10TH NEWS: Convening with Community Members and Supporting Public Safety Efforts
Dear Friend,
Every year at this time I take a deep breath as Summer is winding down and kids (and parents) start getting ready to go back to school. We can see the days getting shorter and feel the urge to squeeze out just a few more days of carefree fun in the sun. At the same time, there is the excitement of new beginnings full of hope and promise. This is also a reminder for drivers to stay alert as kids walk, ride their bikes, or take the bus to school.
With Congress not in session for August, I’ve used my first days home to travel across the district and talk to people about their priorities and concerns. I enjoyed visiting Wilmette, Round Lake, Waukegan, Green Oaks, Lake Forest, Johnsburg, Grayslake, Highwood, Gurnee, Volo, Antioch, Metawa, Deerfield, and Zion. I took a ride in a fire boat on Lake Michigan, shared bad dad jokes with campers, celebrated Medicare and Social Security with seniors, met with several mayors and village presidents, had a vibrant roundtable conversation with school superintendents, and much more.
Meanwhile, on the national and international stage, the challenges continue to mount. Last Friday’s jobs figures were—to say the least—disappointing, as the economy lost 23,000 jobs and the totals for previous months were reduced. Gas prices remain in the $4 range, while inflation remains over 3% and above the Federal Reserve Board’s target of 2%. Staying with the school theme, it’s estimated that families will spend more than $170 on school supplies this year, a record.
On Saturday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was approved by the Senate after cutting a deal with Republican Senators to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. It’s hard to believe that the architect of the Trump $1.8 billion January 6 slush fund, as well as the mega-million-dollar immunity deal for Trump and his family, has had a change of heart. Donald Trump certainly has not! I expect both corrupt plans will rise again. That’s why I worked with my Ways and Means Democratic colleagues to introduce the Presidential Tax Accountability and Audit Integrity Act that would rescind this tax immunity deal once and for all. I will continue to fight back against self-dealing efforts from public officials who are supposed to be dedicated to public service, not padding their own pockets.
Keep reading for more on my work across the district and what’s happening in Washington
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 10TH
School Superintendents Roundtable
Public education is fundamental to our communities, and we must work to protect and strengthen the institutions that give every child a fair shot at success. I hosted a roundtable in Gurnee with superintendents from across the district to discuss this and much, much more. I will continue to work in Washington to ensure our public schools are recognized for the work they do and have the support they need so every student can thrive and achieve their educational goals. Thank you again to all the superintendents for sharing their perspectives!
Celebrating Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. I stopped by Weinberg Community for Senior Living in Deerfield for a town hall and to celebrate the upcoming 91st anniversary.
I also celebrated 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid with a town hall discussion at Oak Hill Senior Living Center in Round Lake Beach.
I enjoyed hearing from residents in both Round Lake and Deerfield and discussing Social Security and Medicare as well as the high cost of living, threats to our democracy, gun violence in our communities, and what’s likely to happen when Congress returns to Washington next month.
Helping Get Families Ready for the School Year with Mano a Mano
Really enjoyed stopping by the Mano a Mano and Round Lake Park District's Back to School Resource Fair in Round Lake over the weekend. The Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Round Lake Park District brought out free backpacks and school supplies, community resources, vision screenings, and free vaccinations to help get families ready for the new school year, along with music, food, and fun activities for everyone. Great to see so many Lake and McHenry County families out for this one.
PADS Lake County Fixed-Site Shelter
I joined PADS Lake County in Waukegan to celebrate a major milestone in the fight against homelessness: the ribbon-cutting for Lake County's first fixed-site family shelter.
This 33,000-square-foot facility is the result of a powerful partnership among federal, state, and local governments, faith communities, volunteers, and donors, all committed to giving families dignity, stability, and the support they need to rebuild their lives after crisis.
I'm proud that my office secured $4 million in Community Project Funding to help create a state-of-the-art, fixed-site shelter that could accommodate the needs of all of Lake County's eligible population year-round, along with an additional $7 million in ARPA funds to help make this shelter a reality.
The new facility represents a major shift in how we address homelessness, tackling root causes and increasing long-term recovery success rates. It integrates housing, healthcare, and support services all under one roof, with 62 sleeping rooms for families and children and capacity for nearly 250 individuals.
Visiting Camp Independence and Camp Duncan
As is tradition every year, I visited YMCA Camp Independence in Volo, which provides camp experiences and outdoor learning opportunities for children and adults with spina bifida. It was great to say hello to everyone, share camp stories and dad jokes, practice archery, and simply enjoy seeing kids be kids. Camp Executive Director Jason Kuffel and his staff have a record number of campers this year and are working to make camp even better—including specialized programs for individuals with FASD, burn injuries, diabetes, cancer, ALS, and Tourette syndrome. I am very proud of the opportunities and inclusion Camp Independence brings to our district and am excited to see the work they continue to do. To learn more about Camp Independence, watch my conversation with Jason here.
Talking 4-H at the Lake County Fair
I had the pleasure of attending the Lake County Fair in Grayslake, where members of the 4-H program gave me a tour of this year's exhibits and projects. 4-H is a youth development organization that partners with the University of Illinois to provide research-based programs that help young people build leadership and valuable life skills through hands-on learning.
I look forward to attending the Lake County Fair every year, and it was great to meet both the participants who make the fair possible and the families and community members who came out to enjoy the food, exhibits, and festivities. Events like this celebrate our community's traditions while investing in its future.
Thank you to the Lake County 4-H members and volunteers for the warm welcome and for giving me a firsthand look at your outstanding work. To learn more about 4-H and meet Liberty the Cow, watch my conversation with Marguerite, a rising eighth grade student and 4-H participant.
Gaining Hands on Experience with CLC’s Urban Farm Center
I toured College of Lake County's Urban Farm Center in Waukegan alongside folks from the Lake County Farm Bureau and Farm Foundation. Construction is in its final phases, and it's clear this space is going to be a real springboard for community wellness, entrepreneurship, and innovative programming here in Lake County.
Once it opens, students will learn hands-on in year-round educational gardens, a greenhouse, and even a mushroom lab, while a commercial kitchen and retail space turn that work into food and opportunity for the broader community. It's a living-learning lab and a hub of nourishment, all in one.
Proud to see this kind of investment in our community and can't wait to see it open its doors.
Empowering Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership
I was glad to join Employee Connections’ 2nd Annual Youth Civic Engagement & Leadership Lunch & Chat in Waukegan. About 50 young students from North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion joined for a direct dialogue about the issues that matter most to them: community violence prevention, mental health, employment, and leadership. This event was made possible through the Illinois DHS RPSA Youth Firearm Violence Prevention Program - thank you to everyone who participated!
Sending Off a Lake County Honor Flight
Had the honor of stopping by Lake County Honor Flight in Waukegan to send off our next group of veterans on their trip to DC. This group includes heroes who served in Korea and Vietnam across the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps.
Getting to shake their hands and thank them in person never gets old. Wishing them a meaningful and well-deserved journey.
New Farmyard at Lambs Farm
I joined Lambs Farm leadership, staff, legislators, and community partners in Libertyville to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Farmyard and dedication of the new barn. Lambs Farm has been a cornerstone of opportunity, dignity, and community for people with developmental disabilities for more than 60 years. The Farmyard has long been a beloved local attraction and a place where participants build skills, confidence, and lasting connections with the community. Congratulations to everyone who helped write this next chapter for Lambs Farm! To learn more about Lambs Farm’s impact on the community, watch my conversation with longtime Lambs Farm advocate, Dr. Larry Reiner.
One Year of Fisher House
I stopped by the Fisher House on the Lovell FHCC campus in North Chicago to celebrate their one-year anniversary. This is the 100th Fisher House in the country - an incredible milestone for an organization that provides free, comfortable housing for military and veteran families near VA hospitals and military medical centers, and it’s especially meaningful that we have one right here in the 10th District at Lovell.
Improving Wastewater Management for Antioch Township
I was glad to join Lake County Board Members and Public Works employees to celebrate the more than one million dollars in federal funding I helped secure for the Antioch Township Sanitary Sewer Improvements project. This funding will support a new sanitary sewer system that could serve approximately 5,500 properties. This federal investment will ensure reliable, resilient wastewater service for residents while protecting surrounding waterways.
Getting the Lead out in Wilmette
I was proud to join Wilmette Village President Senta Plunkett and Trustee Justin Shepard to celebrate the more than one million dollars in federal funding my office was able to secure to help the Village replace lead service lines and ensure residents have clean, safe drinking water — one of 15 projects that is bringing nearly $12.5 million federal dollars back to our district.
BAYB: Creating Greater Opportunity in the District with Brunswick
Thank you to Brunswick, Inc. for hosting a Brad at Your Business stop in Mettawa. Founded in 1845, Brunswick is a major boating and marine technology company headquartered right here in the 10th District. I enjoyed meeting with Brunswick's senior leadership team and learning more about the business and its economic impact here in Illinois. We discussed industry growth, the impact of costly tariffs, and opportunities to keep working together to create more jobs and greater opportunity in the district.
Improving Law Enforcement’s Interactions for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
It was a privilege to meet with Justin from Lindenhurst and Kaela from Gurnee to discuss the importance of establishing a strong federal policy supporting critical incident training for law enforcement officers interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Thank you both for taking the time to share your experiences and perspectives. Your advocacy underscores why we must ensure law enforcement agencies across the country have the resources, guidance, and training needed to foster safer, more effective interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Lake Forest Police Department’s New Headquarters
Great visit to the Lake Forest Police Department to see their new headquarters and talk about the work they do keeping our community safe. It's clear this new facility gives officers the space and tools they need to serve residents well. Thank you to Mayor Randy Tack, Police Chief John Burke, Deputy Chief Kevin Zelk, Deputy Chief Mike Lange, and the whole Lake Forest PD team for the tour and the conversation.
Water Safety at Wilmette Harbor
At Wilmette Harbor, I learned firsthand from local fire departments about Lake Michigan’s safety challenges and what is needed to keep the waters safe. I’m grateful for their dedication and will continue working to support federal investments that strengthen our water rescue capabilities.
Investing in Fire and Community Safety with the Zion Fire Department
Great to visit the Zion Fire Station #1 with Chief Justin Stried and Mayor Billy McKinney, tour the facility, and discuss public safety priorities, fire-rescue operations, and community needs. We discussed ways to continue investing in the fire department so they can maintain dependable emergency response capabilities, protect firefighters, and ensure the continued safety of residents. I'll continue working to help identify funding opportunities that could make this critical investment possible.
Welcoming Belizean Ambassador Nestor Méndez to Waukegan
I was proud to join the City of Waukegan and Mayor Cunningham in welcoming Belizean Ambassador Nestor Méndez and Consul Lety Kuylen Castellanos to our district. Together with local leaders, we discussed how to continue building and strengthening the bridge between our communities and supporting the robust Belizean diaspora right here in IL-10.
HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON – JULY WRAP UP
President Trump’s Tariffs are Costing Illinois’ Families
According to a recent report from the Midwest Economic Policy Institute, President Trump’s tariffs have increased household costs for Illinois families by $2,200 while cutting jobs and shrinking our state’s GDP. That’s unacceptable. I’ll continue fighting to end these costly tariffs and deliver the relief American families need.
Last year I introduced the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act which would block a dangerous and outdated tool, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, from President Trump’s arsenal and reclaim Congress’s trade authority. Tariffs, when used strategically, can be an important tool in defending U.S. economic interests – but that’s far from the approach President Trump has chosen to take. Congress must exercise its constitutional responsibilities and step in to put a check on the Executive branch and deliver the relief families deserve.
Holding the Trump Administration Accountable for Political Interference at the IRS
Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Kenneth Kies, an assistant Treasury secretary and acting chief counsel of the Internal Revenue Service was ousted after warning the White House was at risk of violating Section 7217. I introduced an amendment to protect taxpayer privacy by increasing penalties for violations of Section 7217 of the Internal Revenue Code. The same penalty increase for individuals convicted of illegally accessing or leaking taxpayer data received bipartisan support in 2024, but my amendment was blocked. I will keep fighting to protect taxpayer privacy and rein in attempts to interfere at the IRS.
Korean Trade Minister Han-Koo Yeo
I was pleased to welcome Korean Trade Minister Han-Koo Yeo to my office to discuss the ongoing implementation of the trade agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Korea. We also discussed broader trade priorities and opportunities to further strengthen the U.S.-Korea economic partnership. Thank you to Minister Yeo and his team for taking the time to meet and discuss these important issues.
Strengthening the U.S.-Latin America Relationship
It was a pleasure to welcome Sara Aviel, President and CEO of the Inter-American Foundation, to my office to discuss strengthening the U.S.–Latin America relationship through community-led initiatives that expand economic opportunity and support strong civil societies. I appreciate the important work the Inter-American Foundation does across the region and thank Sara and her team for taking the time to meet.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on Haiti
Before recessing for August, I attended a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Haiti, focused on the armed gangs terrorizing the country. Nearly half the population of Haiti confronts life-threatening disease and starvation with declining access to clean water, food and healthcare. The U.S. must stand with the Haitian people and work with our allies to address the humanitarian, security, and political crises affecting the country. Haitians must be at the center of deciding Haiti’s future, with international support, and an effective Gang Suppression Force.
Seeking Pathways to Stability and Peace in the Middle East
I was honored to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Middle East team for a roundtable with representatives from a broad range of industries to discuss U.S. priorities in the region, the importance of building on the Abraham Accords, and strengthening economic partnerships that support regional stability and American competitiveness.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
As always, I’m happy to meet constituents in my Lincolnshire office to share ideas, discuss legislation, or catch up on what’s happening in our community. If you want to schedule a meeting with me, you can do so here.
My website offers a range of resources designed to help constituents navigate everyday challenges. So far this year, my office has helped constituents save $4,188,563.00, including $68,721.003 just this week alone through casework and assistance efforts.
My office is here for you. Since January of this year, my team has helped recover more than $4 million for IL-10 constituents. If you have a delayed tax return or issue with your Social Security benefits, reach out to my office at (847) 383-4870, and we will be happy to assist you.
CLOSING
Thanking my Summer Interns
I want to send a huge thank you to the interns who work hard in my Washington, D.C. and Lincolnshire offices. Every day, they speak with constituents, helping with their constituents and delivering for the people of Illinois’ Tenth District. To learn more about our internship program, visit my website.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress