10th News: Tackling High Prices
I wanted to start today's newsletter with a quote I think many of us can relate to:
"Like so many working moms across the country, I'm tired. I'm tired of working so hard day after day and still worrying about the bills. I'm tired of making impossible choices and robbing Peter to pay Paul." This is how Donna Price, a nurse and mother, described our country's economic situation in a Ways and Means hearing this morning.
Strengthening our economy has always been my top priority and my top priority for our economy at the moment is getting inflation under control, so that mothers like Donna don't have to work hard and still worry about paying the bills.
Rising prices—for gas, food, housing, and other basic living expenses—are putting undue pressure on American families still trying to fully recover the the effects of the COVID pandemic. In the Tenth District, I see the effects of rising prices every time I fill up my gas tank or go to the grocery store. I hear about people's struggles at coffee shops, at town halls, or even when I am walking my dog. High prices are holding everyone back, from young families just getting started to retirees trying to make ends meet on fixed incomes.
That's why I helped organize a task force to tackle our inflation challenges head on. Last week, the New Democrat Coalition Inflation Working Group released our action plan calling for, among other things, strengthening supply chains, reducing taxes on trade, and lowering prices for food, energy, housing and medicines. Our plan puts manufacturing in America front and center, creates incentives to get more people back to work, and invests in the long-term fiscal strength of our county, communities and families. You can read the plan here.
Last week in the Ways and Means Committee, I asked Treasury Secretary Yellen about what action we can take as a nation to handle inflation. You can watch my question and her answer here.
I know inflation is causing real pain but I am also grateful that over the last two years, actions such as the CARES Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act helped deliver a fundamentally strong economic rebound. From the lows of the pandemic, we have since restored almost 100% of the jobs lost and strengthened Americas financial position relative to the rest of the world. Last year we experienced a near record rate of economic growth and job creation. Companies are investing for the future and bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. Unemployment is historically low. Wages are rising for the first time in decades.
Of course, these steps did not inoculate the U.S. from the current inflation affecting the world, but they did put us in an excellent position to respond to, mitigate, and ultimately hopefully eliminate the inflationary pressures we are now experiencing. Rest assured I will remain laser-focused on dealing with rising prices and growing our economy long into the future.
Compromise Agreement on Reducing Gun Violence
The other important news from Washington is the potential framework agreed to in the Senate on reducing gun violence and promoting investments in mental health. On Sunday, Senate negotiators announced that they had struck a deal on narrow gun safety measures that can move through the chamber. The bipartisan agreement would enhance background checks to allow review of juvenile and mental health records, extend to dating partners a prohibition on domestic abusers having guns, and enhance funding for state's red-flag laws. Seeing some progress coming out of the long-stalled Senate is an encouraging step, but many more steps still need to be taken. You can read more on the deal here.
Congress On Your Corner
Hearing from constituents, whether in office meetings, via letters, emails and phone calls, or at a town hall, is important to best understand the priorities and concerns across our district. I keep your input, ideas and questions in mind with every action I take. That is why I ask you to join me for my next Congress on Your Corner on Saturday, June 25th at 10:00 am in Deerfield. Come join the conversation, hear an update on my work in Washington fighting for Illinois families, and share your thoughts or ask a question.
Please keep reading for more information about what's happening in Washington and around the district.
Around the District
Celebrating Waukegan to College Graduates
This Saturday, I joined the students and parents of Waukegan to College for their year-end celebration. These celebration events are always a joy because nothing is more rewarding than seeing our young people aspire to new heights. The achievements of these first-generation college students is an inspiration. Waukegan to College was created in 2009 to address the need to help first-generation students get to and through college graduation. Since then, they have changed the lives of hundreds of students and their families in Waukegan. Two things are abundantly clear while speaking to former students, program leaders, and parents. First, all these students have made their families and community incredibly proud. Second, the community backing these students on their college journey is extraordinarily strong. I wish everyone nothing but the best, and we are all rooting for your success. Let nothing keep you from doing what you want.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
The First Steps in Preventing Gun Violence
The gun violence affecting communities throughout the nation seems to accelerate at a seemingly uncontrollable pace. This weekend, Chicago, Detroit, and Louisville saw mass shootings that killed five and injured 27. This violence only intensifies the necessity to act to keep all Americans safe, including passing common-sense gun safety legislation and investing in gun-violence reduction programs.
Last week the House passed the "Protecting our Kids Act," which I cosponsored. The elements of this bill are designed to help reduce the frequency and deadliness of mass shootings. Closer to home, Lake County leaders stood together to say enough with the uptick in violence and announced a bold, new Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) to introduce trained "interrupters" to use direct engagement and conflict mediation. Programs like GVPI and federal measures are crucial to breaking the cycle of violence before it escalates. And I am hopeful that the bipartisan Senate package, narrow but still with real impact, will move forward towards becoming law.
These measures taken at the local and federal levels do not come from your elected alone. Your input is one of the most critical drivers in securing our nation. I thank you all for your calls, letters, and messages sharing your concern about gun violence around the country.
Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act
In response to the Nation's inflation issue this week, the House is voting on Rep. Spanberger's bill aimed at reducing food and energy prices. The bill would appropriate money to advance technology, reduce farmers' costs, promote competition in the meat and poultry industry, and upgrade U.S. fuel storage and delivery. I look forward to more bills like this coming to vote on the floor as the House works on gathering the best ideas and resources to support families in this challenging economic situation.
You can read the full bill here.
Countering Iran's Threats
Iran is on the one-yard line with its nuclear program, and its missile capabilities threaten the middle east region. Additionally, Iran cut off the International Atomic Energy Agency's access to cameras at its nuclear enrichment sites before it installed new advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges. That's why U.S. leadership must stand up to Iran and foster peace in the region. I helped introduce the bipartisan DEFEND Act to combat Iranian aggression by authorizing the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with our allies and partners in the Middle East, including Abraham Accords signatories, to develop and implement an integrated air and missile defense architecture. Integrating our ally's missile defense is crucial to deterring the enemy. We can work to foster peace by bringing the region together, and the DEFEND Act coupled with the U.S. will make the difference.
You listen to my remarks announcing the bill here.
Conserving, Restoring and Protecting Endangered Wildlife and Habitats
This week the House is voting on the Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2022, which would create programs that enable state and tribes to implement their plans for wildlife conservation. Our country has an incredibly diverse amount of wildlife that is becoming increasingly threatened. Many of these threats result from actions taken by us humans. As a result, we are responsible for protecting our wildlife for future generations.
You read the full bill here.
Addressing Inequities in Financial Services
Minority and low-income populations have historically lacked access to traditional banking services. That's why the House is voting on Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act this week. The bill would introduce measures to diversify and increase access to banking services, ensure equal access to credit, and support new and existing and new financial institutions in disadvantaged communities.
You read the full bill here.
COVID-19 Update
- 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
Uniting for Ukraine
Applications are open for a new streamlined process for Ukrainians seeking asylum in the United States. This represents a key step toward fulfilling the President's commitment to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Uniting for Ukraine builds on the robust humanitarian assistance the U.S. government is providing as we complement the generosity of countries throughout Europe that are hosting millions of Ukrainian citizens and others who have been displaced. You can learn more here.
Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund
The state is 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.
Introducing Ride Lake County
Lake County, Pace Suburban Bus, and the Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee (LCCTSC) came together with members of the community to launch Ride Lake County, a borderless, countywide paratransit service that provides transportation to anywhere in Lake County for seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities.
Previously, there was no cohesive paratransit system in Lake County. Now, residents in need of paratransit services have one number to call, 1-800-201-6446, to enable them to travel around Lake County.
As a reservation-based program, Ride Lake County vehicles don't travel in a fixed route each day. Instead, riders schedule their trips in advance and the vehicles provide curb-to-curb service from the rider's desired pick-up and drop-off destinations.
Before scheduling their first ride, residents must register through Pace by calling their call center at 1-800-201-6446. Residents can register as either a senior ages 60+ or as an individual with a disability.
Riders can schedule a trip any day of the week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of certain holidays. Riders can reserve a trip as far as seven days in advance or as little as two hours in advance.
Ride Lake County is sponsored by Lake County and Pace Suburban Bus. The service is funded in part by grants from the Regional Transportation Authority. Local matching funds for these federal grants are provided by Lake County.
For additional information about Ride Lake County, visit their website.
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-
This week I was excited to see the world's largest aluminum recycler, Novelis, which has some of its operations right here in Lincolnshire, featured in Fortune Magazine. As residents, when we recycle, we probably don't think beyond cleaning the material and placing it in our recycling bins. However, the reality is that the process can be incredibly challenging. Recycling companies must differentiate glass, plastic, and aluminum for their appropriate recycling process. The work Novelis does here in Lincolnshire has a massive impact on our entire planet. According to Fortune, "U.S. aluminum can recycling rate of 90% would eliminate 1.3 million tons of landfill material, reduce CO2 emissions by 12.1 million metric tons, and save the equivalent of more than 90 million barrels of oil annually." Those figures are staggering. All the while, Novelis is putting many of our excellent men and women to work here in Lincolnshire. Stories of the industry doing great things locally show the skill and promise we have as a nation. I look forward to reading more great stories like this.
You can read the full article here.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider