[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO TINA THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tina 
Thomas' years of service to the Sacramento area as a prominent 
attorney, philanthropist and community leader. Tina is transitioning 
from partner to ``of counsel'' at her law firm, Remy, Thomas, Moose and 
Manley. In doing so, Tina will now serve in an advisory capacity to the 
firm and have more time to assist local nonprofits. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest citizens.
  Tina earned a bachelor's degree from Stephens College in Columbia, 
Missouri in 1975 and her juris doctor degree from the University of San 
Diego in 1979. Later that year, she came to Sacramento. Before choosing 
to practice law full time, Tina served on the faculties of California 
State University, Sacramento and the Consortium of California State 
Universities and Colleges where she was an associate professor teaching 
graduate and undergraduate courses on the law, environment and planning 
related subjects.
  In the late 1970s, Tina began her legal career as an intern for the 
Environmental Unit of the California Attorney General's office, and 
then in 1979 she was hired by a local environmental attorney Michael 
Remy. Together Tina and Michael formed a law firm that is now known as 
Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, where Tina and Michael worked together 
as partners until he passed away in 2003. Since its founding, Tina has 
served as the firm's managing partner, with clients that include 
governmental agencies, local businesses and environmental 
organizations. Along with her partners, Tina co-authored the Guide to 
the California Environmental Quality Act in 2006, a book now utilized 
by attorneys state wide.
  In her spare time, Tina has served on numerous nonprofit boards in 
the Sacramento area. This includes the La Raza Galeria Posada, the 
Conservancy International and the Sacramento Food Bank and Family 
Services. In addition, on a pro bono basis, Tina has represented many 
organizations including; WEAVE, Loaves and Fishes, Francis House and 
the WIND Center for Homeless Teens. Due to the support of generous 
individuals like her, programs such as these are able to continue to 
thrive, which in turn makes Sacramento a better place to live, work, 
and raise a family. For her dedication to the Sacramento community, 
Tina was named Sacramento County's ``Distinguished Attorney'' in 2005 
by the Sacramento County Bar Association.
  Personally, Tina has been a pleasure to work with and a true friend. 
Her compassion and spirit is a wonderful addition to the Sacramento 
community. She is a caring, smart and thoughtful individual, who always 
looks out for those in need and makes sure that their concerns are 
known by all who can help.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my friend Tina Thomas. 
Tina is not only a dedicated community leader and attorney, but also is 
a loving mother to her children Libby, Mary Claire and Sam and 
wonderful wife to her husband, Bill Abbott. We all are thankful for her 
efforts. As Tina's colleagues, family and friends gather to honor her 
service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing her continued 
good fortune in this new capacity.

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