[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H905-H909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING CHIPS FOR AMERICA FUND
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 4, 2021, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto) is recognized
for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, you are in luck. I heard a lot of complaints
but no solutions. That is why my colleagues across the aisle lost the
2020 election miserably.
We know what they are against. President Biden said it best. What are
the Republicans for? What are they for?
Some of them joined us in some of the bills I am about to outline.
The rest of them, it has been nothing.
Meanwhile, Democrats delivered the American Rescue Plan, shots in
arms, and money in pockets, and we stopped another Great Recession. Can
you imagine how we would be able to respond to delta or omicron without
passing future relief?
Now, unemployment is below 4 percent. We created nearly 7 million
jobs last year. In my district, we were devastated by the Great
Recession. Foreclosures devastated central Florida. In 2021, this time
around, foreclosures are down from 2020.
Americans in central Florida lost their homes last time around. This
time around, we put a stop to it.
House Republicans voted no, yet Republican Governors took the
American Rescue Plan money and responded to our Nation's crisis. That
is what we should all be doing.
Next, we go to the bipartisan infrastructure framework. There is huge
support among all Americans to upgrade America, our roads and bridges,
our ports and airports, our clean water, clean and resilient energy,
rural broadband. I have urban, suburban, and rural areas in the
district. Everyone in my district, regardless of their party
background, is excited about this infrastructure. We have had meetings
with local officials across the area, and they are looking to work with
us to upgrade America.
According to Republican Senator Rob Portman, it helps fix supply
chains and is counterinflationary. That is why 22 Senators from the
Republican side voted yes and why 10 Republicans colleagues here in the
House voted yes.
We applaud these 32 Republicans for joining all Democrats in voting
for the infrastructure bill. What did the radical House Republicans do?
They attacked their own over infrastructure. What a sad, sad legacy
that is.
It didn't stop a few of them from trying to take credit, though,
trying to take credit for projects, despite voting no. If you vote no
and you try to take credit now, the message is clear. America will
shame you every day, every time.
Now, we turn to the America COMPETES Act. Madam Speaker, 32
Republicans joined with Democrats to vote for the Senate's version of
this, boosting domestic microchip manufacturing, which we do in our
district, and I am going to go into that a little more in a moment;
improving supply chains for medical supplies like PPE, like vaccines,
telecom, solar, all these critical issues; and, yes, enabling us to
compete against economic rivals like China, like Russia, and others who
don't share our values.
In the Senate, the vast majority of them are able to come together.
In the House, I hope we are. I hope we have a few of our colleagues.
Then, there is going to be a conference. We are going to conference
this, make some deals between the House and the Senate, and we are
going to get something together. That bill is going to come back.
That is going to be the last shot, the last shot for both Democrats
and Republicans to come together to ensure we produce millions of new
jobs in domestic manufacturing.
Madam Speaker, I want to commend the America COMPETES Act for
including $52 billion to incentivize private-sector investments and
continued American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and
microchip manufacturing to help address supply chain disruptions and to
ensure more microchips are produced here at home.
I have heard from my local auto dealers. I have heard from local
manufacturers. We need to make these microchips at home, and this bill
helps us do that.
Within our district in central Florida, we have the NeoCity
technological campus, which is recognized as an emerging microchips,
microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing hub. We have ready-made
synergies with institutions of higher education across Florida and key
partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S.
Department of Commerce under both the Trump administration and now
under the Biden administration.
NeoCity is home to BRIDG, a nonprofit public-private partnership
specializing in domestic semiconductor research, development, and
manufacturing.
Imec, a world-renowned international research and development
organization active in the semiconductor design and architecture space,
also has a presence there.
SUSS MicroTec, a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions
for the semiconductor industry, is working at NeoCity.
Then there is SkyWater Technology, the only domestically owned and
operated pure play trusted foundry that
[[Page H906]]
works on leading-edge advanced packaging technology for microchips and
microelectronics. They are all working in collaboration at the Center
for Neovation at NeoCity, one of the most state-of-the-art, advanced
manufacturing facilities in the Western Hemisphere.
As envisioned by this important legislation, the facility and experts
at BRIDG, imec, SUSS MicroTec, and SkyWater Technology offer immediate
capability to accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor
chips, strengthen the domestic supply chain so chips are made right
here in America, and turbocharge our research capacity.
Equally as important, NeoCity Academy, a public STEM magnet high
school, is training the leaders of tomorrow's science and technology
workforce.
I am proud of the work being undertaken in our district to support
domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as they
work to address the supply chain. I look forward to working with the
administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce on implementation of
the America COMPETES Act and the CHIPS for America fund.
In this bill, we were able to get an amendment to clarify that chips
funding also includes nonprofits in places like NeoCity. We appreciate
the House for supporting this, adding nonprofits to the definition of
``covered entities'' to expand the semiconductor incentive program to
include nonprofit entities, clarifying that nonprofit entities like
501(c)(3) facilities in NeoCity are also eligible for funding under the
semiconductor incentive program.
We are helping with aerospace there. We are starting to work with
commercial space like NASA and SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The bill also includes my second amendment. We know that we are
boosting forward on artificial intelligence. We need to make sure, as
we are doing that and seeing more autonomous vehicles and other
artificial intelligence uses, we are training our labor force ahead of
time for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
That is why I am proud that the AI JOBS Act passed as an amendment
and directs the Department of Labor to create a report analyzing the
future of our artificial intelligence and its impacts on the American
workforce.
Specifically, the report would collect data to analyze which
industries are projected to have the most growth through artificial
intelligence and the demographics which may experience expanded career
opportunities and those most vulnerable to job displacement. This is an
inclusion of our standalone bill, H.R. 6553, the AI JOBS Act.
Thirdly, we were able to include an amendment for the blockchain and
cryptocurrency specialists within the Office of Science and Technology
Policy. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy is
required to establish a blockchain and cryptocurrency advisory
specialist position within the Office to advise the President on
matters related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
OSTP advises the President and others within the Executive Office of
the President on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects
of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign
relations, and the environment. It is critical to create such a
position within OSTP to ensure there is a policy expert capable of
advising the President and others within the Executive Office on these
issues of growing national importance.
Madam Speaker, there is more because we have the Restoring Resilient
Reefs Act, which passed through our Committee on Natural Resources to
reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act, the CRCA, which expired
nearly 15 years ago. It maintains the NOAA coral reef program while
also introducing overdue improvements to coral management and
restoration efforts and giving new, innovative tools to States,
territories, Tribes, communities, and universities, partners who are
closest to this crisis.
{time} 1845
We know that the Great Florida Reef is in danger, and we are doing
everything we can to restore it. This is critical to our recreation, to
clean water, to protect habitat, and to tourism.
A few of the provisions included in the Restoring Resilient Reefs
Act, a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously out of the Natural
Resources Committee, include a 5-year authorization, with the explicit
focus on restoration activities where natural disasters and human
activities have degraded reef ecosystems. This program is currently
funded at $33 million for 2021, but without further direction from
Congress.
It creates a block grant program where States and territories can
receive Federal matching funds for the prior year's coral expenditures
provided they have an action plan in place, so we are getting action
plans in place which will incentivize, increase State and local
investment in coral reef management capacity.
We are also helping intergovernmental partnerships that are key for
water infrastructure upgrades, pollution mitigation efforts, and
regrowing reefs. It allows for the formation of public-private
partnerships for coral management called Coral Reef Stewardship
Partnerships. Public-private partnerships are critical for sharing
research.
It also authorizes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to ensure States,
territories, and other stakeholders continue to have a voice in U.S.
coral reef management. Public feedback is essential.
It establishes a single streamlined set of guidelines for action
plans to implement the national strategy, with maximum flexibility
given to State and local authorities. These action plans will focus
restoration efforts more effectively. They also allow for emergency
grants and emergency funds for coral disasters. This is critical for
hurricane-prone areas like Florida and will assist with hurricanes,
typhoons, tsunamis, as well as oil spills, and other major pollution
events.
We thank all House Members who supported this for its inclusion,
along with these technological amendments, these coral reef provisions
in this essential piece of legislation that allows us to compete in the
21st century.
It is in the name, Madam Speaker, and together we are going to get
this done.
Honoring Dr. Faye Bellamy
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would
like to recognize Dr. Faye Bellamy. Dr. Faye Bellamy is a retired
educator. She worked full time in the Polk and Hillsborough County
school districts. Presently she works part time as a professor at Polk
State College.
In addition to her experience teaching various subjects, she has
countless hours organizing and implementing dropout prevention
programs, training teachers, and working to improve our local schools.
Dr. Bellamy has a bachelor's degree in social science education, a
master's degree in education administration, a specialist degree in
administration and supervision, and a doctorate in educational
leadership and higher education. She has used the knowledge gained from
her research and studies to help students obtain academic excellence.
She has worked many years with civil rights organizations to improve
the school system for Black people. Her focus has been on changing
unfair disciplinary practices, seeking solutions to low academic
performance and low test scores, as well as the lack of diversity in
hiring practices.
Dr. Bellamy is the founder and director of Chain of Lakes Achievers,
a community tutorial program. COLA was designed to assist the schools
in improving students' grades and test scores.
Dr. Bellamy has worked in partnership with government officials at
all levels to improve Black neighborhoods. She has been instrumental in
bringing about changes that include installing sidewalks and speed
bumps, creating recreational programs, increasing sewer connections,
decreasing criminal activities, upgrading housing, replacing houses,
constructing a restoration park, assisting businesses, and more.
She has contributed to the community by providing housing and
employment as an entrepreneur. Dr. Bellamy has also served as a housing
commissioner. She is presently affiliated with the Hurst Chapel AME,
FAMU alumni, NAACP, and the Concerned Citizens of Polk County.
Dr. Bellamy has received recognition from the National Coalition of
100
[[Page H907]]
Black Women, Polk County Chapter, Inc., the NAACP, COLA, Chain of Lakes
Achievers, and Jewett High School Alumni Association, Inc. She also
received the key to the city of Winter Haven, Florida.
For this and more, Dr. Faye Bellamy, we honor you.
Honoring Dr. Eugenia Agard
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize
Dr. Eugenia Agard. Dr. Agard's values have a direct impact on
influencing her desire to assist communities in crisis. Therefore, it
is imperative that she provide services to aid in alleviating
debilitating conditions.
Dr. Agard established and operates a private practice, HUGS. Her
treatment model is to treat the whole person. Dr. Agard's areas of
specialty are treating patients suffering from anxiety, depression,
PTSD, and physical health issues co-occurring with depression.
Dr. Agard is a very passionate speaker and a facilitator of education
health forums and workshops to promote healthy living from the inside
out. Dr. Agard continuously hosts health forums free of charge for the
community and schools to prevent barriers to healthcare, from providing
topics focused on the prevention of hypertension, diabetes, STDs,
obesity, breast cancer, bullying, and more.
Dr. Agard works diligently to abate the stigma of mental health. Dr.
Agard educates the community on signs and symptoms of mental health
treatment and support options. Dr. Agard has always been on the front
line to provide crisis counseling services during both regional crises
and world crises.
During the Pulse nightclub shooting, she provided free and
confidential counseling to many of the victims and organized healing
forums in Osceola County for everyone impacted by this act of
terrorism.
Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Agard immediately
offered counseling services to frontline workers, creating solutions
for self care, prevention of burnout, and anxiety and depression
reduction techniques.
For the general public, Dr. Agard immediately created a free
community outreach forum, HUGS Healing Hour, via Zoom for individuals
and organizations to restore the sense of community amongst the
isolation and depression. She provided therapeutic coping skills to
combat depression and anxiety and assisted children being home
schooled.
Dr. Agard continues to educate the community on COVID-19, creating
forums on support, exploring fiction versus fact, and problem-solving
vaccination hesitancy.
Dr. Agard serves in leadership roles on many community agencies,
boards, and organizations. She serves as health chair and health
director of a nonprofit where she provides medical supplies to poor
areas to prevent the loss of life.
For this and more, Dr. Eugenia Agard, we honor you.
Honoring Kimberly Saunders
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize
Kimberly Saunders. Kimberly Saunders is in her fourth year serving as
president of the Central Florida chapter of the National Black MBA
Association, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to
lead in the creation of educational, wealth building, and growth
opportunities for those historically underrepresented through their
careers as students, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Since 2015, she has served in various volunteer capacities, such as
partnerships chair, vice president of operations, and a continuing role
as a mentor for the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which serves high
school students in the areas of leadership, college and career
preparation, financial literacy, and life skills.
She has been instrumental in developing corporate partnerships,
securing grants, fund-raising, and facilitating programs to provide the
organization with resources to serve its members and community through
the central Florida region.
Her dedication and service to the organization and its mission were
recognized in 2021, as she was one of two awardees for Chapter
President of the Year by the national organization, which currently has
41 chapters nationwide.
Professionally, Kimberly has spent the last 11 years in the financial
services industry. She is a managing partner for VestWyze, LLC, a State
of Florida registered investment advisory company. In her role as an
investment adviser and certified financial planner professional, she
serves her clients' best interests by providing sound and knowledgeable
advice.
Kimberly also serves as a board member for the Goldsboro Front Porch
Council, a Florida-designated community. She is also a member of the
local chapter of the National Alumni Association for Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University, otherwise known as FAMU, where
she earned her bachelor of science in management and master of business
administration.
At the core of Kimberly's heart are her faith and family. She hopes
to continue to positively impact lives personally and professional.
For this and more, Kimberly Saunders, we honor you.
Honoring Melody Taylor
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize
Melody Taylor. Melody Taylor is a board-certified registered nurse with
years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has earned a master
of science in nursing leadership and management. She is currently
pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing. Melody serves as a nurse leader
at Orlando Health.
Ms. Taylor is recognized as a dedicated community and nurse advocate,
having led many initiatives empowering low-income families to succeed
and advancing the field of nursing. From 2007 to 2014, she engaged with
the city of Orlando Office of Community Affairs to improve social
determinants of health in at-risk populations. During that time, she
became a volunteer on the citizens' review panel for the city of
Orlando. Her leadership was the key driver in mobilizing low-income
families to mainstream society along with the collaborations of
nonprofit, faith-based, business, and governmental entities.
Ms. Taylor is a founding member and president of Black Nurses Rock
Orlando. She is also a board member of the Black Nurses Rock
Foundation, where she has served as the director of chapter development
for 23 chapters across the United States. Ms. Taylor was recognized as
the Black Nurses Rock Foundation Leader of the Year in 2018.
Community advocacy has always been a priority for Melody. She will
continue to empower and inspire innovative leaders to advance in the
field of nursing and promote preventative health to decrease healthcare
disparities in vulnerable communities.
Melody is the middle child of five children and the mother to a
handsome son named John and a beautiful daughter named Katia. She has
six beautiful grandchildren: Drevion, Keonte, Sincere, Harmonie, Jayla,
and Jaliyah.
Melody will continue her volunteer service to build a better
community for the citizens living in central Florida and advance the
field of nursing across the globe.
For this and more, Melody Taylor, we honor you.
Honoring Carol Bradley
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize
Officer Carol Bradley. Officer Carol Bradley has proudly served and
protected the citizens of Winter Haven, Florida, for 30 years.
Officer Bradley served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1983. In 1986,
she decided to follow her dreams and began her journey in law
enforcement. From 1986 to 1991, she worked as a corrections officer at
Polk Correctional Institution.
After working with PCI for 5 years, she decided to take her dream a
step further and began her career with the Winter Haven Police
Department as the first African American female community service
officer for the city of Winter Haven.
Officer Bradley immensely enjoys serving as a good will ambassador
for the city of Winter Haven and bridging the gap between the city
police and the citizens in the community. In 1993 she transitioned from
a civilian position to a sworn officer position.
She was promoted to patrol officer II in October of 1997. She then
was awarded the chief accommodation for outstanding service to her
community in January of 2001.
She enjoys serving her community through her church activities. She
also
[[Page H908]]
received the Optimist Club award for her distinguished services.
She received several letters of accommodation from the community in
2009. In addition, she received the bureau accommodation for the
protection of residential property in February of 2010.
Officer Bradley received the Circle of Love award for the Ridge
Career Center for contributions to single mothers and the homeless.
She was promoted to master officer in May of 2017.
Mentoring the youth in the Orrin Circle community was a rewarding
experience as well.
Making history once again in 1998, Officer Bradley became the first
HUD and homeless coalition officer for the city of Winter Haven.
Implementing that homeless program as an officer was also very
rewarding for her.
From 2006 to 2018, Officer Bradley worked in Winter Haven's public
schools as a school resource officer. She also worked with two other
officers in the DARE program within the elementary schools.
Officer Bradley ended her career as a law enforcement officer with
Winter Haven on December 27, 2021, yielding a total amount of 35 years
as a law enforcement officer.
Officer Bradley is married to her spouse, Terry Bradley. They have
two daughters, one son, and two granddaughters.
For this and more, Officer Carol Bradley, we honor you.
{time} 1900
Honoring Reginald Hardee
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize
Reginald Hardee.
Reginald Hardee is the information technology leader for Florida's
Turnpike Enterprise and has more than 22 years of State government
experience with a focus on strategic planning, budgeting, building, and
leading support and development teams in a public-sector setting.
Reginald earned the Ben G. Watts Leader of the Year for the authority
in 2020. Reginald currently serves as a member of the board of
directors for the Osceola County Council on Aging, the Osceola
Historical Society, and a member of the City of Kissimmee Fire Pension
Board.
Reginald also serves the community as a member and officer of Bethel
AME Church, NAACP, Kissimmee Masonic Lodge 68, and Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Reginald has served for 10 years as a member of the board of
directors for the Kissimmee Utility Authority and was elected to serve
as KUA chairman in 2013, a role he served for 4 years. He was the first
African American to serve on the KUA board.
The Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors established an
electrical line worker scholarship in the name of Reginald Hardee and
rededicated its employee events building as the Reginald Hardee
Employee Pavilion, honoring his decade of service. Reginald was also
recognized by the Kissimmee City Commission with a proclamation.
Reginald received the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from
Osceola Visionaries for positively impacting the community in the
spirit of the teachings and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reginald is also a recipient of the American Public Power Association
Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award.
Hardee is a native of Kissimmee, born to a midwife on Kissimmee's
Lake Street. Reginald is a veteran of the Army Reserves, a University
of Florida alumnus, and a graduate of Florida State University's public
manager program.
For this and more, Mr. Reginald Hardee, we honor you.
Honoring Tanisha Nunn Gary
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize
Tanisha Nunn Gary.
A consummate business professional and accomplished attorney, Tanisha
Nunn Gary is the president and CEO of the African American Chamber of
Commerce of Central Florida, a leading advocate for business
development and economic empowerment.
As head of the established nonprofit, Tanisha is responsible for
cultivating strong relationships with key community leaders and
corporate entities to enhance opportunities for members and engage
partners on initiatives.
Tanisha oversees all outreach efforts for the chamber, which
encompasses six counties, and she executes strategic planning to ensure
the chamber's voice is included in economic, education, and community
conversations that impact the region.
The AACCCF boasts a varied membership and revolves around four
pillars: advocacy, access to capital, contracts, and entrepreneur
training and development. As a former business owner, Tanisha is
intimately familiar with what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and
is uniquely qualified to lead the AACCCF into its next chapter of
growth.
Prior to being named president of the AACCCF, she was the principal
of a private law firm focused on all aspects of litigation for wrongful
death cases and medical negligence. Her solo practice and early work as
a senior associate for Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson & Gary landed
multimillion-dollar settlements.
In addition to her legal prowess, Tanisha served as the executive
director of The Gary Foundation, where she identified major donor
prospects to help provide scholarships to Florida youth.
Tanisha is an active member of several civic and professional
associations, including the Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, Truist Advisory Board, Orlando
Economic Partnership Board, United Arts Board, and Florida Association
of Chamber Professionals.
In 2021, Tanisha was named as one of the Orlando Business Journal's
CEOs of the Year and 50 Central Florida Power Players. Additionally,
the Orlando Magic recognized Tanisha as a hometown hero and a social
justice game changer.
Tanisha is also a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the
Orlando chapter of The Links, Inc., and a life member of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
A graduate of Spelman College and the Quinnipiac University School of
Law, Tanisha enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and spending time with
her son.
For this and more, Tanisha Nunn Gary, we honor you.
Honoring Tony Jenkins
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize
Tony Jenkins.
Tony Jenkins is the Florida Blue market president for the central
Florida region, where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team
in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance
brand visibility, and coordinate employee engagement.
Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue's diversity
efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as the
director of diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in
the Eastern United States. He also spent 18 years with the Walt Disney
World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in diversity,
equity, and inclusion.
Under Tony's leadership in central Florida, Florida Blue has been
recognized as a Best Place to Work, an outstanding diverse corporation,
and a corporate philanthropy honoree.
Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando
community. He is the past chair for United Arts of Central Florida and
the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Tony currently serves on the
board of Florida Citrus Sports and is a board trustee at Stetson
University.
Tony is chair-elect for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where
he also serves as chair for their DEI task force, engaging Orlando's
business leaders across varied industries.
Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of
central Florida's Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and CEO of the Year. Most
recently, Tony received the publication's Diversity in Business
Lifetime Achievement Award. Tony is also an I-4 Business Magazine
Business Leader of the Year award recipient.
Tony holds a bachelor of arts in hospitality management from Morris
Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.
For this and more, Tony Jenkins, we honor you.
[[Page H909]]
Honoring Marecia Jefferson-Lias
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize
Marecia Jefferson-Lias.
Hailing from the great city of Quincy, Florida, Marecia Jefferson-
Lias is the daughter of Wilbert Sr. and Janie Jefferson.
Her father's successful fruit contracting business brought the family
to Polk County, Florida, where Marecia embarked on an amazing journey
of academic excellence. After graduating from Effingham County High
School in Savannah, Georgia, Marecia returned to Florida and enrolled
in Polk Community College, now Polk State College.
Marecia received an associate's degree in liberal arts. Marecia then
matriculated to the all-mighty Bethune Cookman College, now Bethune
Cookman University, receiving a bachelor's degree in education.
If the phrase ``can't stop, won't stop'' was a person, then Marecia
would be the titleholder of that mantra. Marecia continued her studies
at the University of South Florida, receiving a master of education in
organizational leadership.
Marecia took her educational talent to the Polk County School Board,
where she spent 16 years as a certified educator, holding various
positions such as elementary teacher, reading coach, medical academy
director, and health science clinical nurse and instructor.
Marecia's gift of being an educator and a nurturer allowed her to
receive her bachelor's degree in nursing from Polk State College.
Marecia went to Florida Southern College and obtained her master's
degree in nursing, specializing as a family nurse practitioner. Marecia
is currently matriculating her doctorate at the same college, with a
projected completion date of 2023.
Mrs. Jefferson-Lias truly lives by the words ``divinely speaking life
one breath at a time.'' Not only has Marecia achieved everything that
she has set her mind to possess, but she is also the epitome of a
leader, advocate, nurturer, and mentor. Her compassion for people and
helping others stems from a generational line of educators and nurses,
including a great-grandmother who was a nurse-midwife.
The same dedication Marecia carries as a nurse and community leader
allowed her to recognize the need for more nurses and nursing
assistants. Marecia started a company that offers training and prep
courses for nurses during the pandemic since that void needs to be
filled in her community. Marecia currently is the owner of Divine
Essential Medical Academy, LLC, as well as other business ventures.
Marecia is a blessed wife, mother, and godmother. Marecia is an
inspiration to her family, friends, and community.
For that and more, Marecia Jefferson-Lias, we honor you.
Honoring Valparisa J. Baker
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize
Valparisa J. Baker.
Valparisa J. Baker, a native Floridian, most recently served as the
chief diversity officer at Polk State College. Prior to her recent
retirement, Ms. Baker was employed with the college since 1988, where
she held multiple positions of advancement.
Ms. Baker has a master's degree in higher education from the
National-Louis University, a bachelor's degree from the University of
Central Florida, and an associate's degree from Polk State College.
Ms. Baker has a strong commitment to her church, the New Antioch
Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as an active first lady.
Ms. Baker serves as the chairperson for the education scholarship
ministry, adviser for the women intermediate ministry, pastor's aide
ministry, and media ministry.
Ms. Baker is the newly appointed vice president for the ministers'
wives and ministers' widows of the First South Florida Missionary
Baptist District Association.
Ms. Baker has received numerous citations and awards from area
organizations. Most recently, she received the 2021 Drum Major for
Justice Award presented by the Haines City NAACP, was the 2021
Juneteenth honoree for the Juneteenth Observance Lakeland Committee, as
well as the 2018 Distinguished Citizen for the Greater Tampa Bay Area
Council Boy Scouts of America.
Ms. Baker is a graduate of the National Council of Black American
Affairs Leadership Program, Florida Chancellor's Leadership Program,
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Leadership, Winter Haven Class XX, and
Polk Vision Leadership Polk Class v. Ms. Baker is very active in civic
groups and serves on numerous boards, including the Florence Villa
Community Development Center, Polk Vision LIFT Mentor Leadership
Council, and the City of Winter Haven Juneteenth Steering Committee.
Ms. Baker has a strong passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Through Ms. Baker's community involvement, she continues her commitment
to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all.
Ms. Baker enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She and
her husband of 34 years, Reverend Derrick L. Baker, have two children,
Stephen and Marquitta, and two grandsons, Gavin and Malachi.
For this and more, Ms. Valparisa J. Baker, we honor you.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
____________________