10th News: Making Infrastructure a Reality for Illinois Families

Winter has clearly arrived, but at least we can all enjoy the holidays. First, I hope those who celebrated Hanukkah had a nice time with family and friends. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing many more of you at holiday gatherings in the weeks ahead. My prayer for this holiday season is that the spirit of the season brings us all together in health, happiness and peace.

It's worth looking back to this time last year and appreciating the remarkable progress we have made against COVID. Thanks to the vaccines, families and neighbors are able to celebrate in person. Nevertheless, the pandemic is not yet behind us. While we are still closely watching the Omicron variant, we are better equipped to tackle whatever threat it may bring because of the scientific advances on both vaccines, therapeutic medicines and safety protocols we've developed since the start of COVID. It is clear the booster shots are critically important to protecting against serious illness. I encourage everyone to get your booster (or first shots) as soon as possible so that we can continue to enjoy holidays and special occasions surrounded by loved ones.

Shifting gears, last week I was both excited and honored to be a part of the first-ever passenger flight to use 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Following six months of planning and preparation, United Airlines brought 100 guests, including Rep. Sean Casten and me (above), on a flight from Chicago to Washington.

Aviation accounts for 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, and SAF holds promise to cut that amount by more than half. In Congress, I'm leading the way to create incentives to increase productions and use of SAF. My Sustainable Skies Act has the support of a broad coalition, including the airline industry, fuel producers and environmental groups. I was pleased that much of my bill is included in the Build Back Better Act, as well as other important actions in what is our nations biggest ever investment in taking on climate change.

Also last week, the House and Senate passed a bill to prevent a government shutdown after a brief effort by Republicans to defund the government in protest over Americans getting vaccinated and back to work. A shutdown would have dangerously defunded our public health efforts, our police and our economic recovery. Only one Republican House member, Adam Kinzinger, voted responsibly to keep the government open. Although I was relieved Congress averted a shutdown, I am disappointed we continue to kick the can down the road. What we need is for responsible people on both sides of the aisle to stand united and work to build a path forward.

Much work remains before Congress breaks for the Christmas and New Years. As we work to pass important legislation for the American people over the next few weeks, I want to hear from you. Please join me Wednesday December 8, at 7:00pm OR next Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00pm for a telephone town hall. Dial 855-859-7337 to join in English or 855-962-1312 para Español.

Finally, today, December 7th, marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor — a grim day that forever changed the course of our nation. May we never forget the sacrifice made by more than 2400 Americans that day, nor the bravery of the Greatest Generation who followed them into battle in the following years. This year's anniversary comes after the recent passing of former United States Senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole. Irrespective of whether you agreed with him politically, Dole was a true American hero and statesman. His colleague and former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle wrote a worthy tribute that I recommend reading.

Keep reading this newsletter for more information about what's going on in the district and Washington.

Around the Tenth

Infrastructure Road Show: Weiland & Lake Cook Road Intersection Improvements

There's no doubt America is grateful for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congress passed and President Biden signed into law (why else would so many who voted against it now want to take credit for it?) To highlight some of the many infrastructure projects in the works around the district, I kicked off my Tenth District Infrastructure Tour over Thanksgiving with a visit to the construction at the intersection of Weiland & Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (did I mention it is bipartisan?) will bring $9.8 billion to Illinois for highway and road work projects like this one. I'm excited to tour the many projects that will be supported by this bill. You can watch my full remarks about this project here.

Thanks again to Village of Buffalo Grove President Beverly Sussman, State Senator Adriane Johnson, State Representative Daniel Didech, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, County Board Member Marah Altenberg and Vernon Township Supervisor Jon Altenberg for supporting this project.

Breaking Ground for Wheeling's New Community Service Center

Speaking of infrastructure, Wheeling School District 21's new Community Service Center will help the district better serve it's 6,000+ students with access to increased mental health services and community meeting space. I marked this important occasion over the weekend with the CCSD21 School Board and local elected officials such as Buffalo Grove Village President Beverly Sussman.

Lake Forest, Mundelein and Fox Lake win Municipal Innovation Awards

A big congratulations goes out to this year's Lake County Municipal League 2021 Innovation Award winners: Lake Forest, Mundelein and Fox Lake.

Lake Forest won top honors for the creation of its "Lake Forest Now" application, which helps residents access relevant community news. Mundelein won an honorable mention for its work to install disease-mitigating devices in fire stations, classrooms and ambulances. Finally, Fox Lake received an honorable mention for its community program Pelican Palooza, showcasing both local wildlife and essential local businesses.

Small Business Saturday

My annual tradition on Small Business Saturday: Buying books for 3rd graders for Operation Santa Claus at locally owned independent bookstore the Book Bin in Northbrook.

In the News

Building Back Better on MSNBC

I had the opportunity to join MSNBC's Garrett Haake recently to talk about the Build Back Better Act. As I told Garrett, the Build Back Better Act is the largest investment we've ever made to address climate change, make housing more affordable, cap drug prices, secure our kids' future and more – and it's paid for. Watch the full interview here.

What's Happening in Washington

Fighting for Roe v. Wade

Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments that could reverse Roe v. Wade. All those who support reproductive rights for women rightly are watching this case with concern. We cannot go back to a time when women did not have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. I hope that the Court will do its duty and uphold Roe v. Wade, standing by a woman's right to access reproductive health care. In Congress, I will continue to support codifying Roe and protecting women's reproductive freedom.

Supporting DREAMers

I have supported including immigration reform in the Build Back Better Act from day one. DREAMers are essential members of our community. That's why I'm calling on the Senate to lead by reinstating a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers. These people are a vital part of our communities and our economy, and are helping ensure our future national prosperity.

District Connections

Due December 13th: Holiday Cards for Heroes

The holidays are a special time for families and friends to gather together, but many of our brave men and women in our armed forces must spend this season far from family and home. That's why office launched the "Holiday Cards for Heroes" program.

Constituents can drop off or mail holiday cards for those serving in our armed forced to my Lincolnshire office: 111 Barclay Blvd, Ste 200, Lincolnshire IL 60069 by December 14th, 2021.

Brad's Bookworms

Reading books opens new worlds, no matter your age. The Brad's Bookworms Program encourages K-5 readers to read 10 books and discover new worlds — while also bringing the community together to help their students reach their reading goals. Learn more and apply here.

COVID-19 Update

In the last few weeks we have learned more about the omicron variant. While I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that as long as you are vaccinated, you are reasonably protected against any new variants.

In better COVID news, nearly 25% of Lake County children have already received their first dose – making Lake County the leading county in the state for getting kids vaccinated. If your child has not already gotten vaccinated, I encourage you to talk with your pediatrician about getting them vaccinated as soon as possible.

• The vaccine is safe and effective. Currently, 95% of COVID-19 hospitalizations are people who are not vaccinated, and, tragically, 99.5% of all COVID-19 deaths are people who were not vaccinated.
• All American adults are now 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. If you received Johnson & Johnson originally, you are eligible to receive a booster no matter how much time has passed since your dose.
• The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!

Resources

ACA Open Enrollment: Sign up by December 15th

Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare. Right now, Americans can get access to affordable health care plans by enrolling by December 15th at healthcare.gov to get coverage for next year.

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.

Please 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

As I mentioned at the start of this newsletter, this year's holiday season takes on a new meaning as many of us are seeing loved ones for the first time in over a year. I was fortunate to have my two sons, Adam and Daniel, home for Thanksgiving. We had a great time visiting Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden and spending some quality time together as a family.

As we all look forward to the holidays ahead, I wish you and your families a season of joy, love and celebration.