[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 30 (Thursday, March 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E318-E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE THOMAS P. EICHLER, FORMER SECRETARY OF THE 
STATE OF DELAWARE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN 
                        YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2001

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to as Delaware's lone Member of Congress to honor and pay tribute to a 
leader in the Delaware community, Thomas P. Eichler. Tom Eichler is a 
dedicated, caring, compassionate, and effective individual who led two 
state agencies in Delaware during my tenure as Governor and after my 
departure. I felt fortunate to have him serve with me and I am proud to 
call him my friend.
  As Secretary of Health and Social Services for Delaware, Tom Eichler 
instituted Welfare Reform before it became popular. Under Tom Eichler's 
leadership, Delaware's First Step Program was initiated to assist 
welfare recipients transition from welfare to work. Many of the 
individuals who participated in this program are now working and 
providing a brighter future for their families and our communities. In 
addition, Tom was a leader in health care reform and helped to pave the 
way for all children in Delaware to have access to health care.
  As the Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth and Their 
Families, Tom helped guide and develop improvements for the Ferris 
School and Juvenile Justice programs. His efforts to provide better 
programming and educational facilities for juvenile delinquents at the 
Ferris School has been seen as a national model that other communities 
are attempting to emulate. He also established Child Mental Health 
programs that assist many young members of our community.
  Tom Eichler's impact on the State of Delaware has touched many 
people, and most importantly in a positive manner. I first came to know 
Tom when he was attempting to change individuals' views on ocean 
dumping and he assisted me with testimony before Congress. From there 
he went to work as Regional Administrator for Region III, EPA. In the 
mid-1980's I asked him to serve in my cabinet where his assistance was 
outstanding. After my departure he continued to serve Delaware in the 
Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. He was called upon to 
serve

[[Page E319]]

several Governor's, to assist in difficult situations, and he served 
the people of Delaware admirably. His ability to take on the toughest 
jobs, reach consensus and have positive outcomes for our community were 
unsurpassed.
  As he retires from working for the State of Delaware I want to honor 
and thank him on behalf of the people of Delaware for his commitment to 
making our state a better place for all of us to live and work.

                          ____________________