Newsletter: Families Belong Together
This week I want to focus on the outrageous decision by the Department of Justice to separate children from their parents at the border, even in cases of families seeking asylum in our country. Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new "zero tolerance" border policy to criminally prosecute all individuals who illegally enter the United States. The cruel effect of this policy is to separate parents, who are referred for prosecution, from their children, who are held in shelters or placed in the custody of a sponsor. According to US Customs and Border Protection, more than 650 children were separated from parents at the border over a two-week period in May.
I adamantly oppose this shameful new policy which runs contrary to our nation's values. I've sent a letter seeking answers from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security on the extent of the family separation policy. Last Tuesday, I spoke out on the House floor condemning this policy and calling for it to end. I am also working with my colleagues and currently evaluating legislative solutions to end it. I will continue to do all I can to stop this policy and advance desperately needed comprehensive immigration reform.
I welcome your thoughts on the Administration's policy. Please click here to share our perspective.
Please read on for about what is going on in our district.
BIKE THE TENTH WITH ME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 17
Continuing a "tradition" we stared last fall, come ride with me! I'm always looking for new ways to meet and hear from constituents, so I hope you'll join me on June 17th for a casual bike ride from North Chicago to Glencoe and back. This day also happens to be Father's Day, so please bring the whole gang on this family-friendly ride. We will begin at Naval Station Great Lakes and bike along the Robert McClory Bike Path to downtown Glencoe. The group will take a refreshment break at Glencoe Roast Coffee for some rest and conversation, and then we will head back north, returning to Naval Station Great Lakes.
Check out more information and RSVP on our Eventbrite page today!
STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STEM SCHOLARS PROGRAM
We're still accepting applications from area high school students for our first-ever STEM Scholars program. This an exciting new educational opportunity that aims to connect highly-motivated students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with hands-on learning experiences throughout our district.
Beginning this fall, students selected to participate in the STEM Scholars program will have the opportunity to join me on visits to four STEM-related businesses and facilities during the 2018-2019 school year. On these visits, students will have the chance to participate in discussions with local employees, business owners, and educators, and learn more about the STEM career opportunities in our backyard. Learn more and apply on our website before June 29.
Check out coverage of the program in the Deerfield Review
CONSTITUENT CASEWORK SUCCESS – HELP WITH SOCIAL SECURITY
Nadine's mom, who is in a memory care nursing facility, wasn't receiving the correct Social Security benefit amount. After contacting our office, we reached out to the Social Security Administration on Nadine's behalf to correct the figure and get her Mom the back benefits she was owed. The back funds were nearly enough to pay for a year at the memory care facility. This just one example of the ways our constituent service representatives are here to help – contact us at (847) 383-4870. #HeretoHelpIL10
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
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. This week, our team will be in Des Plaines, Waukegan, Grayslake, Highland Park, Zion, and Highwood.
Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
If it's Wednesday morning, it's time for our weekly office open house. Thanks to everyone who dropped by for coffee and conversation this past week. Call us at (202) 225-4835 if you're a constituent who will be visiting DC during our next #BagelswithBrad on Wednesday, June 13.
Congrats to Jack, Tia, Samantha, Jack and Jamir on your appointments to the military service academies (Air Force Academy and West Point). We're all rooting for you as you start this journey of education and service!
Talking with attendees at our most recent Congress on Your Corner at Cumberland Elementary in Des Plaines on Saturday. We've held at least one Congress on Your Corner every month so far this year!
There were lots of friendly faces at Morton Grove Farmers' Market on opening day this weekend despite the rain, including Mayor Dan DiMaria and the Village Board.
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!