[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AMERICA'S BRIGHT ECONOMIC FUTURE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Ms. Kelly) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take note of the 
historic gains our economy made last month. With the recent addition of 
314,000 new jobs, unemployment under 6 percent, and the best single-
year job creation since the 1990s, our economic future looks bright, 
but we still have work to create a better economic future for American 
families.
  I recently held my second annual hiring event where 400 jobseekers 
met with 75 employers looking to hire. I also hosted five job search 
boot camps where we taught jobseekers interview skills, how to prepare 
a resume, and strategies to successfully navigate hiring events.
  My district is home to many innovative centers that will serve as 
engines in driving America's economy. I recently visited job training 
facilities like the Kankakee Area Career Center and the Canadian 
National job training center which are preparing people for careers in 
trades and transportation.

                              {time}  1045

  With centers like these and workers like the ones we have in 
Illinois, I am optimistic about America's continued economic recovery. 
I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue growing jobs 
here at home.
  Lastly, I want to acknowledge two women. The first we have heard 
about already, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge), the great leader 
of the CBC. Marcia has taken the CBC to another level. Also, Marcia has 
taken a special election freshman like me and helped me make it through 
my first session.
  Marcia, I want to thank you for the faith you have in me for asking 
me to become the next CBC Health Care Brain Trust chair. I thank you 
and I salute you. The CBC is not only fortunate to have you, the Deltas 
are, the Links are, Congress is, and the great State of Ohio. Thank you 
so much.
  Lastly, like my colleague Representative Rodney Davis, I want to 
acknowledge the passing of Illinois' comptroller, Judy Baar Topinka. 
Judy was a true public servant who combined service and fun. She 
definitely made her mark in Illinois serving as the first female 
treasurer, the head of the Republican Party, and then as comptroller. 
Judy had a special way of relating with all people. My thoughts and 
prayers are with Judy's family, friends, and staff.

                          ____________________