Newsletter: Independence Day at Home
First, I want to reflect on the remarkable rescue of eight young soccer players from a flooded cave in Thailand. I continue to pray for those remaining trapped and for their rescuers. I also extend my sympathies to the family of the rescue diver who died in the process.
As the world anxiously watches and prays for their safety, I am reminded of what unites all people from every corner of the globe—we love our children and will go to extraordinary measures to ensure their safety, whether in the Tenth District, Thailand or Central America. It is that common humanity that empowers us and makes a better future possible for all our children.
Returning to events here at home, I hope you and your family had an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy Independence Day last week. I love the holiday parades, the BBQs and fireworks. One of the most meaningful events is the annual ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes honoring veterans and Gold Star families. It's always a great honor to mark this occasion joined by base commanders and other community leaders. It is hard to find adequate words to sufficiently thank those who have sacrificed so much to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy.
Please continue reading for more information about some of the highlights of this past week.
STANDING WITH WORKING FAMILIES AGAINST JANUS
I was very disappointed in the Supreme Court's recent decision in the Janus case to overturn decades of precedence and weaken the ability of public sector workers to negotiate for decent pay and workplace protections.
Last week, I joined my colleagues Reps. Jan Schakowksy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, as well as local union members, for a press conference on the impact of the Janus decision. Unions helped build our nation's middle class and strengthen our local communities. I'll continue to defend workers rights to organize and bargain collectively to help continue to grow our middle class.
You can watch video of our remarks on our Facebook page.
CONSTITUENT SUCCESS STORY – HELP WITH VA
Steven contacted our office after running into trouble process a claim for medical assistance from the VA. I'm glad our caseworkers were able to straighten this out and get Steven approved for benefits within four weeks of his call. If you're a veteran who needs assistance, please get in touch 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, and Zion.
Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I dropped off a donation of books at North Chicago Public Library. We've donated more than 700 books so far through the Library of Congress's surplus book program.
On the most recent stop of my #BradAtYourBusiness Tour, I visited the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Waukegan. This facility employs 300 full-time employees and handles larger "packages", including appliances, flat screen TVs, and even bicycles, kayaks and canoes.
I also had the opportunity to meet Nicky, a local small business owner who uses Amazon to sell her artwork online. She shared how using Amazon allows her to reach customers all over the world. This was latest stop on our #BradAtYourBusiness tour.
I had an inspiring visit to Camp Independence and YMCA Camp Duncan last week in Ingleside. Camp Duncan offers a summer experience of hiking, biking and water sports for both day and overnight campers.
Camp Independence is an extraordinary place offering one week overnight camp experience for kids with with spina bifida. Each session hosts 16 kids from around the country. It was a special experience meeting these young people and hearing their personal stories. We also had some time to tell jokes. My favorite: Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? He lacked the guts.
I spent a morning at Beacon Place, a great resource for our kids and their families in Waukegan. I had a lot of fun visiting with kids (and volunteers) for the day camp Summer Lunch and Backpack Program. I especially enjoyed reading with some of the kids. Learn more about their work at https://beacon-place.org
I visited the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency to learn more about their work meeting the drinking water needs of our communities. It was fascinating seeing how SCLJAW delivers healthy water to many of our Tenth District communities.
On Sunday evening, I joined Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Ranking Member Jerry Nadler, Rep. Robin Kelly, other colleagues, and members of local law enforcement for a meeting in Chicago of the Police Strategies Working Group. This is part of a series of meetings to fund solutions to the use of excessive force by police, aggression towards law enforcement, and public safety concerns.
Thanks for reading!