[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMENDING THE PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to commend the 
Pennsylvania Family Institute as it celebrates its Tenth Anniversary 
tonight. In those 10 years, the Institute has grown to be a strong and 
respected voice for the family in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The 
spirit of principled involvement that the Pennsylvania Family Institute 
encourages and engenders in Pennsylvania is to be applauded. 
Congratulations to the directors, staff and supporters of the 
Pennsylvania Family Institute for their work in service to 
Pennsylvania's families.
  During my service in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I had many 
occasions to work closely with the Institute's president, Michael Geer, 
on issues of prime concern to Pennsylvania's families. From its very 
first days, the Pennsylvania Family Institute has taken effective 
stands in support of the sanctity of life, in defense of marriage, for 
academic excellence in our schools, and for the promotion of a more 
civil society. And its recent leadership against the expansion of 
gambling in Pennsylvania has helped protect many children and families 
from the addiction and devastation wrought by casino gambling.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. James Dobson, the guest of honor at tonight's 
Pennsylvania Family Institute 10th Anniversary Banquet, is an ideal man 
to speak, as Dr. Dobson has been a beacon of wisdom and insight for 
families around the world through his many books and his ministry at 
Focus on the Family. Here in Congress, I have had the opportunity to 
work with Dr. Dobson on a number of family issues. His energy, 
principle and dedication are nearly unmatched.
  Today, I also want to join the Pennsylvania Family Institute in 
remembrance of a true hero, William Bentley Ball, Esquire. We all owe a 
debt of gratitude to Mr. Ball for his exemplary dedication to the 
principles of liberty, fidelity to the Constitution and the defense of 
human life. Mr. Ball stood tall in defense of religious liberty and the 
right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their 
children in a time when both were under great attack.
  Again, my deep congratulations and best wishes to the Pennsylvania 
Family Institute for a terrific 10 years. I look forward to working 
with them in the years to come.

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