Political Quotes

“I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 860, supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. With more and more children growing up in a world where the Internet, cell phones and video games are at their fingertips, the need for children to play and to explore outside has become even more important. Research has shown that unstructured outdoor play is a key element in the wholesome, balanced development of the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills of children. The Chicago Wilderness, a coalition of over 240 organizations, is committed to adding biodiversity to the Chicago metropolitan area and to creating a better quality of life in the community. Based on the idea that people's lives are improved by a strong connection with nature, the coalition sets out to increase and to diversify public participation in environmental stewardship. The Chicago Wilderness especially recognizes the value of connecting children to nature. In fact, in 2007, they launched the Leave No Child Inside initiative and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights with the goal of increasing awareness and of encouraging more children to explore their outdoor environments. Getting more children outside enjoying nature, encouraging their curiosity and developing their creativity is essential.…”