[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 198 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF TOM TORLAKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2018

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike 
Thompson to recognize Tom Torlakson for his dedicated and passionate 
service to our community.
  A recipient of the Merchant Marine Service Medal, Tom began his life-
long commitment to service as a fireman in assignments such as Guam, 
Vietnam, and Thailand. After his service, Tom attended the University 
of California Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, 
a Life Secondary Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in 
Education.
  Tom has served as a teacher for the Mount Diablo Unified School 
District, a councilman for the City of Antioch, a county supervisor for 
Contra Costa County, and as a legislator in both the California State 
Senate and State Assembly. During his tenure in the California State 
Legislature, Tom fought to increase funding for education, implement 
school nutrition programs and physical education, and improve school 
safety. He also led the charge for making the California public school 
system more inclusive by eliminating the achievement gap, reducing the 
dropout rate, and funding afterschool programs.
  As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom brought his 
experience and drive to the California Department of Education where he 
continued his vow to improve our state's public education system. 
During his two terms, Tom set new standards for testing student 
achievement, expanded programs that meet the needs of children outside 
of the regular school day, and oversaw a record high school graduation 
rate. Tom is also the chair and founder of the California Task Force on 
Youth and Workplace Wellness, where he has continued to promote 
healthier meals and physical activity for students.
  Tom Torlakson has left a positive impact on the California public 
school system and its students, and the community at large. While his 
leadership and enthusiasm will be dearly missed in his official 
capacity, he will surely continue to contribute to California. I join 
with Congressman Mike Thompson in thanking Tom for his service to our 
County, our state, and our students, and wish him the best in his 
retirement.

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