[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1792-E1793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF NEW MEXICO STATE TREASURER JAMES B. LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize James B. Lewis, who is retiring after a career devoted to 
public service. Most recently, Mr. Lewis served as New Mexico State 
Treasurer, a position he held for the last 8 years.
   Mr. Lewis' long and distinguished career includes serving our 
country in the Army and serving New Mexico in many notable positions, 
such as Chief of Staff to Governor Bruce King, Chief Clerk and Chief 
Executive Officer of the New Mexico State Corporation Commission, 
Director and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, 
President of the National Association of State Treasurers, and 
immediate past President of the National Association of State Auditors, 
Controllers, and Treasurers. In 1986, Mr. Lewis became the first 
African American to be elected to a statewide office in New Mexico, and 
is also the first and only African American to be appointed and then 
elected to office three times.
   His tenure in the Treasurer's office will be remembered for his 
efforts to increase transparency and raise public awareness and 
understanding of this important office and the

[[Page E1793]]

role it plays in our great state. Treasurer Lewis automated the warrant 
and collateral compliance system, established the Remote Electronic 
Banking System, signed the first joint Powers Agreement enabling the 
Ramah Navajo Chapter to invest in the Local Government Investment Pool, 
and implemented the new state Linked Deposit program.
   The State Treasury plays a vital role in protecting state monies 
deposited in New Mexico's financial institutions and promoting a stable 
state economy, and as Treasurer, Mr. Lewis led that effort with 
distinction. While Mr. Lewis' retirement is a loss for the state of New 
Mexico, I wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter, and 
I congratulate him on his distinguished career.

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