10th News: Looking for a way to enjoy the nice weather? Get vaccinated today

Today, May 25, marks exactly one year since the brutal murder of George Floyd. The video of his murder ignited gatherings across the country and around the world, calling for action to reform policing and address systemic racism. One step in that direction was House passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which now awaits passage in the Senate. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the bill and look forward to it becoming law.

Over the past year we have also seen a frightening rise of anti-Asian hate — since the pandemic began, there have been 6,600+ reports of anti-Asian hate crimes. I was proud to cosponsor the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which passed the House last Tuesday. You can read about the President signing the bill here. This law brings us one step closer to ending the harmful rhetoric and racism targeting the AAPI community.

And as I write this letter, the country is facing a dramatic surge of antisemitism, coming from extremists on both the left and the right.

Hate is hate, and all good people must call it out wherever and whenever it raises its ugly head. I am committed to doing all I can to confront racism, antisemitism and all other pernicious prejudice that is a threat to the very ideals upon our great nation was founded.

On a different note, it was great to see more people out and about this weekend as we take major steps to put the pandemic behind us. On Sunday I visited the Lake County Fairgrounds ‘School Spirit Day' event, which encouraged youth ages 12 and older to come and receive their vaccine by offering prizes and giveaways to students who showed up in school spirit attire. At School Spirit Day alone, the Lake County Health Department vaccinated more than 900 teens and their families.

With resources provided by the American Rescue Plan combined with the extraordinary efforts of our public health departments—in Lake and Cook County and around the country—as well as commercial partners such as our distict's own Walgreens, have enabled us to get more than 50% of all adults fully vaccinated. While 50% is a terrific milestone, we can't slow down. The success in vaccinating people has allowed us to open up, but we have not defeated the virus. We need everyone who can get a vaccine to get their shot as soon as possible. Whether at a mass site, or your local pharmacy, or soon through your own doctor, please get vaccinated as soon as you can.

More detailed information about how and where to sign up for vaccine appointments can be found on my website.

Also last week, I also announced the winners of the Tenth District Congressional Art Competition, which is one of my favorite parts of the job. Congratulations to the top three winners: Kate Salinas from Waukegan High School, Kimberly Lagunas from Waukegan High School and Ava McQuain from Mundelein High School. You can view all of the artist submissions and artist statements on my Facebook page.

Wining entry by Kate Salinas, Waukegan High School

Meanwhile, in addition to legislation focused on fighting anti-Asian hate crimes, the House passed legislation to create an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the events leading up to the January 6th attack on our Capitol.

As well, after many months of drafting and building broad support, I was pleased to introduce the Sustainable Skies Act with my colleagues Dan Kildee and Julia Brownley. Our bill will help confront the existential challenge of climate change by making air travel substantially cleaner.

Keep reading for more information on the art competition winners, vaccination updates, and what's happening in Washington and around the district.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON

Confronting Climate Change with the Sustainable Skies Act

Air travel has changed the world and will be a growing part of our future. On Thursday I introduced legislation that will have America confront the existential challenge of climate change by making air travel cleaner.

The Sustainable Skies Act will halve carbon emissions while also enabling more travel and commerce, a win-win for Americans today and our future generations. Implementing sustainable aviation fuels is the single most important step the aviation industry can take to combat climate change, and I'm proud to take this legislation to the House with the support of both Illinois-based companies, like United and LanzaJet, and climate change champions, like the Environmental Defense Fund and the World Wildlife Fund.

Fighting for an Independent Commission to Investigate Jan. 6th

The events that transpired on January 6th on the Capitol grounds were not just an attack on the building and the people who work there. It was an effort to undermine our democracy and steal an election. Every American should demand an independent commission to understand what conditions enabled January 6th to happen so we can make sure nothing like it ever happens again. Watch my speech advocating for an independent commission here.

77% of Tenth District Constituents Support an Independent Commission to Investigate Jan. 6th

Last week I sent out a survey to the Tenth District asking whether you support an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the events that enabled and led up to January 6th. Out of almost 4,500 participants, 79% of constituents said they supported a commission to investigate Jan. 6th. Furthermore, 77% said that the House should proceed with its own investigation if the Senate blocks an independent commission.

Conflict in Israel & Gaza

We should all welcome last week's news that a ceasefire is now in effect, bringing calm to Gaza and Israel after 11 days of fighting. I pray with all my heart that the restored calm opens the door to a sustainable cessation of rockets from Hamas and retaliatory strikes from Israel. I am hopeful that we can now seek concrete actions towards improving the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.

I am grateful for the leadership President Biden has shown in preserving Israel's right to defend her people and her territory, while at the same time supporting efforts to achieve a negotiated ceasefire. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel now working to strengthen the foundation of the ceasefire to enhance the security of Israel and improve the conditions in Gaza. I look forward to working with the Administration, and my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to ensure continued U.S. engagement and leadership in pursuit of a just and lasting peace for the region.

Despite the devastation of the recent conflict, I still pray for the day when Israel has peace with all her neighbors, including the Palestinians. Everyone in the region, Arab and Jew, Israeli and Palestinian, deserves the opportunity to live in peace and security. I remain committed to doing all I can to help achieve that peace through a two state solution, with the Jewish, Democratic state of Israel, living next to a sovereign, demilitarized Palestinian state.

AROUND THE TENTH

Highwood Library Wins National Medal for Library Service Award

Congratulations to the Highwood Public Library for winning the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award, the highest honor a library can receive, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The 2021 National Medal for Library Service award is recognition of the outstanding work that the Highwood Public Library has put in to serving our community. Under Executive Director Carmen Patlan's leadership, the Highwood Public Library has transformed into a vital hub of support for local families and the growing immigrant population in Highwood. The Highwood Library's technology and education services help ensure that local children and families of all backgrounds have the tools they need to succeed. Thank you to Carmen, the Highwood Library staff and the IMLS for your commitment to serving our Highwood and Lake County constituents."

Highwood Library was one of six recipients this year, selected from a pool of 30 national finalists. The award will be presented at a virtual ceremony in July.

Remembering Mrs. Evelyn Alexander

I am saddened at the passing of my friend, Mrs. Evelyn Alexander. My condolences go out to her family and friends. As the only resident to serve on every school board in North Chicago history, Mrs. Alexander was a dedicated community volunteer and trusted friend who was passionate about the importance of education in transforming lives and communities. May her memory live on through all the students and teachers who come through the school named in her honor, Evelyn Alexander Elementary School.

Catching Up with the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce

On Friday I sat down with the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce to talk about how the American Rescue Plan and the American Jobs Plan are serving Lake County. The American Rescue Plan delivered over $3 million to the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Areas, which has helped reopen local businesses by funding vaccinations, getting people back to work and kids back to school.

Coffee Chat with the Junto Group

Also on Friday, I sat down with the Junto Group. We had a great conversation about declining COVID-19 cases, Lake County infrastructure and bipartisanship and the Schneider Standard after Jan. 6th.

RESOURCES

If You're Traveling Internationally Soon, Remember to Check Your Passport Expiration

As more and more people get vaccinated, travel is starting to pick back up again. My office has received an 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 go. Passports last for 5 or 10 years depending on what age you were issued your first passport. It can take 6-8 weeks to renew a passport, so make sure to plan ahead.

Application Opening Soon: Emergency Rental Assistance from the Illinois Housing Development Authority

The Illinois Housing Development Authority will soon open applications for statewide Emergency Rental Assistance program. Currently they are only accepting applications from landlords; they will open the application up to tenants and renters sometime before the end of the Month.

Learn more here.

Apply for Lake County COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program

Lake County renters who face financial hardship related to COVID-19 can now apply for the new Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent and/or utility bills.

To qualify for help, residents must: pay rent in Lake County, have a COVID-related financial hardship, be at risk of homelessness or housing instability, meet income guidelines based on household size, and provide appropriate documentation.

More information and the application can be found here.

VA to Readjudicate Veteran and Survivor Claims for Agent Orange Exposure

Veterans who were previously denied service connection for Agent Orange exposure will have their claims automatically readjudicated by the Veterans' Administration, without having to file a new claim. This review also applies to eligible survivors of Vietnam-era veterans. Learn more here.

Low-Income Households Can Now Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit helps struggling families with the cost of Internet service. If you are enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP benefits, have lost a job or seen your income reduced in the last year, or make 135% below the federal poverty level, you may qualify to receive $50/month for your broadband service.

Apply now and learn more about eligibility requirements on the FCC website.

Small Business Relief: Applications Now Open for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The American Rescue Plan established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) for small businesses struggling during COVID. Applications for both programs are now open.

• The Restaurant Revitalization Fund will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business. View the application, eligibility requirements and more information on the SBA website.
• The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, including live venue operators/promoters, museum operators, motion picture theaters and more. Apply now and learn more on the SBA website.

Guidance for Small Businesses Claiming Deductions from First-Round PPP Loans

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have issued Revenue Procedure 2021-20 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of tax relief legislation in December of 2020. View the guidelines here.

Small Business Community Resources

The Illinois Small Business Development Center is offering training programs through TAD (Training Assessment and Development) and BizHub through funding from the CARES Act passed last year.

• BizHub: BizHub offers Q&A with local entrepreneurs and experts, access to a network for small businesses, a startup knowledge center, and opportunities to share your startup story or get tips from other small businesses.
  • Register your business now at www.lakecountybizhub.com
• TAD: CLC offers TAD, an affordable cloud-based integrated system, to employers of any size in Lake County. TAD is a high-quality, results-oriented training designed for any-size organization. They offer training and workshops on a variety of topics including business writing, communication, ESL, leadership, and more.
  • Visit clcillinois.edu/solutions to learn more.

FEMA Providing COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

FEMA is now applications for financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to COVID-19. The assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. Please find more information at FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance website or call 844-684-6333 for help.

IN CLOSING

Art has always had the power to excite, inspire and lift up both those who create it and those who experience the creation. That's why for this year's Congressional art competition, I asked district artists to deliver on the theme ‘Unity'—an idea that seems to be much needed at this moment. Each student delivered incredibly talented and thoughtful art, and I wish that we had the space to hang them all in the Capitol.

Once again, congratulations to the top three winners: Kate Salinas from Waukegan High School (top), Kimberly Lagunas from Waukegan High School (center) and Ava McQuain from Mundelein High School (bottom). You can view all of the artist submissions and artist statements on my Facebook page.

I hope their work will serve to inspire and guide the nation as it has already inspired me.

1st place winner by Kate Salinas, Waukegan High School

2nd place winner by Kimberly Lagunas, Waukegan High School

3rd place winner by Ava McQuain, Mundelein High School

Sincerely,

Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress