation passed in the United States. Tom also authored 
legislation that prohibited the ``cop killer'' Teflon bullet; the Tom 
Bane Civil Rights Act; and significant banking and savings and loan 
legislation. He also worked with his colleagues to co-author 
California's first Lemon Law, Seat-Belt Law and the Paramedic Bill.
  Whether it be on the floor of the Assembly or walking through his 
district talking with constituents, Tom exemplified democracy at its 
finest. He took great pride in his friendships with members from both 
sides of the aisle, and played a significant leadership role as the 
Chairman of the powerful Assembly Rules Committee. And even late in his 
political career, Tom often walked his district during campaigns 
instead of relying on focus groups and advertisements to rally 
support--that type of grass roots accessibility is the way democracy is 
supposed to work.
  Tom's vision, leadership and tenacity were an inspiration to all who 
knew him. He dedicated his career to enriching every aspect of our 
lives and our communities--making our streets safer from criminals, 
improving the quality of education received by our children, and 
ensuring that as a society we would not tolerate crimes committee 
because of race, religion or gender.
  Our thoughts are with Tom's wife Marlene, their children Bruce, Lisa 
and Neil; and grandchildren Ryan, Eric, Shai, Dean, Ziv, Evan, Paul and 
Adriadne.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join us in remembering 
a great friend and outstanding man, a true mensch, Tom Bane.

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