[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2386-S2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JAN GILBERT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to honor Ms. Jan Gilbert, who has 
spent more than 30 years dedicated to the advocacy of income equality, 
human rights, and women's health. Ms. Gilbert will be retiring from her 
current position at the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, 
PLAN, in May and has been named by the White House as a Champion of 
Change. Today, I am proud to honor her service and leadership as an 
advocate for a just and fair Nevada.
  Jan Gilbert's work in Nevada began in 1982, serving Nevada's 
communities through the League of Women Voters of Nevada as president 
of the Carson City chapter, empowering citizens to become active 
participants in their government. Jan's commitment to lifting 
communities prompted her to cofound PLAN, an important organization 
that offers a cohesive force for social, environmental, and economic 
justice in Nevada. Jan spearheaded critical reports on civil rights, 
both in 2009 and 2011; she authored the Legislative Report Card on 
Racial Equity: Facing Race; and coauthored the 2002 Wider Opportunities 
for Women's Self Sufficiency Standard for Nevada. She also served as 
the cofounder of Nevada's Empowered Women's Project, representing low-
income women.
  Ms. Gilbert has been instrumental in promoting social justice among 
Nevadans as the chair of the Child Abuse Prevention, Respite and Family 
Support Subcommittee of the Nevada Department of Health and Human 
Services. Everyone who works with Jan is touched by her contagious 
spirit and smile. Throughout the years, her noble efforts have been 
recognized by a number of distinguished awards, including the Mike 
O'Callaghan Humanitarian of the Year Award, the Hannah Humanitarian 
Award, the Public Citizen of the Year Award, and the Women's Role Model 
Award.
  I am pleased to stand today to recognize the indelible mark she has 
left on Nevada in making it a more just place for all. I congratulate 
Jan and her family on a well-earned retirement. PLAN is losing a giant, 
but I am sure her love for service and helping those in need will 
continue to benefit the Silver State in new ways.

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