[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JAN GILBERT FOR 30 YEARS OF ADVOCACY WORK IN NEVADA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2012

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the achievements of Ms. Jan Gilbert, for her 30-year career 
of advocating for income equality, human rights, and women's health.
  This year, Ms. Gilbert is retiring from her current position at the 
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) after 30 years of 
advocacy on behalf of the voiceless. I am delighted to honor her 
service and leadership as a champion for justice in the State of 
Nevada.
  In 1982, Jan's work began by serving the community through the League 
of Women Voters of Nevada as president of the Carson City chapter. In 
1990, Jan advocated for the passage of Question 7 to reaffirm women's 
reproductive rights. Jan's commitment to empowering citizens to become 
active participants in their government prompted her to cofound PLAN, a 
statewide organization that offers a unified force for social, 
environmental, and economic integrity in Nevada.
  Jan 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. In 
addition, Ms. Gilbert has been instrumental in promoting social justice 
among Nevadans as the air of the Child Abuse Prevention, Family 
Support, and Respite Subcommittee of the Nevada Department of Health 
and Human Services Grants Management Advisory Committee. Jan has worked 
tirelessly for low-income women on welfare and facilitated the passage 
of ``make work pay'' that allowed women to remain on welfare after they 
started working. She helped increase the welfare grant level for 
recipients along with aiding in the creation of childcare funding for 
welfare recipients while they worked.
  Finally, Jan's proudest accomplishment was the 2009 passage of the 
Domestic Partner Registry. She worked vigorously to pass this measure 
for Nevada and she was responsible for obtaining the last remaining 
vote to secure its passage and override a gubernatorial veto. Since 
October 1, 2009, committed couples in Nevada can legally register their 
partnership and be recognized by the State.
  During Jan's years of service, she has received 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, recognizing her 
gallant efforts. Most recently, she was named a 2012 ``Champion of 
Change'' by the White House.
  As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, it 
gives me immense pride to recognize Jan Gilbert and the remarkable work 
she has done for Nevada. She has made our State a more just, impartial, 
and equal place for all. I congratulate Jan and her family on a well-
earned retirement, but I am sure her love for service and civic 
engagement will continue to benefit the Silver State in many exciting 
and innovative ways.

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