| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined Team CARA
to call on the Senate to pass landmark environmental legislation.
Schakowsky joined other members of Congress at a rally on the steps of
the Capitol to “Hit a Home Run for Conservation.” Sports and baseball celebrities,
including Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry, threw their support behind
the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA).
“Chicago’s
parks are a source of recreation, health, and enjoyment and are among the
city’s most valued resources. The city of Chicago has a rich history
of taking pride in our parks and open spaces. Passage of CARA will ensure
the future of the park system’s tradition of improving the quality of life
for all my constituents and the people of Illinois,” Schakowsky said.
“CARA
is a home run for all Americans and a grand slam for the environment,”
Schakowsky added.
CARA
passed the House of Representatives on May 11. This legislation guarantees
crucial funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Historic
Preservation Fund, and other important environmental programs. The
bill passed by the House removes incentives for offshore oil development,
adds a competitive grant program for states to provide acquisition and
easement funding for non-federal lands, and ensures that the bulk of funding
from this bill will be spent on environmentally beneficial projects. CARA
would provide millions of dollars to the state of Illinois and to the Chicago
Park District. |
