10th News: Investing in Our District
Last week the House was in session all five days, with a busy schedule of hearings, briefings and meetings, plus some legislating. Of particular note was the passage of a bill to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month. It was also the first week since March 2020 that the Capitol Campus was open again to visitors. I really enjoyed seeing so many folks from home stopping by the office, even if just for a minute as they were starting for finishing their Capitol tours.
One of the more impactful meetings last week was with a group of members of the Ukrainian Rada, or parliament. It was all women members because the male parliamentarians are at home fighting to turn back the Russian invaders. We heard from these brave women about the fight at home, the need for more weapons and military gear, and the desperate humanitarian crisis created by Vladimir Putin's unprovoked, premeditated war. It is imperative that the U.S. and our allies continue to supply everything the Ukrainians need to defend their nation, and that we provide immediate and sustained assistance to help all those displaced (in Ukraine and out), and those affected by the war.
I also suspect, like me, you've watched with gut-turning horror the reports and photos of war crimes coming from Ukrainian territory recaptured from the Russians. The overwhelming evidence of executions of civilians, mass graves, rape and torture, all call for more aggressive sanctions against Putin and Russia, and immediate commencement of investigations of these heinous crimes.
Shifting to back home, I've previously mentioned that all ten of the local projects for which I advocated in last year's appropriations process received federal funding in the bill President Biden signed last month. The diverse range of projects will help provide food for the hungry in our communities, develop training for workers to provide pathways to better-paying jobs, prevent flooding in our streets and more.
And appropriations being an annual process, we kicked off this year's effort to get other, equally important local projects funded. Information for towns and non-profits that want to apply for consideration this year can learn about the process here.
Keep reading for more information about what's happening in Washington and around the district.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Making a Stronger Economy
Congress is hard at work supporting the American economy. On Friday we received news from an incredible jobs report detailing 431,000 new jobs in the month of March. I shared the good news about unemployment and jobs numbers as well as our efforts to fight Covid with WGN this Sunday. Watch to hear my thoughts here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Lowering the Cost of Health Care
We must make American health care better and more affordable. Last Thursday, the House passed legislation that would limit the cost of insulin to $35 a month for most Americans. For years, health care has driven rising costs for consumers, and nothing has represented this challenge more than the cost of insulin. Democrats in the House are committed to fixing this problem. I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will find enough common ground on this bill to get the bipartisan 60 votes it needs to pass into law.
Tragedy in Ukraine
We have already seen Russia commit war crimes during its lawless invasion of Ukraine. However, what we have seen in the last few days might rightly now be considered acts of genocide beyond comprehension. The House Foreign Affairs Committee began investigating these acts at the beginning on the war and is now paying special attention to the news out of Bucha. Putin and Russia will be held accountable.
Fighting Antisemitism Around the Globe
On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed renowned historian, and my friend, Deborah Lipstadt as Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism. We should all be grateful that, after eight months of unnecessary Senate delay, Deborah Lipstadt will now be able to, on behalf of the United States, take the fight against antisemitism around the globe. And we can all take pride that, because of legislation I introduced in 2020–passed by Congress and signed by the President—when she visits world capitals, she will present herself with the rank of Ambassador. You can learn more about her confirmation here.
Terror Attacks in Israel
Last week, Israeli citizens going about their daily lives suffered gruesome terrorist attacks. I extend my condolences to the families and communities of the people murdered, and I pray for the full recovery of all those injured in these gruesome attacks.
These attacks by individuals linked to Hamas and ISIS, are an assault not just on Israelis, but on all those who believe in peace. The goal of these terror groups, and the people they inspire, is simply the death of Israelis and the destruction of Israel. The world must join in condemnation of these attacks. I was pleased to see the demonstration of unity of for peace and progress at the recent Abraham Accords Summit in the Negev and know that the United States stands in solidarity with Israel. Congress will continue to support our ally as they confront hate and terror.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Governor JB Pritzker has lifted the mandatory mask mandate in most public settings in Illinois. Masks are still required in spaces like public transportation, airports and congregant living facilities. Masks are now optional in schools. While this is good news and a sign of how far we've come in beating back the virus, we must remain vigilant by getting vaccinated and testing frequently to keep case numbers low.
- We are moving forward safely: Over 200 million people are vaccinated and 2 out of 3 eligible Americans are boosted. As a result, nearly 70% of Americans now live in an area where the CDC no longer recommends universal masking.
- Every American is now eligible to receive free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Eligible Americans can order up to 4 free tests at covidtests.gov. Tests are expected to ship in 7-12 days.
- The vaccine is safe and effective. If you are unvaccinated, you are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized and 20 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated.
- All Americans ages 12 and up are eligible for COVID-19 booster shots. As long as you are six months past your last Pfizer or Moderna shot, you can now get a booster by visiting your local doctor's office or pharmacy.
- The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!
RESOURCES
Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Opening Soon
Beginning in April 2022, the state will begin accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Program will provide direct financial assistance to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements, and foreclosures for income-eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Learn more here.
Tax Season Runs January 24 – April 18, 2022
This year's tax filing season will open on January 24 and close on April 18 – starting earlier than last year in order to give Americans more time to file their returns. The IRS recommends filing your taxes electronically as soon as possible and opting for direct deposit.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in IRS office closures and staffing issues, which are expected to continue into the 2022 season. As a result, the IRS is still processing a significant backlog of 2020 returns as we begin this next filing season. You can still file your 2021 returns even if you are waiting for 2020 returns to be processed.
NEW: File Early if Using Illinois Department of Revenue Online Program
In order to prevent fraudulent returns, the MyTax Illinois program now requires Illinois residents to register and create their own account. While this is a good step to ensure tax security, the registration process requires applicants to first receive a "letter ID" from IDOR which can take up to 10 days. To avoid penalties and late fees, file early to ensure you have adequate time to receive your registration letter and file your taxes. Learn more in the Daily Herald.
Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
If you live in unincorporated Lake County, you may be eligible for up to $297 in savings per year on flood insurance policies. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums
Contact your insurance agent for coverage information, pricing and CRS flood insurance discount information. You can also visit Lake County's flood coverage website for more information.
LONG WAITS FOR PASSPORTS: Look Before You Book
As more and more people get vaccinated, travel is starting to pick back up again. My office has received a major uptick in calls asking to expedite passport renewals lately. If you plan to travel internationally, remember to check the expiration date on your passport before you book your trip. It is taking much longer than normal to renew a passport, so make sure to plan ahead.
Check the passport website to get an idea of processing time -- expedited processing is now taking 5-7 weeks from submission to receipt, with regular processing taking 8-11 weeks.
At this point, expedited exceptions are only being made in case of emergency travel. In other words, apply now for that passport you will need for the trip you might take over Winter Break. Passports last for 5 or 10 years depending on what age you were issued your first passport.
Lake County: COVID Rental Assistance Programs Open Now
Lake County is offering rental assistance programs for those who face financial hardships related to COVID-19 and are struggling to pay rent. The deadline to apply for rental assistance in Cook County has passed.
Learn more and apply here for the Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
IN CLOSING – THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
In closing, I want to wish our Muslim friends and neighbors, joining those observing around the world, Ramadan Mubarak. May the holy month be a time peace, meaningfulness, and joyous time with family and friends.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islam calendar, this year coinciding with the crescent moon on April 2. The holiday ends with Eid al-Fitr, or "Feast of Fast-Breaking" starting the evening of May 1. Every year I enjoy speaking with different groups across Illinois' 10th District and learning about Ramadan. If you are interested in learning more about Ramadan, USA Today recently ran a story with a some background that you can read here.
Onward,
Brad