[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E667-E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING YVONNE BRATHWAITE BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mrs. CAPPS.  Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to honor Yvonne Brathwaite 
Burke, who served as a Representative of California's 37th 
Congressional District from 1973 to 1979, and is retiring at the end of 
this year, after an impressive five-decade career as a public servant 
in the State of California.
  On the occasion of Mrs. Burke's retirement from public office, we 
wish to extend to her, sincere congratulations for the decades of 
dedicated service that she has given to her Nation, her State, and her 
county, most recently as chair of the county of Los Angeles Board of 
Supervisors, the largest county in the Nation with a population of over 
10 million. For the past 15 years, she has served with distinction as 
the supervisor of the second district, representing nearly 2.5 million 
residents.
  During her tenure, Mrs. Burke has focused on improving the lives of 
children, encouraging economic development, and improving 
transportation throughout Los Angeles, as well as promoting public 
social services, health care for the uninsured, and affirmative action 
for women and the economically disadvantaged.
  While Mrs. Burke has innumerable accomplishments over the past 15 
years, these are some significant highlights of her service in the 
Second Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County:
  Currently chairs the Los Angeles County Children's Planning Council 
that is regarded as the most influential forum for advocating reform of 
children's service systems in a major metropolitan area.
  Helped to establish the Los Angeles County Department of Children and 
Family Services ``Family to Family'' program, which advocates the 
placement of foster children in homes near their original communities.
  Established the Second District Education and Policy Foundation that 
awards scholarships to deserving local students.
  Encouraged private businesses and organizations to make computer 
laboratories available in areas such as public housing, and encouraged 
constituents to make use of computer research facilities in the county 
library system.
  Promoted the establishment of businesses in areas of the county that 
have been underserved, providing on-going services to small businesses 
and establishing the county's website that lists available contracts 
for small businesses.
  Pushed for the establishment of a multi-modal public transportation 
system, as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board, 
and continues to labor for the development of the Crenshaw Corridor and 
for a light and heavy rail system.

[[Page E668]]

  Served as Past President and currently serves as a Board member of 
the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), where she 
focused on major regional concerns, including the establishment of a 
multi-modal public transportation system for the Los Angeles area.
  Implemented the La Brea Green Belt as a major transportation artery 
in Los Angeles, as well as providing fire, flood, and landslide 
abatement.
  Led on many environmental issues, including joining the City of San 
Francisco, calling on residents to turn off lights for an hour to 
conserve energy; urged the use of paper, rather than plastic bags; and 
pushed for the observance of America Recycle Day in Los Angeles County.
  Spearheaded an effort in the County that resulted in a voluntary 
program for restaurants to eliminate trans fat.
  On behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, the State 
of California, and the County of Los Angeles, I want to thank Yvonne 
Brathwaite Burke for sharing her tremendous gifts with us for so many 
years. We believe Mrs. Burke is an impeccable inspiration to all young 
women who aspire to posts of leadership and public service. We offer 
our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Burke for her countless contributions 
throughout her phenomenal career. We join with her many co-workers, 
family, friends, and associates in wishing her health, happiness, and 
continued good fortune.

                          ____________________