[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING GOVERNOR EDMUND ``JERRY'' BROWN OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my 
colleagues from California to recognize and honor Governor Brown. 
Governor Brown is the first governor in the history of California to be 
elected to four terms.
  Governor Brown's unprecedented four gubernatorial terms reflect the 
high level of trust and confidence Californians' have in him to lead 
our state. Throughout his illustrious three terms in office, Governor 
Brown has proven to be an effective leader committed to ensuring 
economic vitality and fiscal responsibility as well as reducing crime, 
investing in education and protecting our environment.
  During his first two terms in office, Governor Brown built a prudent 
budget surplus and in his recent third term, has carefully balanced the 
state's budget and established a strong rainy day fund. During his 
first two terms he enacted multiple pieces of legislation aimed at 
reducing crime and keeping our streets safe. Also during his first two 
terms, Governor Brown significantly increased state funding levels for 
higher education and established educational standards high school 
students must meet to be eligible to graduate. Governor Brown has long 
been an advocate for protecting our environment; in fact, during his 
first two terms California became the first state to establish energy 
efficiency standards. Governor Brown has continued to build on this 
legacy in his recent third term by raising our state's clean energy 
goal. Governor Brown's fourth term promises more positive changes for 
California, including continued efforts to improve and increase 
transportation options within our state.
  In addition to his service as Governor of California, Governor Brown 
has served the people of California as Secretary of State and Attorney 
General. In these roles, Governor Brown worked to protect California's 
working families and consumers by cracking down on crime, uncovering 
mortgage fraud and real estate scams, and working to prevent the abuse 
of campaign laws. Outside of statewide office, Governor Brown served as 
the Mayor of Oakland, California, where he worked to revitalize the 
downtown area by attracting new restaurants, businesses, and art 
galleries. He also worked to improve education opportunities in the 
city and reduce the rate of serious crime.
  Mr. Speaker, Governor Edmund ``Jerry'' Brown leads our state with 
integrity and with the best interests of all Californians in mind. 
Along with my colleagues, I thank him for his years of service and look 
forward to seeing all that he will accomplish for our state throughout 
his fourth term.

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