10th News: The End of Summer

September 26, 2022

This week summer officially comes to a close. There is a chill in the air, the leaves are just beginning to change, and once again our kids are back in school. Similarly, Members of Congress are back in Washington to work on several important bills, including funding the government for fiscal year 2023.

Last week the House passed the Whistle Blower Protection Act, which among other things clarifies that no federal government employee—including the President or Vice President of the United States—may interfere with or retaliate against a federal employee for sharing information with Congress. We also passed the Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to certify that any new questions on a decennial census have been researched, studied, and tested in accordance with established statistical policies and procedures. And we passed the Preventing a Patronage System Act in response to recent stories about the previous administration's efforts to inappropriately reclassify the status of federal employees.

In the Ways and Means Committee, we held two significant hearings. The first hearing on Tuesday focused on the U.S.–Taiwan relationship, in particular the prospects for and significance of a bilateral trade agreement. The second hearing on Wednesday dealt with the implications of climate change on our nation's health care system and what we are and should be doing to address the challenges.

Back home, it's been a busy couple of weeks. Last Monday, we started the day with a somber memorial service at EMCO in North Chicago marking the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City; Shanksville, PA; and the Pentagon. We remembered the lives lost and commended the heroism of the first responders. EMCO has held this memorial every year since 2001 and it was an honor to be a part of it this year.

That evening, I was honored to be able to recognize some of the remarkable individuals who heroically responded earlier this year to the Independence Day shooting in Highland Park. The Highland Park City Council generously gave me time at their meeting to present flags and certificates to 11 people who rose to the occasion with remarkable grace.

Please keep reading for more information about what is happening in Washington and at home.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

The summer district work period is officially over. Nevertheless, I continue to make time to travel across the district as much as I can. Over the last few weeks, we hosted two virtual webinars, held a Congress on Your Corner town hall in Beach Park and met with several constituent in the office . I also attended a number of fun events across the district.

Celebrating Fiestas Patrias

This past Sunday, I joined many other community leaders at the annual Fiesta de las Patrias Brunch hosted by Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor. Also in attendance was the Consul General of Mexico, Reyna Torres Mendivil, and some elected officials visiting from Mexico. The brunch and subsequent parade celebrated Mexican Independence and culture and helped kick off Hispanic Heritage month.

Helping Ensure All Local Jewish Families Have a Happy Holiday

Next week, Jews around the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sunday, as we do every year, my wife Julie and I joined hundreds of volunteers to help deliver healthy holiday foods to individuals and families that might otherwise not be able to fully celebrate the holiday.

EMCO 21st Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

I was honored to join North Chicago Fire and Police departments for EMCO's 21st Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. As Americans, we will continue to honor the memory and carry forward the legacy of all those whom we lost 21 years ago.

Ceremony to Honor Highland Park's Heroes

Monday, I had the honor of recognizing our community leaders and first responders who heroically served our community following the July 4th tragedy. We will never forget the pain and grief of those we lost, but we also need to thank and remember the heroism and the honor of the people who serve us. Words are not enough to express our deep appreciation for these incredible public servants.

The stories of heroism from that day are astounding, and I want to share one of those stories with you. Sherriff John Idleburg was waiting to step onto the parade route when he heard "Shots fired!" As a former Marine and longtime law enforcement officer, he ran towards the gunshots unarmed. He ordered all the sheriff's resources to the scene. As he watched first responders treating victims, he noticed a woman on her stomach with blood coming from her back and tended to her immediately. The Sherriff told the woman, 'I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere.' Sherriff Idleburg stayed with that woman as they waited for an ambulance. The actions of Sherriff Idleburg were nothing short of heroic.

The ten other heroes we honored that evening included:

Mayor Nancy Rotering, who has led Highland Park for 13 years and has become a strong voice for communities across the nation exhausted by the epidemic of gun violence. She has justifiably made the citizens of Highland Park proud with her leadership.

City Manager Ghida Neukirch, who has served Highland Park for ten years. My office has had the privilege of working with Ghida firsthand in the aftermath of the shooting. Thanks to Ghida's assistance, we held the ceremony on Monday. My office is grateful to have Ghida as a partner.

Our law enforcement professionals, Police Chief Lou Jogmen and Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli, were vital in capturing the assailant and informing our community and nation as we took shelter in our homes. Because of their dedication and selflessness on the front line, we can step out into our communities at ease, knowing there is a force for good keeping watch.

Fire Chief Joe Schrage's EMTs and the Highland Park Hospital staff, led by President Gabrielle Cummings helped treat victims. Their prompt response in transporting patients and treating them, without a doubt, saved many lives.

Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek led the difficult task of telling families on the scene that their loved ones had passed.

Our Representatives in Springfield, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Bob Morgan, have listened and taken our frustrations and concerns to the State Capitol to ensure Illinois does all it can to safeguard our communities.

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Reinhart has worked tirelessly with our community to ensure we recover, and justice is served. He's also been vital in providing resources to victims' families and supporting our community.

Not a single first responder in Highland Park hesitated to act that day, and we are honoring their bravery by providing Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to all Highland Park first responders. We will continue honoring the memory of those we lost that day and the heroism of these leaders and first responders in the following months and years. I thank Mayor Nancy Rotering and the Highland Park City Council for generously providing me time that evening to express the gratitude of our entire community.

Congress on Your Corner Town Hall in Beach Park

On September 7th, I was pleased to host another great Congress on Your Corner event in Beach Park. As always, I was joined by a great group of engaged people interested is everything from what Congress is doing to continue to support communities like Beach Park, to financial assistance for students, to making the government more responsive and efficient. I was particularly excited to share an update on my work advocating for federal funding for Beach Park's Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Project to the House Appropriations Committee.

Meals on Wheels Tour and Delivery

Earlier this month, I had the always rewarding opportunity to accompany Meals on Wheels on one of their delivery runs, this year getting to visit a client in Deerfield. The Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois Office and Kitchen has a mission to address seniors' hunger and isolation. From their single facility in Evanston, Meals on Wheels serves 500 people two meals, six days a week. These meals are more than just food. They are a way for seniors to stay connected to the community and ensure someone is looking out for their wellbeing. Thank you to Executive Director Deborah Morgan and Outreach Director Greg Simetz for making that delivery possible.

Infromados y Connectados (Informed & Connected) with Mano A Mano

I was honored to join Mano a Mano's Infromados y Connectados event, along with Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. We took the time to discuss what Lake County and Congress are doing to achieve health equity, address social determinants of health, and improve our health care system and outcomes for everyone.

The event was held in Spanish. If you would like to watch it, please click here.

Utility Assistance Webinar

I partnered with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to host a virtual Utility Assistance Webinar, during which we helped people navigate rising energy costs and shared what the Inflation Reduction Act is doing to address our energy needs and lower costs.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch it here.

Many people don't realize that my team can assist with various issues and federal agencies, ranging from Social Security and the IRS to Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. So, don't ever hesitate to call our office for assistance.

Buffalo Grove Days HP Strong Walk

I kicked off Labor Day weekend with the Village of Buffalo Grove and the local Rotary Club to show we are "Highland Park Strong." Like so many other communities, on July 4th, Buffalo Grove rushed to help Highland Park. Buffalo Grove's community spirit was on full display. I am incredibly grateful for their strong support. I hope to join them again for Buffalo Grove Days next year.

52nd Annual Zion Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

I also had the privilege of attending the 52nd Annual Zion Mayor's Labor Day Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Zion-Benton Ministerial Association and organized by Pastor and Zion City Commissioner Mike McDowell. I am glad to see this longstanding tradition carrying on as an excellent opportunity to bring together leaders and the community.

Constituent Meetings

You don't have to fly to the Capital for a meeting with your Representative. I love welcoming people to our office in Lincolnshire, whether it is talk about what we are doing in the community or legislative matters in Washington. I recently met with Jazmine Jibawi from Lake Forest to discuss the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act of 2021. Jazmine and I had previously met at a Congress on Your Corner town hall event, and I appreciated the opportunity to continue our conversation on this important piece of legislation. It was also a pleasure to meet with Rabbi Moscowitz, Regional Director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois.

If you would like to schedule a meeting at my office, click here.

Now Open: Congressional Intern Positions

Our Lincolnshire office is now accepting applications for fall internships. On a day-to-day basis, district interns help with writing letters, district-based projects and may help with constituent casework. If you are motivated and passionate about helping your community, apply today by clicking here.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON

FDA Improving Access to Hearing Aids

In mid-August, the FDA issued a rule change that will improve access to hearing aids which may, in turn, lower costs for millions of Americans. This means that people with mild to moderate hearing issues can go to the store and pick up a hearing aid without getting an exam or prescription from an audiologist. You can expect to see these over-the-counter hearing aids by mid-October.

You can read the full FDA announcement here.

Articles on the Announcement:

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Please visit my website at schneider.house.gov/local-resources to find resources for the following services, and more:

Affordable Internet Connectivity Program
Smart 9-1-1
9-8-8 Suicide And Crisis Lifeline, 9-8-8 for Veterans
Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Uniting for Ukraine
Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
Ride Lake County

IN CLOSING –

To close out this week's newsletter, I'd like to share some exciting changes within our team in Lincolnshire. Greg Claus, whom many of you know as my District Director, has joined the Biden Administration with the Department of Commerce. He will continue serving the people of Illinois by expanding broadband access across the state. Greg has been a part of our team for 7 ½ years and has served our district incredibly well. Although we will all miss him, we're excited to see what he accomplishes in his new role.

Succeeding Greg is someone who I suspect is a familiar face to many of you. Jake Kaplan has also been a part of our team for more than 7 years. In fact, Jake interned in our D.C. office during my first term when he was a student at the University of Maryland. He formally joined the team after graduating in 2015 and has held almost every position since then. His leadership and deep connections in the community will be indispensable in ensuring that my office continues to serve you as best it can. We are so excited to see him rise to his new role!

One last tidbit on Jake. Born and raised in Deerfield, Jake's t-ball coach 25 years ago was none other than yours truly. (He successfully overcame my coaching to play varsity baseball at Deerfield High School.)

Please join me in welcoming Jake to the team, and I hope you all have the opportunity to meet in person soon!

Wishing you a joyful week ahead,
Sincerely,
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Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress