[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LOIS JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to public service 
and political activism, Ms. Lois Jones.
  Educated in Kingston, Jamaica, Ms. Jones then made California her 
home, serving 23 years in the California Legislature. During her 
tenure, she was a liaison to the African American Community and played 
an active role in exposing high school and college students to the 
legislative process through internships. Years later she moved to 
Florida where she has been involved in a number of issues ranging from 
small business development to public relations and international trade. 
She is very active in our community, always engaging with minority 
groups, religious groups and civic leaders, and working to help advance 
their priorities.
  For nine years, Ms. Jones served as Jamaican Honorary Consul in 
California. She was appointed by the Prime Minister of Jamaica and 
worked on several issues including international trade. Ms. Jones is 
also a featured writer, frequenting opinion pages in newspapers across 
the country and expressing her views on community empowerment and 
public policy issues.
  Currently Ms. Jones serves as a member of the City of Homestead 
Charter Review Committee and is involved in various community 
organizations including the City of Homestead Education Committee, the 
City of Homestead Mayor's Youth Council, the State Partnership for 
School Safety & Security, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and 
the Association of Women Business Owners, to name a few.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
congratulating Ms. Lois Jones for her invaluable contributions, 
dedication to and leadership in our community.

                          ____________________