10th News: Summer Heat Continues
The summer of ’23 is a clarion call for bold, urgent action. Though it’s been mostly nice weather here in Illinois, the hottest global summer in recorded history continues to ravage the globe and particularly the United States. The latest devastating impact is Hawaii, where wildfires have killed at least thirty-six people and destroyed the town of Lahaina. The historic fires have been fueled by drought and winds from a hurricane more than 800 miles away. The images are hard to watch, and my thoughts go out to the people and communities affected.
From Florida to California, southern states are being baked with record heat waves. The Phoenix, Arizona area, representing the United States' twelfth largest metro population, experiences 31 consecutive days over 110 degrees. Off the coast of Florida, water temperatures are over 100 degrees, and coral reefs are not only bleaching out but completely dying. And while the temperatures here at home have been relatively pleasant, Illinois has the distinction of experiencing more confirmed tornadoes this year than any other state.
Source: ClimateCentral.org
This month we mark the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act. The law includes the single greatest investment in our country’s history to address the impact and human-related causes of climate change. I am proud that among the actions included in this sweeping bill is my work to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. SAF holds the prospect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by well more than 50%, and Illinois is leading the way toward that goal.
Celebrating Communities Partnership with Local Police and Fire Departments
Last week was the fortieth annual National Night Out, where communities nationwide gather with their local police and fire departments. With cookouts, ice cream trucks, and other summer fun activities, our hard-working first responders joined with families and local leaders to honor each other and enjoy what was a fantastic summer night. I was delighted to be able to visit North Chicago, Round Lake, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, and Northbrook as they gathered for a fun-filled night of appreciation.
In North Chicago, first responders hit the road taking fun to local neighborhoods. I met up with the festivities outside Alderman Kenneth Smith's offices, where I must confess, I got beat in the egg races.
In Round Lake, folks gathered outside the police station, where I caught up with Mayor Russell Kraly and Avon Township Trustee Jeanne Kearny.
At Vernon Hill’s Hawthorne Park, kids ran through a fire hydrant-powered sprinkler while I had the chance to catch up with Police Chief Patrick Kreis and Trustee Thom Koch.
Buffalo Grove gathered at the band shell with music and food trucks and one of the largest crowds of the evening.
And I finished the night in Northbrook at the pool, where everyone was having a great time, and I connected with Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton.
While I was only able to attend five National Night Out events in our district, many other great communities in our district held similar events, including Beach Park, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Hebron, Highland Park, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Spring Grove, Waukegan, and Wildwood. You can learn more about the history of National Night Out and check the complete list of all 203 participating communities in Illinois by clicking here.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
AROUND THE DISTRICT – August District Work Period
While the House is not in session this month, I am excited to visit communities across the district and connect with friends, old and new.
Back on the Bike!
My first order of business after coming home for the month was to take my bike and join the Respiratory Health Association's 28th CowaLUNGa™ Charity Bike Tour. I was honored to ride the first eighteen miles of the three-day, 130-mile tour. This ride benefits the Respiratory Health Association's mission to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better.
Getting Ready for Back to School
After a quick change from my biking gear, I stopped by Warren-Newport Library’s Back-To-School Resource Fair. A large and celebratory crowd of students and parents filled the room where several local organizations were sharing information and resources to help students kick off the new school year. The resource fair distributed four hundred backpacks and other school supplies, ensuring students will start the year with everything they need.
A New Cricket Pitch for Vernon Township
I joined Vernon Township board members and residents gathered to celebrate the addition of Cricket Grounds to Vernon Township Center’s Park. Over 200,000 people play the game in America, and that number will likely only continue to grow.
Did you know Americans began playing cricket in the 1700s, and President Washington and his troops played amongst themselves while stationed at Valley Forge?
Summer Camp at the Northbrook YMCA
When it rains, the Northbrook YMCA crosses their fingers that the damaged roof does not disrupt critical community programming for everyone from pre-K to seniors. After qualifying for the program, I am working to help get the Northbrook Y community funding in Congress to fix the leaky roof and protect great programs like HAWKS, swim lessons, and summer camp. Thanks to Debbie Madeley, Kim Nyren, and CEO Kathy Fielding for the tour.
Lake Forest Days Mayor's Reception
I was happy to join the Lake Forest Community for the annual Lake Forest Days Mayor’s Reception. This year Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack hosted an open house and lunch where he announced winners of the Lake Forest Day Parade and handed out a veteran of the year award.
Fighting Gun Violence in America
Julie and I were privileged to meet with Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the loving parents of Joaquin, who was tragically murdered in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Last Thursday would have been Joaquin’s 23rd Birthday and his parents are on a nationwide tour telling Joaquin’s story and bringing attention to the devastating impact of gun violence in our country. We talked about the legislation I am proud to help lead, including universal background checks and a national ban on sales of assault weapons.
Join me for Upcoming Congress on Your Corner Town Halls in Gurnee & Northbrook
Congress does not return to Washington until September, and we have much work to do when we get back, including passing important national defense and agriculture legislation and funding the government for Fiscal Year 2024. We will talk about this and many other issues important to our communities in Gurnee next Thursday, August 17th, and in Northbrook on Monday, August 21st. I hope you can come to one or both for what is always a wonderful conversation.
Congress on Your Corner: Gurnee
Thursday, August 17
6:00 pm
RSVP here (address provided upon RSVP)
Congress on Your Corner: Northbrook
Monday August 21st
6:00 pm
RSVP here (location provided upon RSVP)
Still Accepting Applications Fall 2023 District Office Internships
Congressional Internships are a great way to learn a bit about how government works and gain valuable work experience in the process. Above, from left to right, Brenda Ramirez, Will Erens, and Jonah Simon served as interns this summer in the DC office, giving tours, answering your phone calls, and researching pending legislation. While applications for fall DC office internships is closed, we are still accepting applications for positions in our Lincolnshire office.
To be considered, prospective applicants must be currently enrolled in post-secondary education or be recent college graduates. Intern responsibilities include (but are not limited to) handling phone calls and inquiries, conducting research, assisting with casework, and drafting memos. The District Office offers a terrific learning environment for those considering a future in politics, and many past interns have gone on to work full time in the Capitol!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
House Democrats Travel to Israel
I will be joining Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies, Representative Steny Hoyer, and twenty-one other House Democrats on a trip to Israel and the West Bank. During our visit, we will meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, residents of local communities, and many others to learn about what is happening on the ground.
I look forward to sharing more about my travels with you in my next newsletter.
Speaking of Travel…CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS!
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.
If you need help expediting a passport, please call my district office at 847-383-4870.
CONSTITUENT SUCCESS STORIES
I want to share with you another constituent casework success story. Navigating the federal agency bureaucracy can be challenging, but my excellent casework team in Lincolnshire is ready to help you. If you need help with a federal agency, fill out a Privacy Release Form or call my Lincolnshire office at (847) 383-4870 so my casework team can assist you.
In Closing—
The COVID crisis has experienced a major drop in both cases and deaths. In fact, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, monthly COVID deaths have hit an all-time low. We have come a long way since the first days of the pandemic, and that is in no small part thanks to the work of scientists and healthcare professionals.
Cases and deaths being down is a good reminder to get all your recommended and required vaccinations this fall. To find more about vaccines and vaccine schedules visit the CDC’s website.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress