[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TO HONOR ANNE M. RINDFLEISCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2001

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, there are few things I enjoy 
more in this job than getting the opportunity to shine the spotlight on 
truly deserving people who serve as a source of inspiration to the rest 
of us. Anne M. Rindfleisch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of those 
people, and I would like to pay tribute to her today.
  Anne Rindfleisch is here in D.C. with us because she is the 38th 
winner of Goodwill's Graduate of the Year competition. Ms. Rindfleisch 
has a congenial disability called Full Amelia, meaning she has no arms 
or legs. Despite the challenges posed by her physical condition, Anne 
has managed to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from the 
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and serve as an exemplary employee at 
Burlington Coat Factory for almost five years.
  Despite her current success, Anne faced many obstacles along the way 
to entering the workforce. In fact, for six years after getting her 
degree, she volunteered for a number of organizations, but was unable 
to find employment.
  In 1995, Ms. Rindfleisch went to Goodwill Industries of Southeastern 
Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago to upgrade her computer skills. 
During her eight months of training, Ms. Rindfleisch learned to type 42 
words per minute using a month stick and mastered several accounting 
software programs. During training, she moved out of her parents' home 
and into her own apartment. In 1996, she was hired by Burlington Coat 
Factory as a data entry clerk, and has commuted to and from work in her 
motorized wheelchair using shoulder controls.
  Unfortunately, Anne has had to pass up numerous raises and promotions 
because of current salary restrictions under the Social Security 
Disability Insurance (SSDI) laws. If she were to earn over $700 per 
month, or work more than 20 hours per week, she would lose her SSDI 
benefits. We must work in Congress to eliminate this Catch-22, so that 
hard-working, deserving people like Anne Rindfleisch can work to 
support themselves and their loved ones.
  Anne Rindfleisch has not only overcome tremendous challenges in her 
life, but is a brave person who stands by the courage of her 
convictions. She a truly extraordinary human being, and it is my hope 
that others will be inspired by her dogged determination to succeed and 
the strength of her spirit.

                          ____________________