[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE ALBERT VANN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to honor New York State 
Assemblyman Albert Vann of Brooklyn, New York upon his receipt of the 
Susan G. Hadden Pioneer Award from the Alliance for Public Technology. 
The Hon. Albert Vann has served as the NYS Assemblyman for the 56th 
Assembly since 1974. During this time Mr. Vann has been a tireless 
advocate on behalf of low-income communities, chairing the Assembly 
Standing Committee on Children and Families as well as the New York 
State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. He is currently the Chairman of 
the Assembly Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and 
Commissions. The `Corporations' Committee has oversight authority over 
the New York State Public Service Commission, the regulatory body for 
telecommunications and cable.
  Assemblyman Vann has worked on a variety of initiatives to lay the 
groundwork to bring technology to low income and rural areas. Mr. Vann 
worked with me to expand the Congressional Black Caucus' Braintrust 
Communications Conference to include telecommunications and e-commerce 
issues. He also worked with the New York State Public Service 
Commission to create the Diffusion Fund, which provides $50 million to 
establish broadband capacity in low-income communities. In addition, he 
has held a series of technology seminars in his district to provide his 
constituents with networking opportunities in telecommunications and 
information services.
  Al Vann was selected to serve as co-chair of the Assembly Task Force 
on Telecommunications where he worked on the ramifications of the 1996 
Federal Telecommunications Act for New York State. He has used his 
positions to ensure that New York State maintains a leadership role on 
telecommunications issues. Al brought his technology access concerns to 
a national forum by chairing the National Black Caucus of State 
Legislators Telecommunications and Energy Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, NYS Assemblyman Al Vann has been a tireless advocate on 
behalf of the technologically underserved, through his hard work and 
dedication, he has provided access where otherwise there would not be 
any. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition 
today, and I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring 
this fine public servant.

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