10th News: Protecting the Right to Vote & The Largest Investment in Illinois Bridges Ever
This week, our nation honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who challenged us to see that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Though I was only a toddler when Dr. King famously spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, his "Dream" has inspired me throughout my life. Shortly after that speech, our nation passed the Voting Rights Act. Our nation's democracy has since been defined by the principle that every citizen should be able to confidently cast their vote, know their vote will be accurately counted, and have certainty that the tally of the votes will honestly reflect the will of the American people.
Last week I was proud to help pass and send to the Senate The Freedom to Vote and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. It was at least the third voting rights bill passed by the House this Congress. I remain hopeful that the Senate will rise to the moment and find a way to allow all Senators to vote on this legislation. Let's get this bill to the President's desk and signed into law!
Just as voting is the foundation of our democracy, infrastructure is the foundation of our communities and our economy. On Friday, I headed out to Des Plaines to formally announce that Illinois will receive a historic $1.4 billion, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to repair the nearly 2,400 bridges in Illinois communities presently rated in poor condition. Nationwide, the investment represents more than $27 billion in federal assistance to fix an estimated 15,000 bridges. This five year program is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system and will bring almost $275 million to our state this year alone.
My colleagues Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Mike Quigley joined me at the Rand Rd. & Des Plaines River bridge to help make the announcement. The bridge at that intersection is one of the 2,374 Illinois bridges in poor condition that will be eligible for repair with the new funds. The investment in our bridges is going to make a difference in our communities, create quality jobs, ease traffic and lift the lives of all Illinoisans. Watch the full video of the announcement here.
I also want to touch on the ongoing pandemic. The White House announced last week that 500 million tests are available for free and will be mailed directly to the American people. You can order your free test kits at covidtests.gov. Private health insurance companies are also now required to cover at-home tests if you purchase kits at a store.
The current Omicron wave is putting unprecedented pressures on our health care system, schools, small businesses and social services providers. We in Congress are working on ways to ease the ongoing pressure, working in conjunction with President Biden and his team. Making sure all Americans have quality masks and home test kits is but a piece of the full strategy necessary to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Government, the private sector and individuals all have a role to play.
I am thankful so many more people are doing their part by getting vaccinated and boosted, therefore keeping themselves and loved ones healthy and out of the hospital. If you got your last shot more than six month ago and aren't yet boosted, please do so — if not for yourself, for your family and friends.
Finally, with the new year comes a new tax filing season. Like every other organization, the IRS has been adversely affected by COVID. Compounding their challenges are the decades of resource cuts that have depleted their processing capabilities. In other words, we are already hearing dire warnings of delays in processing refunds and handing taxpayer inquiries. I will continue to press the IRS and its Commissioner, Charles Rettig, to look for ways to expeditiously reduce its backlog. And I will make sure to share all information I receive on tax filing and refunds processing with you. In the meantime, I urge you to submit your 2021 returns electronically as soon as possible in order to get your refund in a more timely manner.
Keep reading for more information on what's going on in Washington and around the district. And, don't miss resources down below for tips on filing your taxes by the April 18 deadline.
In the News
Daily Herald: Representatives celebrate federal funds for suburban bridge projects
"A bevy of local, state and federal officials gathered at the Rand Road bridge Friday morning to celebrate pending payouts from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in November.
They included U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider of Deerfield, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, Jan Schakowsky of Evanston, and Mike Quigley of Chicago, and state Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines and Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski.
CBS Chicago: Illinois to get $1.4 billion from federal funds to fix bridges, other infrastructure issues
Chicago Tribune: Illinois bridges in line for $1.4 billion to fix bridges under Biden infrastructure plan
"Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation held a news conference Friday morning at the site of one potential project: the Rand Road bridge over the Des Plaines River in northwest suburban Des Plaines.
The bridge, which sits on the border between the districts of U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston and Brad Schneider of Deerfield, is in poor condition and needs to be replaced, at a cost of more than $12 million, according to IDOT's most recent multiyear plan.
While members of congress and local officials hope some of the money goes toward this particular project, "there is no shortage of bridges we could have gone to in our district or across the state that are going to benefit from the money that's coming in," Schneider said in an interview Thursday."
Fox 32: Major funding to help repair Illinois bridges
What's Happening in Washington
A Note on the Texas Synagogue Attack
While I am relieved that the synagogue attack in Texas over the weekend ended with the safe escape of the hostages, we must remain steadfastly vigilant in the fight against antisemitism here and around the world. The Beth Israel hostage taker flew from Britain and specifically selected a synagogue and held captive four Jews who were there for Shabbat prayer services. Perhaps the question is not so much why did this one attacker chose a synagogue but why, irrespective of grievance, attacks disproportionately target synagogues and Jews? Why do synagogues across the US, and around the world, require extra security, every single day? Why are Jews warned when traveling to hide any public displays of their faith? Why do so many question the legitimacy of a Jewish state in the birthplace of the Jewish faith and the homeland of the Jewish people? The answers to all these questions are rooted in the simple reality of antisemitism. The American white nationalist who murdered 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue and the British national who held 4 worshipers captive at Congregation Beth Israel shared nothing in common—nothing but their choice to attack and terrorize Jews.
Two things Congress can do immediately: (1) help Jewish and other religious institutions afford security enhancements, and (2) move forward on the appointment of Deborah Lipstadt as US Envoy to Combat and Monitor Antisemitism.
Celebrating a Record-Breaking Economic Recovery
Our economy is growing at its fastest rate in 40 years, the nation added 6.4 million new jobs, and unemployment is at 3.9%. We still have real challenges that must be urgently addressed, including worker shortages, supply chain disruptions and inflation. But working together, Congress and President Biden are positioned to get America through this pandemic stronger than when we went in. Whether Republican, Democrat, or independent, every American should be celebrating the resilience of the American spirit.
Watch my full speech on the House floor here.
Protecting the Right to Vote
Last week I voted to send the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act to the Senate.
Together, we will take common sense steps to:
- End partisan gerrymandering
- Make Election Day a national holiday
- Ensure safe, secure, and accessible elections for all Americans
Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Aiding Survivors
Survivors of human trafficking need our support as they rebuild their lives. The Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act would ensure restitution payments to victims of this heinous crime are not subject to federal income tax by ending the discrepancy that treats criminal and civil payments to trafficking survivors differently. I am proud to introduce this legislation with support from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of Congress, and hope we can make swift progress to help the survivors of trafficking.
COVID-19 Update
While Lake County and suburban Cook County have a high percentage of eligible adults vaccinated, cases continue to rise in the Tenth District and Illinois. The good news is that the booster shots are effective against the Omicron variant.
NEW: 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 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.
- Be wary of fake COVID-19 testing sites, which are popping up across the Chicagoland area. Use the Illinois Department of Health list of approved testing centers to verify that the site you are going to is legitimate.
- The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!
Resources
Tax Season Runs from 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. You can prepare your federal income tax returns online for free using the IRS partner site, Free File.
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.
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
I was saddened to hear about the passing of a remarkable woman. Miss Lorraine Knuth, a friend, constituent, veteran and a tireless volunteer on behalf of other vets, died last week at age 102. She lived a full life.
Miss Lorraine was a quintessential public servant — she served in World War II, moved to Waukegan (into the same house she lived in until her death more than 60 years later), and was the heart of the Midwest Veterans Closet. She cared deeply for her community and her community cared deeply back. Lorraine Knuth was an inspiration to all who knew her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Onward,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress