Newsletter: Preventing Opioid Abuse
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I send my best wishes to all in the Tenth District celebrating Passover this evening. The recounting of the story of the Jewish Exodus from bondage to freedom holds special meaning this year. May we all find the strength to live up to our responsibility to offer refuge to those less fortunate. From my family to yours, chag sameach.
And to those who will observe Good Friday and celebrate Easter later this week, I wish you and your families a blessed and joyous holiday. May we all face the coming months with a renewed hope and sense of purpose.
As always, there is much to share after another busy week. Read to the bottom for an invitation to two upcoming events:
Preventing Opioid Abuse
Growing opioid abuse is ravaging our communities and overprescribing of this highly-addictive drug adds to the problem.
Last week, I introduced legislation to reduce the overprescribing of these drugs and improve the ability of doctors to detect and treat abuse through greater education for prescribers.
The Opioid PACE or Preventing Abuse through Continuing Education Act, would require providers who treat patients with prescription opioids to undertake training every three years on how to responsibly prescribe opioid medication, as well as identify the signs of misuse and abuse.
Ensuring our medical professionals are informed on the most up-to-date best practices will help our communities fighting back against this epidemic.
Learn more about the Opioid PACE Act.
Bipartisan Legislation to Help Homeless Veterans
On any night in America, nearly 40,000 veterans are without a home. It's unconscionable that men and women who served our country, and may still bear the physical and mental scars of that service, are forced to live on the streets.
Last week, I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to create a fund to help homeless veterans through voluntary contributions raised from a new "check-off box" on the annual federal tax return.
Giving Americans the option to divert a portion of their tax refund to aid homeless veterans is a small, commonsense step to make it easier to give back to those who sacrificed for us
Learn more about the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund of 2017.
Continuing to Stay in Touch
This weekend, I met with constituents in Wheeling at our sixth Congress On Your Corner event since January. It was a great conversation and I had the opportunity to answer questions about health care, bipartisanship, college affordability, and more.
Earlier in the week, we also held our third telephone town hall. More than 3,000 people listened in as I answered questions on topics ranging from job training to gun safety to Syria.
Hearing from you makes me a better representative. Please continue to stay in touch!
Responding to the U.S. Missile Strike in Syria
I've heard from many constituents contacting our office to share their opinion on the recent U.S. missile strike in Syria.
I discussed my views on the situation in an interview on Politics Tonight last Friday.
This was a measured reaction specifically targeting the airfield from which weapons cannot go without a response, not just from the United States but from the entire international community. It is also clear that, after six years of civil war and countless war crimes by the Assad regime, one strike will not bring an end to the atrocities of this war. The conflict will not be resolved on the battlefield, rather we must change the dynamic of the battlefield to bring forth the conditions for a political solution.
It is now incumbent upon President Trump to develop a comprehensive strategy for confronting the Syrian crisis, clearly articulating the steps and goals we seek to achieve. Furthermore, it is imperative that the Congress and the American people have their voices heard. Any further U.S. military action must only be undertaken with the formal authorization of Congress after a full and robust debate. The men and women serving our nation in uniform deserve nothing less.
YOU'RE INVITED: Two Upcoming Events
Have an idea how to fix the federal budget? On Monday, April 17, I'll be hosting a workshop with the bipartisan Concord Coalition focused on the federal budget in Lake Forest from 6:00-8:00pm. We'll examine how several recent policy proposals would affect our nation's economy, debt and deficit, as well as work in small groups to formulate budget solutions.
Due to the format of the event, attendance is limited and registration is required. To participate, please register online today!
Additionally, please join us for a District Office Open House on Wednesday, April 19 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Our Open House will give Tenth District residents the opportunity to meet Congressman Schneider and our staff, learn about what services our office provides, and tour our office.
The District Office is located at 111 Barclay Blvd, Suite 200, Lincolnshire,IL 60069. No RSVP necessary. Hope you can join us!
Weekly Wrap-Up
Clockwise from Top: Meeting with constituents in Lake Forest about their concerns with the proposed Hiawatha rail expansion; Touring Fort Sheridan following a meeting with the National Guard; Spending time with some of the Tenth District's youngest constituents at the "Leaders Are Readers" event in North Chicago.
As always, please continue to contact us and share your thoughts, either by calling our DC office at (202) 225-4835 or emailing via our website.
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Brad Schneider
Member of Congress