10th News: Changed Lives, Calling for Change
The 118th Congress is at last getting organized, committees are starting to meet, and the Capitol is filled with visitors again. In other words, it was a busy week last week. And this week the focus is on President Biden’s State of the Union speech.
I am eagerly anticipating what the President will share with us about our nation and his vision for our future. I’m expecting the President to celebrate the growth our nation has experienced in the last year: great news on the jobs front, strong bipartisan legislating, and infrastructure investments in every corner of the country.
Last week, well actually February 1-7, was also Gun Violence Survivors Week. The first week of February was selected because it is estimated that as of this week, more people have died from gun violence in the United States already this year than will likely be killed in any other country for the entirety of the year.
To mark this week and honor the survivors of gun violence, last Wednesday, my colleagues on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and I introduced several bills focused on addressing the epidemic of gun violence in our nation, including requiring universal background checks, banning the future sale of assault weapons and limiting access to high capacity magazines. As well, Senator Durbin and I introduced the Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective (SECURE) Firearm Storage Act, legislation to address the problem of “smash and grab” gun store burglaries.
On Friday, Senator Durbin and I were joined by Mayor Nancy Rotering, State Rep. Bob Morgan, State Senator Julie Morrison, other elected officials and survivors of the July 4th Independence Day shooting for a press conference announcing the introduction of our bills. Together, we stood as one powerful voice honoring the lives of gun violence survivors. A special thanks to all who joined, especially us, and in particular Liz Turnipseed, Lauren Bennet, and all survivors, for your unwavering support.
If you missed the event, you can watch the full press conference here. You can read about it in the Tribune here.
Despite experiencing the unimaginable, survivors such as Liz and Lauren continue to persevere and find hope in the face of tragedy. Their courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of ending gun violence and creating a safer future for all. They are a shining light in the fight for change and their resilience inspires me to work towards a world where no one must endure the pain and trauma of gun violence.
Senator Durbin and I also had the privilege of paying our respects, at the temporary July 4th memorial in the city’s rose garden.
In recognition of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I also introduced and supported several pieces of critical legislation to close dangerous loopholes, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This legislation includes:
- The Assault Weapons Ban
- The Keep Americans Safe Act to ban high capacity magazines
- The SECURE Firearm Storage Act to prevent smash and grab gun store burglaries
- The Default Proceed Transparency Act to close gun sale loopholes
Weapons of war don't belong in our streets. They don't belong in our communities. And we must take action to keep our kids and our community safe. You can watch the full remarks at the reintroduction of the assault weapons ban here.
Keep reading for more information on happenings in Washington and around the district.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visits Naval Station Great Lakes
On Friday, I was also honored to have attended the Navy's recruit graduation ceremony last Friday at Naval Station Great Lakes with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, celebrating the hard work and dedication of some of our nation’s finest.
After the graduation ceremony I also had the privilege of speaking at the USO, where I was also joined by Senator Durbin and Secretary Del Toro.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro also made time to join me in a surprise visit to Forrestal Elementary School in North Chicago. Across the country, school districts, such as North Chicago’s, include areas of land owned by the federal government, such as military installations. Since federal lands are exempt from property taxes, these schools face unique challenges, such as a lack of funding for critical facilities and operations expenses.
I sincerely appreciate the Secretary for taking the time to visit Forrestal and see firsthand the challenges and needs these individual schools face. Schools like Forrestal are suffering and not receiving the funding they should be entitled to and desperately need. Working together can help create a quality place for students to learn and grow.
Lake County Municipal League Legislative Breakfast
Saturday kicked off with the annual Lake County Municipal League’s Legislative Breakfast. I shared a federal legislative update and had the chance to hear from many of our local mayors and village presidents about the priorities in their communities.
40th Annual Profiles in Excellence
I was pleased to attend the 40th annual Profiles in Excellence event. Forty years of profiling excellence is a historic feat and a great way to celebrate Black History Month. Thank you to the Lake County Forest Preserve and President Angelo D. Kyle for putting this on at a time when we are all called to celebrate, remember, and resolve to continue the fight for justice. And congratulations to this years honorees Pamela Johnson, Shakedia Jones, and Lacey Simpson.
Write Valentines for Veterans
A small gesture like a Valentine's card is a much-appreciated way to let our district's veterans know they are loved and appreciated. My office has launched its annual "Valentines for Vets" program to thank those who have selflessly served our country.
Constituents can drop off or mail cards to my Lincolnshire office: 111 Barclay Blvd, Ste 200, Lincolnshire IL 60069 by February 10th, 2023.
See Fox’s coverage of Valentines for Veterans here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Meeting with Gun Violence Prevention Advocates
On Thursday, Highland Park resident Ashbey Beasley and I met with speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to share Highland Park’s story.
I was also happy to receive a visit from March Fourth, which is dedicated to see a federal assault weapons ban become reality. I thank March Fourth, Ashbey, and the Speaker for being tireless in their pursuit of common-sense gun violence prevention measures.
Welcoming Foreign Dignitaries
I am frequently visited by ambassadors and other officials from countries around the world. Last week I welcomed guests representing Armenia, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine.
Ken Hachikian, Co-Chair of the Armenian National Committee of Illinois
Indrek Saar, Member of Estonian Parliament
Arkadiusz Mularczyk Polish Secretary of State for European Policy
Trilateral Parliamentary Delegation from Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Please visit my website to find resources available for everything from saving money on your internet bill to locating your local food bank, various help lines, and even help Ukrainians refugees fleeing the war.
Constituent Success Story
I want to share with you another constituent casework success story. Navigating the federal agency bureaucracy can be challenging, but my excellent casework team in Lincolnshire is ready to help you. If you need help with a federal agency, fill out a Privacy Release Form or call my Lincolnshire office at (847) 383-4870 so my casework team can assist you.
IN CLOSING
I wanted to share a poem by Paula Denise Johnson with you that was featured at the 40th annual Profiles in Excellence ceremony:
ALTHEA
WILMA
ORA
SURYA
EMMA
CYNTHIA
LAURA
LAILA
SHERYL
SIMONE
FLO JO
ALICE
TESSA
SHELLY ANN
MERLENE
EARLENE
LESLIE
NAOMI
JACKIE
DEBI
ROSE
LYNETTE
ENITH
DOMINIQUE
and last but not least my beloved sister Ruthie.
These are just some of the names of great female legends, international super heroes, accomplished over comers and the original GOATs.
Yes, the GREATEST OF ALL TIMES,
who paved the way for today’s emerging trailblazers next in line.
They paved the way for us each in a different way,
making history, HER WAY.
I’ll say it again making HIS STORY, HER WAY.
Representing a wide variety of sports and making an impact in tennis, golf, boxing, track and field, as well as basketball and figure skating.
How great of an impact, there’s no debating.
They pioneered to shatter the barriers and stereotypes that have slowed, but continue to corrode
They definitely made it easier for us to traverse down this difficult road
There is still necessary change needed, but the legends have lightened the heavy load.
We could not have made it this far or even have certain rights, without GOD and their tremendous sacrifice
Today we thank them for their journey of courage that was far from easy.
Although successful, this does not diminish the severe racial, gender inequality social and economic challenges they faced regularly.
It’s unfortunate that before they shattered expectations, earned awards and received accolades,
they were met with several mental and physical barricades
Often times they were the target of vicious attacks and hate crimes,
But they continued to persevere even during the toughest of times.
Although qualified, some said they were not allowed
to compete with the other crowd
Accomplished, but still having to prove their worth.
But they stuck with it and put in the extra hard work.
They were expected to fall in line, sit back and be undefined
Instead, they rose to the top becoming the greatest of all times
Not wavering, they continued to fight and stand proud
At times they quietly endured harsh racist treatment and gender bias, but their greatness was loud
So loud it shattered the walls of inequality
Using this very opportunity to fight for equality,
Coming face to face with oppression, racism, sexism, injustice and hostility, ingrained in our societies
Assuring the world there was more to their lives than these controversies based on fallacious ideologies
Controversies that threatened to derail their success and greatness,
but their success and greatness could not be contained
because although outwardly, it seemed hopeless and dreadful, internally, they believed, one day, the world would know their names.
Proving that double discrimination was no match for these triple threats
The audacious acts of the African-American Female Athletes,
caused them to win medals and dominate the sports world without regrets.
Although, they were rejected, often received disapproving looks and even left out of history books,
they went on to nearly destroy the walls of inequality leaving a nation shook
Now many take a page from their playbook
Today many little girls and others around the world are confident
They too can change the world.
The ball is now in our court to keep their accomplishments in the forefront and continue their legacy
Most importantly, completing the journey they started for us, voluntarily quintessentially.
We are obligated to thank them in a very special way for paving the way.
So today, we say thank you in a major way.
Because of their strength, their dedication and sacrifice many, I pray can hold their heads up high and proudly say, I did it HER WAY.
Wishing you and yours a good week,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress