[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH OF SAN MATEO 
                                 COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 05, 2009

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to applaud the Peninsula 
Partnership Leadership Council and the San Mateo County Youth 
Commission for their inspired work in creating the Bill of Rights for 
Children and Youth of San Mateo County. I especially want to thank 
Youth Commissioner James B. Pollack for his articulate and passionate 
presentation of the Bill of Rights when the groups visited with me last 
month.
  This ground-breaking document was born from the shared belief that 
all young people--regardless of race, gender, disability, economic 
status or other identifying characteristic--should be allowed to grow 
and blossom to their fullest potential, experiencing the joy, wonder 
and happiness that so many of us remember from our own childhoods.
  The Bill of Rights reads:
  ``We resolve to invest in all children and youth so that:
  They have a healthy mind, body and spirit that enable them to 
maximize their potential;
  They develop a healthy attachment to a parent, guardian or caregiver 
and an ongoing relationship with a caring and supportive adult;
  Their essential needs are met--nutritious food, shelter, clothing, 
healthcare and accessible transportation;
  They have a safe and healthy environment, including homes, schools, 
neighborhoods and communities;
  They have access to a 21st century education that promotes success in 
life, in future careers and a love of life-long learning;
  They have training in life skills that will prepare them to live 
independently, be self-sufficient and contribute to their community;
  They have employment opportunities with protections from unfair labor 
practices;
  They have freedom from mistreatment, abuse and neglect;
  They have a voice in matters that affect them;
  They have a sense of hope for their future.''
  Madam Speaker, in our democratic system of government, we are taught 
to believe that all voices are heard equally. But most 12-year-olds 
don't have a lobbyist and few tables in the halls of power make room 
for families. That is why the work of the Peninsula Partnership 
Leadership Council and the San Mateo County Youth Commission and the 
principles laid out in the Bill of Rights for Children and Youth are so 
vitally important.

                          ____________________