[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JERRY PRETE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Elderly 
Housing Development & Operations Corporation and the people of Chicago 
in honoring the late Jerry Prete with the dedication of the 
``Appreciation Garden'' at North Park Village in Illinois. A man who 
committed himself to helping his fellow citizens, Jerry Prete lived 
life to its fullest. His family, friends and the seniors of the Chicago 
area are testament to the quality of his character, honor and 
integrity.
  Jerry Prete achieved his success through hard work and determination. 
He dedicated his life to public service and the people of Chicago. An 
active member of the Christian Family Movement since 1950, he assisted 
in developing leadership training and motivation for them until the 
1970s. In the 1960s, the Chicago Senior Senate was formed and expanded 
into 400 chapters with Jerry's leadership.
  In this quest, Jerry united with the National Council of Senior 
Citizens to submit a proposal to the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development for the funding of subsidized living at North Park Village. 
Today, the Prete, Senate, and North Park Village Apartments are 
considered some of the finest senior citizen apartment buildings in the 
Nation.
  Jerry made a lifelong commitment towards helping seniors gain access 
to affordable housing--eventually assisting the implementation of about 
30 multiple dwelling units around the United States. He was a champion 
of many causes for seniors including the expansion of Social Security 
and Medicare benefits, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, 
lowering taxes, and working toward the creation of the Circuit Breaker 
program.
  Aside from working to help seniors, Jerry was a passionate advocate 
for the religious community. From the mid-1950s until 1995, Jerry and 
his wife Anne operated the Alverno Bookstore, which they established to 
meet the needs of the local Christian community.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with the Elderly Housing Development & Operations 
Corporation and the seniors of North Park Village in honoring Jerry 
Prete. Today, numerous Chicagoans have reaped the benefits of one man's 
heroic dream. May God bless the Prete family and the memory of a man 
who was truly loved by his friends, his community and his family.

                          ____________________