[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO EVELYN BOWLES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Evelyn Bowles of 
Ewardsville who was appointed to the Illinois State Senate in May of 
1994 and was elected by an overwhelming margin in November of 1994; she 
has served this body with distinction throughout her 8\1/2\ years as a 
member.
  During her terms in the Senate, Senator Bowles served as the 
Democratic spokesperson of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, 
the Local Government and Elections Committee, the Licensed Activities 
Committee and the State Government Operations Committee.
  Senator Bowles has also served on the Committees on Agriculture and 
Conservation, Executive, Transportation, the Legislative Information 
System, the Legislative Printing Unit, and the Legislative Research 
Unit.
  Senator Bowles has amassed numerous legislative accomplishments which 
have enhanced the quality of life for the people of her Metro East 
district and all of the people of the State of Illinois, including new 
penalties for individuals convicted of illegally possessing the 
chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, the regulation of 
reprocessing certain single-use surgical devices, more funds for the 
Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis Research Fund, and the requirement of 
coverage for the replacement of child safety seats if those seats were 
in use at the time of an accident.
  Senator Bowles will long be remembered for her commitment to the 
success of Illinois' agriculture community; in an effort to find a 
``third crop'' to insert into our traditional corn and soybean 
rotation, she sponsored legislation directing the University of 
Illinois to study the reintroduction of industrial hemp in Illinois, a 
once important crop in Illinois because of its versatility.
  Senator Bowles was elected to five consecutive terms as the Madison 
County Clerk and brought to the Senate knowledge and expertise that was 
often called upon when questions arose concerning local government and 
election laws in Illinois. It was in that office which I worked with 
her closely. Her countless appearances at the office counter gave 
constituents a real glimpse of personal service by their elected 
officials. In her dealings with me, a member of the opposition party, 
she was always professional, courteous, and determined to place the 
best interests of the citizens first.
  Senator Bowles served her nation as a member of the United States 
Coast Guard Women's Reserve Intelligence Division during the Second 
World War and is a member of the American Legion Post #199 and The 
Auxiliary. She was also a former teacher.
  We offer our best wishes to Senator Evelyn Bowles upon her retirement 
from the Senate and we offer her hope for a rewarding future.

                          ____________________