[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MIGUEL MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2013

  Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the hard work and 
contributions of Miguel Martinez, a valued member of my staff.
  For the past four years, Miguel has served as my tax and benefits 
counsel; he is my key staff person for Ways and Means Committee tax, 
retirement, and pension policy. In addition to handling financial 
services and small business issues, Miguel is a passionate advocate and 
advisor on LGBT issues and immigration reform. It is rare to find a 
person who not only understands these complicated issues, but can also 
simplify their importance for the average person. He is an intellectual 
with a soul.
  We were lucky to find Miguel, who treats every one of my constituents 
with dignity, respect, and welcomes them with true southern 
hospitality. An Atlanta native with Caribbean roots in Puerto Rico, 
Miguel graduated from Emory University and American University's 
Washington College of Law. Before joining my office, he practiced tax, 
employee benefit, and commercial transaction at Paley Rothman Law Firm.
  Together, we have worked on countless successes--like a tax relief 
bill for workers affected by airline bankruptcies, improvements and 
extensions of the homebuyer tax credit, fighting for small businesses 
and low-income individuals in the tax code. Simply said, Mr. Speaker, 
Miguel is one of the best congressional staffers with whom I have ever 
had the privilege and honor of working.
  Although Miguel is leaving my office to become the Director of 
Government Relations and Tax Counsel for the Information Technology 
Industry Council (ITI), he will always remain a part of the John Lewis 
family. I wish him continued success and happiness in his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________