A new verb usage is born

I let this pass in one release, but now they've done it a second time and I feel compelled to speak out. From an American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin news release:

“Dismantling the DNR by splitting it into two pieces would only create duplication,” furthered Steffen.

"Furthered Steffen?"

C'mon, this is Wisconsin. Our motto is "Forward."

How about "forwarded Steffen."