The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE CAREER OF SECRETARY JAMES ELLENBECKER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Senate section on pages S4150-S4151 on April 22, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE CAREER OF SECRETARY JAMES ELLENBECKER
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I recognize the leadership and many achievements of South Dakota Secretary of Social Services James Ellenbecker. Secretary Ellenbecker embodies the highest qualities of public service and has deservedly earned the respect and admiration of all those who have had the opportunity to work with him. After 35 years of public service, Secretary Ellenbecker is retiring as South Dakota's Secretary of Social Services, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
Secretary Ellenbecker began his career with the South Dakota government in 1970, and has since dedicated his life to serving the citizens of South Dakota. Working for the State Planning Agency and then the Department of Labor, he ultimately found himself in the Department of Social Services after providing then-Governor Bill Janklow with information he urgently needed late one Friday afternoon. Following their encounter, Governor Janklow appointed James Secretary of Social Services in 1980, a post he has held ever since.
During his 25 year tenure as secretary, under the leadership of four different governors, Secretary Ellenbecker played a vital role in enhancing South Dakota's Social Services infrastructure. As head of one of the largest and most complex agencies in the state, he promoted innovations which significantly enhanced its treatment of the elderly, children and single parent families. His influence on South Dakota's 1988 Elderly Initiative resulted in a responsive, efficient, and cost-
effective long-term care system for the elderly, thus easing the burdens many families face both financially and emotionally. Under this new plan, more aged residents could live at home and maintain their independence.
Secretary Ellenbecker is also responsible for transforming South Dakota's welfare program. As a result of his vision and dedication, South Dakota has one of the most successful child support programs in the country. His strategy improved the lives of countless single parents by holding absent parents financially responsible for their children. Similarly, 67,000 uninsured children in South Dakota gained access to health care as a result of Secretary Ellenbecker's diligent management of South Dakota's medical services program.
I had the privilege of working with Secretary Ellenbecker during my years of service in the South Dakota Legislature. Throughout my years in Congress, when constituents contacted my office with issues involving the South Dakota Department of Social Services, I could always rely upon Secretary Ellenbecker to provide a thorough review of the situation and supply a detailed response to my questions and the issues raised by the constituents. I appreciated his willingness to share insight into issues affecting his department and to coordinate briefings with my staff. Numerous South Dakotans and their families have benefited over the years from our working partnership, and I commend his tireless dedication to his agency and to the people of South Dakota.
I am honored to share Secretary Ellenbecker's accomplishments with my colleagues, and I publicly commend and thank him for his excellent service to South Dakota. I wish Jim the very best, along with his wife Kathy and their two children, Bradley and Ryon.
____________________
