Quigley Passes Bill To Promote Nationwide Efforts To Keep Kids Healthy

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) passed a new resolution to support the comprehensive initiatives of the Chicago Wilderness Alliance and the "Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights," which is designed to promote the outdoors as a vital part of childhood education. Quigley introduced the bill -- H. Res. 860 -- to encourage lawmakers to build and support coalitions between advocacy groups and education policymakers, modeled off of a recent effort in Chicago to promote environmental literacy.

"Encouraging children to get outside is a core part of a healthy planet and healthy children," said Congressman Quigley. "Chicago has offered a perfect example to Washington of what can be achieved when progressive groups and government advocates unite behind a worthy cause. In order to provide our children with a broader education and a greener future, we must continue to devote resources to our open spaces and parks, and encourage our kids to enjoy them."

Outdoor activity has proven to aid academic performance, improve teenage behavior and health, and reduce the symptoms caused by Attention-Deficit Disorder. Beyond these benefits, children who grow up with an understanding of the land, air, and water surrounding them also grow up to be environmentally-conscious adults who are involved in efforts to clean, restore, and preserve our natural resources.

The Chicago Wilderness Alliance is made up of over 240 environmentally-conscious organizations. In 2007, the Alliance introduced the "Leave No Child Inside" initiative to get more children to spend quality time participating in outdoor activities.

Earlier this year, Quigley sent a letter to the Illinois State Board of Education supporting the creation of an Illinois State Environmental Literacy Plan. The plan would facilitate substantial federal education funding available to Illinois upon the passage of the No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 2054), which Quigley co-sponsored.

A lifelong advocate of green initiatives and conservation, Quigley often states that protecting the environment is why he "first got involved in politics." Since his election to Congress, Quigley has voted for legislation to limit greenhouse gases and create green jobs (ACES), and supported a bill to increase fuel economy standards. He also voted for the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program to encourage Americans to purchase more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient cars.

H. Res. 860 has nearly 30 co-sponsors, including Illinois Reps. Davis, Foster, Gutierrez, Halvorson, Hare, Jackson Jr., and Schakowsky. It passed by an overwhelmingly majority.

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