[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E155-E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MS. AURELIA GREENE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
during this month dedicated to the celebration of African Americans who 
have made great contributions to the world, to pay tribute to New York 
Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene. Aurelia is a dedicated public servant who 
has worked tirelessly to uplift and empower her constituents.
  A native of the Bronx, Aurelia is a graduate of Livingston College at 
Rutgers University, where she majored in community development. For the 
past 24 years she has served as Assemblywoman for the 77th Assembly 
District, effectively using her urban planning skills to negotiate on 
behalf of her constituents for affordable housing, quality education, 
employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, senior services, and 
improved transportation and infrastructure.
  As a member of the State Assembly, Aurelia is known for her strong 
work ethic and robust legislative agenda. She authored legislation, 
which became law in 2002, prohibiting predatory lending practices in 
relation to high cost home loans. In addition, she was instrumental in 
ensuring the passage of the Apprenticeship bill, which provided funds 
for supplemental and related instruction to apprentices registered by 
the New York State Department of Labor. And in 1994, she was awarded a 
gold helmet by the New York State Head Injury Association for her 
bicycle helmet legislation.
  As a result of her competence as a legislator and considerable 
personal charm, Aurelia has been successful in rising through the ranks 
of the New York State Assembly. She previously served as Deputy 
Majority Leader and is the first woman to chair the Assembly Standing 
Committee on Banks. In addition, she recently became the first African 
American

[[Page E156]]

to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore in the State Assembly.
  Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we said a final goodbye to Mrs. 
Coretta Scott King, a woman of great resolve and patience, who helped 
to change the world. Today we honor a woman who stands on her 
shoulders. Working tirelessly to change the world in her own right, Ms. 
Greene is the hope and dream of countless men and women of African 
descent who silently contributed to the pages of history. As a result 
of the efforts of the likes of Mrs. King and Rosa Parks, Aurelia's 
contributions to this nation have not gone unnoticed.
  For her unyielding spirit, and willingness to serve others, I ask 
that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ms. Aurelia Greene and 
in honoring the great women upon whose shoulders she stands.

                          ____________________