10th News: Wishing You a Joyous Holiday
It’s hard to believe 2022 is coming to an end. Our office will be closed next week for the holidays, so this is my final newsletter of the year. That is assuming Congress passes legislation funding the government this week.
Before reflecting on the year, I want to wish everyone happy holidays. To those celebrating Hanukkah, may the spirit of the Festival of Lights bring warmth and happiness to you and your loved ones, and may the ideals of rededication offer inspiration. To my friends celebrating Christmas this coming weekend, may your lights all shine bright, joined by family and friends, and may the season bring love, hope, and joy to the world. And to all celebrating Kwanzaa next week, wishing you a bright and meaningful holiday.
Also, let us, please, keep in our hearts all those serving our nation far from home, including our military, diplomats, aid, and development workers. And our first responders and front-line workers answering the call to service here during this holiday season. Because of their sacrifices and time away from family, we all are more secure in our homes and communities.
REFLECTIONS ON 2022
Remembering Highland Park
Without question, the watershed moment of the past year was the Highland Park Independence Day Parade shooting. Seven wonderful people were murdered: Katherine Goldstein, Irina and Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Straus, Jackie Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo. More than 40 people were wounded, and our entire community was traumatized. It was the 308th mass shooting in the US in a year that has seen more than 600 mass shootings.
I will never forget the shock of that day, nor the grief of our community. But I will also forever remember the strength of Highland Park and the outpouring of support and love that came from neighboring communities and across the country. I am thankful to the countless people who have drawn strength from tragedy to step up and call for action at all levels of government to keep our children and our communities safe from gun violence. I will continue to work to reduce gun violence of all types in all communities, including advancing the assault weapons ban that I helped pass in the House last July.
A Most Productive Congress
Despite a very narrow Democratic majority, the 117th Congress passed some remarkable legislation giving President Biden, and the country, some landmark wins.
- Last spring, Congress passed legislation funding all 10 of our district’s 2022 Community Project Funding Requests, addressing local needs such as mental health, flooding, food insecurity, and economic development
- The spring funding bill also included my Israel Relations Normalization Act supporting the historic Abraham Accords between United Arab Emirates, Bahrain,
- In June, we passed the Chips & Science Act bringing critical semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States and investing to ensure U.S. technological leadership well into the future
- We also passed the PACT Act supporting our veterans and in particular providing health care to individuals exposed to toxic burn pits.
- June wrapped up with House passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, protecting marriage equality for all Americans. Earlier this month, the bill passed the Senate and was signed into law by President Biden.
- In July, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the cost of prescription drugs, support American manufacturing and strengthen our supply chains. This bill also includes the single greatest investment yet in tackling climate change, working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 40% by 2030. I was particularly proud that this bill included my legislation supporting the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) towards cutting GHG emissions for air travel by more than 50%
- Finally, this week Congress will pass an “Omnibus” spending bill to fund the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023. I am pleased that all 15 of the 10th District 2023 Community Project Funding Requests are included, as was my bill to improve retirement security and a provision supporting telemedicine. The Omnibus also includes the Innovative Technologies Impacted by COVID-19 Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Rep. LaHood to provide support for innovative medical devices that treat critical diseases, such as cancer.
Other Highlights
Here at home, the year was chock full of wonderful memories. We hosted 13 Congress on Your Corner Town Halls across the district. I continued my Brad at Your Business visits to a wide variety of companies, such as HP Tuners in Buffalo Grove, Bell Flavors and Fragrances in Northbrook, and Hydaforce in Vernon Hills. My STEAM Scholars program visited Ravinia Music Festival in Highland Park, Yaskawa America in Buffalo Grove, and Abbott Labs in North Chicago. And we had another banner year with Brad’s Book Worms, celebrating young readers.
I was honored to attend many events and celebrations throughout the year in virtually every corner of the district. From speaking at Estonia House in Riverwoods to attending Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit’s annual lasagna luncheon (he makes the lasagna himself), I loved every opportunity to meet with the people I am privileged and proud to represent. And, of course, I always enjoy my annual “Tour of the 10th” bike ride.
Our district is also home to Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) and the Navy’s Recruit Training Command. (Did you know that every enlisted sailor comes to NSGL for basic training?) Last April, I was the Reviewing Officer at a recruit graduation ceremony.
Education is a top priority for me, so I was excited when five of our local schools received the National Blue-Ribbon Award—Daniel Wright Junior High School, Deerfield High School, Wood Oaks Junior High School, and Westmoor and Wescott Elementary Schools.
I am also a big fan of summer camp (being a camp counselor is still one of my best work experiences). So, one of my favorite summer traditions is visiting Camp Duncan and Camp Independence in Volo, both operated by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
Another one of my always favorite opportunities is welcoming home new American citizens at a special naturalization ceremony hosted by the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is an incomparable experience to see these people take the oath of citizenship and then celebrate their achievements with family and friends. This year I was joined by Reps. Schakowsky and Casten for a most remarkable experience.
Finally, I want to thank the people of the 10th district for your phone calls, letters, and in-person meetings, sharing your thoughts on moving this great country forward. Thanks to your input, I can confidently represent your interests and needs in Washington. I look forward to working together to strengthen our communities and nation.
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and plentiful holiday and a new year!
Please keep reading for more information about what is happening in Washington and at home.
THIS WEEK AROUND THE DISTRICT
Abuelitas/Abuelitos Program — Uniting Families in the 10th District
Last week I was proud to announce that I am working with former Senator Kirk to restart a program he initiated when he represented the Tenth District. Our plan is to help Mexican American families in our communities navigate the complex and often expensive visa application process so they can reconnect with their loved ones from Mexico, many of whom they haven’t seen in ten to twenty years.
My grandparents were profound influences in my life. The love and support we receive from our family members are unlike anything else—they help us grow, support our dreams and aspirations, and teach us the many traditions we hold special in our cultures.
Family is a value we can all support, regardless of political affiliation. I hope that my work with former Senator Kirk will make families in the tenth district even stronger. You can read the full article detailing this announcement of this project here.
Visiting Bernard Weinger JCC Early Childhood Center in Northbrook
I started this week with a tour of the JCC Chicago - Bernard Weinger JCC Early Childhood Center in Northbrook. We had a great conversation about the importance of investing in early childhood education for all kids. Thank you to JUF Board Chairman David Golder and President of JCC Chicago Annie Goodman for Monday’s invitation.
Cancer Moon Shot
David Davydov of Indian Creek came to our office to share information about his work with ALK Positive and his efforts to defeat not only this specific form of lung cancer but all cancers. I very much appreciate his passion and the work that he is doing.
David, like so many other issue advocates who visit me either in our Lincolnshire or Washington office, help me better understand the priorities of our district and how Congress can work to make a positive impact.
Meeting the Kindness Crew at Hawthorn North Middle School
I had a great time visiting Hawthorn North Middle School in Vernon Hills. I met with members of the Kindness Crew and learned about their many ideas and great work making their school a more special place.
Brushwood Center — Connecting Nature with Art, Education and Health Equity
Thank you to the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods team for spending time with me to talk about the remarkable work being done at the center and in our community. Brushwood does an excellent job connecting Lake County residents, including veterans and underserved populations, to nature.
Holiday Card Design Contest Winner
Last week I announced that Anvi Gupta, a 1st grader at Oak Grove Elementary School in Libertyville, designed the winning artwork for my 2022 office holiday card. As a bookworm myself, I am thrilled that ‘home for the holidays’ still means picking up a book by the fire for Tenth District first graders. May Anvi’s art help bring health, happiness, and peace this holiday season.
US Navy League Holiday Celebration
Over the weekend, I attended the US Navy League’s annual holiday party at the National Museum of the American Sailor. The museum is a hidden treasure of our district. On this visit, it was a special treat to tour of the museum’s vault filled with old uniforms, equipment, and other interesting objects used throughout our navy’s history. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging indoor activity this winter, I highly suggest this great museum!
Brunch With Santa in Waukegan
I also stopped in Waukegan for First United Methodist Church’s brunch with Santa on Saturday. It was great to share the holiday cheer with parents and their children as they decorated cookies and met with Santa. A big thank you to Avia Duncan for putting this event together.
Supporting the Boys and Girls Club
I also stopped by the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County in Waukegan in for their holiday celebration. A big thank you to Rayon “Ray Ray” Edwards for putting together this celebration.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Funding the Government for Fiscal Year 2023
The big news is the passage of the Omnibus bill. The package includes funding for 10th District projects, funding to protect children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, and language to reform the Electoral Count Act. All 15 of the Tenth District’s Community Project Funding (CPF) submissions were included in the legislation, as were bills I introduced to improve retirement security and a provision supporting telemedicine. The Omnibus also includes my bill, the Innovative Technologies Impacted by COVID-19 Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Rep. LaHood that provides support for innovative medical devices that treat critical diseases, such as cancer.
Mandatory Audits of All Presidents’ Tax Returns
From our founding, the United States was established to be a nation ruled by laws, not kings. No one is above the law, including and especially the President. Americans need to be able to trust that the President pays taxes like anyone else. That is why in 1977, the IRS implemented a policy of mandatory examination (audit) of Presidential tax returns.
Since 1977, independent of the audit process, every President released their annual returns to the public. President Trump declined to do so when he assumed office in 2017. Absent public access to the President’s returns, the IRS Mandatory Audit became more significant to give American certainty that the President was adhering to the law. The Ways and Means Committee’s investigation into the IRS Mandatory Audit policy demonstrated that the policy was, at the best dormant and, at the worst, completely ignored. It was clear that legislation is necessary to ensure the IRS completes timely and complete mandatory review of the President’s tax return.
The Committee deliberated on the report of the investigation and ultimately voted to release the report with supporting documentation—including several years of President’s Trumps returns— to the full House
The Teachers are Leaders Act
Last week I introduced the Teachers Are Leaders Act (H.R. 9498) to expand professional development and leadership growth opportunities for teachers. The federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant currently connects local schools with nearby colleges and universities to create professional development programs for new teachers. However, there need to be more opportunities for established teachers. The Teachers Are Leaders Act would expand TQP grants by making "teacher leader" programs focused on professional development for established teachers eligible for funding.
You can the full announcement of the bill here.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Please visit my website to find resources for the following services, and more:
- Affordable Internet Connectivity Program
- Smart 9-1-1
- 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 9-8-8 for Veterans
- Maternal Mental Health Hotline
- Uniting for Ukraine
- Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts
- Ride Lake County
CONTACT MY OFFICE
As always, I want to hear from you. Please Email Me on my website or call my DC office at (202) 225-4835 if you’d like to share your thoughts on any matter. And 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 –
Again, wishing everyone a joyful holiday and a new year filled only with health, happiness, and peace. I want to close out this week’s newsletter with excellent news and a big thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s “Holiday Cards for Heroes” program. We collected more than 965-holiday cards for the brave men and women serving our nation overseas. That’s an impressive new record.
These handwritten cards will undoubtedly bring smiles and holiday joy to our nation’s heroes. I am proud that we all came together to make this year a success. I am eager to have an equally successful program next year!
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress