Political Quotes

“of course I want to rise in support of this important parks legislation and commend the bipartisan leadership of the chairman, and the ranking members and the committee members for moving this legislation. I want to take a moment and note that this legislation contains a provision important to the south side of Chicago and the south suburbs of Chicago, a provision that directs the National Park Service to look at the feasibility of establishing an ecological park, a series of green ways linking the Indiana Dunes with the heritage corridor, a significant proposal because of its potential for establishing an urban park, open space and wildlife habitat and a rapidly growing older industrial area. This proposal has locally strong bipartisan support from local conservation groups, elected officials and economic development organizations. Like the newly established tall grass prairie, the former Joliette Arsenal, the ecological park will become a major investment in the future of Illinois and the children of Illinois by setting aside open space and important wildlife habitat in an old urban area as well as a rapidly developing suburban area. I thank the chairman and committee for their support, and I urge bipartisan support for this legislation.”