[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ASSEMBLYWOMAN PATTY BERG CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY, DISTRICT 1

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
State Assemblywoman Patty Berg, an extraordinary citizen of Humboldt 
County, who is being honored for her years of dedicated public service 
to the people of California.
  Over the past 3 decades, Assemblywoman Berg has been a tireless 
advocate for families and children and for older adults. She was the 
founding Executive Director of the Area 1 Agency on Aging, which serves 
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Under her passionate direction the 
agency was recognized nationwide for its model comprehensive system 
providing services to California's seniors. She has also become an 
indispensable resource on aging issues within the State Assembly.
  The citizens of California's 1st Assembly District recognized Patty 
Berg's dedication to preparing California for its current and future 
challenges by electing her three times to represent them in the 
California Legislature. During her tenure, Patty has chaired the 
Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, the Joint Committee on Fisheries 
and Aquaculture, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human 
Services. She has served on many committees with jurisdiction over 
important public policy areas, including health, insurance, 
agriculture, and the environment. Patty's exceptional ``people'' skills 
were evident in bringing together progressive and conservative 
colleagues to help improve the lives of North Coast residents. She is 
passionate, committed to public service, hard-working, and extremely 
skilled.
  As a champion for the rights of families, youth, and older adults, 
Assemblywoman Berg has touched many lives. Her K-12 comprehensive 
family life education curriculum was the fIrst in California and was 
distributed throughout the country. She increased funding for computers 
and technology in our local schools. As chair of the Legislative 
Women's Caucus she emphasized the need for flexible workplace policies 
to allow working families to care for their loved ones. Due to her 
relentless efforts, Trinity County's only hospital was saved, and a 
vital county medical services program was preserved.
  Assemblywoman Berg is being honored for her contribution to one of 
our Nation's most precious rights--participation in the political 
process. She is being recognized for her contribution by the Humboldt 
County Democratic Central Committee as ``Democrat of the Year, 2008.''
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize 
Assemblywoman Patty Berg for her unwavering commitment to public 
service and to the ideals and values that sustain our great Nation.

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