[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E787]]



          SENATOR GEORGE ONORATO RECEIVES PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Senator George Onorato, who is this year's recipient of the ``Public 
Service Award'' from the Kiwanis Club of Astoria/Long Island City. 
Senator Onorato's numerous contributions during his career have helped 
shape the face of this great city. It is a pleasure to pay tribute to 
this esteemed public servant.
  Senator George Onorato was elected to the New York State Senate in a 
special election in June of 1983, when he won a highly contested three-
candidate race. During his first year in the Senate, the Senator was 
the Prime Co-sponsor of the used car `lemon law.' Since his election, 
Senator Onorato has been actively involved in tenants rights issues and 
landlord equity.
  A tenacious advocate of Senior Citizen issues, the Senator worked 
tirelessly toward implementation of the Elderly Pharmaceutical 
Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC), and has consistently co-sponsored 
legislation that would make prescription medication affordable to our 
Senior Citizens. Through his position as a member of the Senate 
Minority Task Force on Waterfront Development, Senator Onorato has been 
deeply involved in the redevelopment of the Hunter Point area.
  The Senator also continues to be supportive of numerous civic and 
community renewal groups and their projects. He has served with the 
Riker's Island Liaison Group that monitors conditions and takes unified 
action to respond to problems associated with community proximity to 
Riker's Island. He is also a member of the New York State Senate 
Democratic Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force. As a determined member 
of the Senate Minority Task Force on Vietnam Veterans and the Acting 
Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, 
Senator Onorato sponsored legislation providing for student aid to 
Vietnam veterans, and in 1997 introduced legislation to increase the 
level of such funding. He sponsored and supported legislation requiring 
idenfication of handicapped children of Vietnam veterans in order to 
assist in developing a data base for research on dioxin-related birth 
defects.
  Greatly concerned over air quality, Senator Onorato continues to be 
involved in negotiations that would help limit the emission of 
pollutants by power plants. His district in Queens has some of the 
dirtiest power plants in Queens. Understanding the health impacts on 
his constituents, Senator Onorato has been a leading proponent for 
cleaning up the dirty plants.
  As an active participant in community affairs, Senator Onorato has 
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of one of the most 
prominent Democratic clubs in New York City, the Taminent Regular 
Democratic Club. A lifelong resident of Astoria, Senator Onorato is a 
proud father of three and grandfather of six. He received a 
Presidential Citation while serving in the United States Army, 118th 
Medical Battalion from 1950-1952.
  Senator Onorato has always proudly sported his Italian heritage, and 
has promoted and championed good relations between Italy and the United 
States. He has traveled on numerous occasions to Italy, meeting with 
numerous dignitaries and businessmen in Tuscany to promote trade and 
government relations between our two countries.
  In recognition of his many outstanding achievements, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Onorato.

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