Newsletter: Across the Tenth District
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During this week-long district work period, I had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of constituents at more than two dozen events in 18 different communities across the Tenth District. Some of the high points for me included honoring veterans of the Vietnam War on the 50th anniversary commemoration in Mundelein, assembling a Model Congress for high school students in Lincolnshire, hosting a "Commuter Town Hall" between Waukegan and Grayslake on the Pace Bus, and welcoming nearly 300 new American citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Waukegan.
Legislatively, I announced a bill to prevent the online blocking of LGBTQ resources by some public libraries and schools, and Sen. Dick Durbin introduced the Senate companion to my SECURE Firearm Storage Act to help reduce the number of stolen guns on our streets.
Like most weeks, there was simply too many great activities to include everything in one newsletter, so I hope you'll take a moment to follow our account on Facebook and Twitter for additional timely updates!
HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS
Last week in Mundelein, we held a ceremony to honor the Vietnam Veterans in our community as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. This moving event was an opportunity to recognize their sacrifice and offer a long overdue thank you for their service to our nation.
We are hosting a second ceremony in Waukegan on November 10, 2017. If you are a Vietnam Era Veteran, please visit our website for more information.
View an album of photos from the ceremony on our Facebook page.
HOSTING MODEL CONGRESS
Over the weekend, I hosted more than 70 area students from 9 high schools in a Model Congress at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Students learned firsthand how our legislative process works during this Tenth District tradition started by then-Rep. Mark Kirk in 2007.
I was so impressed by the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and creativity of these young people. I hope their experience will help spark a passion for civic engagement and public service in their future.
GRACE PERIOD FOR LOW-INTEREST SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS
Property owners affected by the July 2017 flooding in Lake County may still apply for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). A recently announced grace period extends the filing deadline for physical property damage loans has been extended to Nov. 1, 2017.
Last week, I sent a letter to SBA Administrator McMahon urging her to extend the deadline. I'm glad this grace period will allow more Lake County families to access the resources they need to recover from this summer's flooding.
Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
The deadline to apply for Economic Injury loans, such as loans to assist small businesses and non-profits through the recovery period, is May 16, 2018.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) on the SBA's website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, or by calling SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
PREVENTING BLOCKING OF LGBTQ RESOURCES
Last week, I announced legislation to ensure critical LGBTQ resources are not blocked at public schools and libraries.
Currently, some public schools and libraries block useful LGBTQ resources online. My bill would clarify that schools and libraries that block LGBTQ resources are not eligible for discounted rates under the FCC's E-rate program. This bill does not prevent schools from blocking obscene and other explicit content that could be harmful to minors, as current law intends.
I announced the bill on Spirit Day, an LGBTQ awareness day which encourages speaking out against LGBTQ bullying. The internet can be a critical source of information and support for LGBTQ youth, especially in moments of need. No American should be prevented from getting help at important moments – whether asking health questions, responding to bullying, or seeking support to come out to family and friends.
More about the "Don't Block LGBTQ Act" on our website.
SECURE FIREARM STORAGE INTRODUCED IN SENATE
I commend Sen. Dick Durbin for taking up my SECURE Firearm Storage Act in the Senate last week. While the political conversation on gun safety measures may already be fading, the senseless violence claiming lives in communities around the country is not. We've got to come together and make progress reducing gun violence wherever we can. The SECURE Firearm Storage Act is a commonsense step toward stopping stolen guns.
More information on SECURE Firearm Storage Act.
COMMUTING WITH CONSTITUENTS
I'm always looking for new ways to meet and hear from constituents. Last week, I rode the Pace Bus from Waukegan to Grayslake as a "Commuter Town Hall."
Our office also hosts frequent Neighborhood Office Hours for constituents to more easily meet with caseworkers and staff to discuss any federal issues that they may have and learn more about services our office can provide. We're here to help if you have issues with Medicare, Social Security, the Veterans Administration, immigration and more. Thanks to everyone who said hello and shared your thoughts about education, public transportation, veterans issues and more.
This week, my team will be in Wheeling. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet us when we're in your community!
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
An incredible highlight of this week was addressing 291 new citizens at a naturalization ceremony at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. They arrived as immigrants 59 different countries - from Armenia to Zambia - and left united as new American citizens, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. This event was a true community effort, with help from Naval Station Great Lakes, Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters, LULAC, HACES, Mano Mano, and many local elected officials.
We continued our #BradAtYourBusiness series of visits to area employers with stops at Procter & Gamble's manufacturing facility in North Chicago and a visit to Becton Dickinson in Vernon Hills to discuss health care and tax reform.
We hosted Health Care Hiring event with Rep. Jan Schakowky at Oakton Community College. Speaking with attendees of our Health Care Hiring Event today. More than 30 area health care employers were on site to meet with job seekers.
I also visited some of the outdoor treasures in the Tenth District – dropping by Openlands Preserve in Highwood, touring the construction underway at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, stopping at Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest to learn about their work helping individuals with special needs through equine therapy.
Talking with students as part of the "Principal for a Day" program at River Trails Middle School in Mt. Prospect. I am always impressed by the substance and insight of these students questions.
Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more photos and updates.
As always, please continue to stay in touch and share your thoughts, either by calling our DC office at (202) 225-4835 or emailing via our website.
Thanks for reading!