Friday, February 01, 2008
Boland backed by Environmental Groups
EAST MOLINE, IL – State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of the Illinois League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club in his bid for re-election as 71st District state representative.
“It is an honor to be recognized and endorsed by groups that are so important to improving air, soil and water quality in Illinois,” Boland said. “I am humbled and truly appreciative of the support of Illinois League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Environmental groups are playing a crucial role in creating a cleaner planet for our children and grandchildren to inherit.”
Despite the difficult political climate in Springfield this year, Boland is leading the charge at the capitol to be fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly. Boland sponsored a bill requiring state buildings to use energy efficient light bulbs that last longer and save taxpayer-dollars, while fighting global warming and climate change. In an effort to reduce harmful emissions and lower our dependence on foreign oil, Boland has pushed for an increased production of ethanol and a law requiring all gasoline-powered vehicles purchased with municipal funds to be flexible fuel vehicles.
“I am proud of my work on behalf of the environment and creating economic opportunities in the area, but we can always do more,” Boland said. “It is critical that we continue to pass laws to protect and preserve the environment in Illinois. We are making progress and I look forward to continuing to work to do even more for the 71st District.”
ABATE Backs Boland
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to be recognized and endorsed by an organization like A.B.A.T.E. that fights for motorcycle safety and awareness,” Boland said. “In partnership with groups like A.B.A.T.E., we are making progress in keeping our roads and motorists safe. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with A.B.A.T.E. members in the area, and I look forward to continuing to work with A.B.A.T.E. to ensure our roads are safe.”
Despite the contentious political climate in Springfield this year, Boland helped greatly expand teen driving laws in Illinois. The new law establishes strict sanctions for street racing and punishments for repeat violations by drivers under the age of 21. The law also aims to prepare younger drivers to drive through extending learner’s permit periods and nighttime curfews.
“As a former teacher, I know how valuable education is in developing knowledge that can keep people safe, A.B.A.T.E. is a leader in educating motorcyclists,” Boland said. “It is vital that we continue our push to educate people about responsible motorcycle operation. We are making progress and keeping people sage. I look forward to continuing my efforts to do even more in the 71st District.”
Women’s Bar Association backs Boland
EAST MOLINE, IL – State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) in his bid for re-election as state representative of the 71st district.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be acknowledged and endorsed by some of the brightest legal minds in the state, and country,” Boland said. “The WBAI has displayed an unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting the success of women lawyers in Illinois.”
WBAI's mission is to ensure the success of women attorneys through business and professional development and to advocate for women's interests. WBAI offers networking events, substantive law committees, and a judicial candidate evaluation program.
Despite an often bitter political climate in Springfield last year, Boland helped pass legislation requiring insurance companies to cover lifesaving breast cancer screening for women age 18 and over, and to provide additional testing and monitoring for women with a family history of ovarian cancer. Boland also passed legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop a program to provide HPV vaccines to women who cannot afford them.
“The WBAI’s efforts over the years on behalf of women’s issues have been truly impressive and set a wonderful example for young women who aspire to be attorneys and judges,” Boland said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the WBAI to guarantee equal rights for all.”
Boland represents the 71st district which includes Rock Island, Carroll, Henry and Whiteside counties.
Boland wins endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois
EAST MOLINE, IL -- State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois in his bid for re-election as state representative of the 71st district. Citizen Action/Illinois is the state’s largest public interest organization.
“I am humbled to be recognized by a leading advocate for families, workers and consumers,” Boland said. “Citizen Action/Illinois is working hard to create social change throughout Illinois, as am I. We must strive to create fruitful and better lives for all Illinoisans. It has been a privilege to work with, and learn from, an organization that is working to create change.”
While politicians bickered in Springfield, Boland forced Ameren, ComEd and other electric utilities to provide $1 billion in electric rate relief to their customers and increase funding for programs that help seniors with their utility bills. Boland also passed a law making Illinois the first state in the nation to guarantee health care coverage for all children.
“To move Illinois forward, we must acknowledge a need for change,” Boland said. “Citizen Action/Illinois is leading the charge for social change in the state. I am proud to stand with them and fight for Illinois’ working families.”
Boland represents the 71st district which includes Rock Island, Carroll, Henry and Whiteside counties.