Newsletter: News from the 10th
While it's been another busy week around the district, I want to focus today on what's happening recently in our nation. To say these are trying times is an understatement. In the past week, our nation witnessed the mailing of bombs to elected leaders and the press, the racially-motivated murder of two African-Americans in Kentucky, and the anti-Semitic mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that claimed 11 lives.
Saturday's attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue is the most deadly attack on the Jewish community in the history of our country. But this heinous crime does not stand in isolation. Recent memory includes the 2015 attack in a Charleston church during bible study, and the 2012 attack on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.
I am personally heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in these and all hate crimes. I am at the same time inspired by the heroic actions of our first responders who suppress fear and rush in when these events occur. And I am profoundly frustrated by the inability of our nation to keep our houses of worship, our schools, and our public squares safe from such senseless violence.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, but we have to do more. We must take action with commonsense gun safety laws to make it harder for dangerous individuals fueled by hate to access firearms and mass murder innocents. And we must unite as one nation to condemn hate in all forms, including racism and anti-Semitism, and those who incite it.
I was reminded this morning of President Washington's famous letter to the Touro Synagogue in Rhode Island. In it, he wished for the Jewish community of the United States the following: "May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid."
I pray that in this moment we come together to ensure the security and sanctity for all Americans to pray and practice their faith in the sanctuary of their own houses of worship, freely, and free of fear.
Please continue reading to learn about my recent work in and around the 10th District.
BRAD AT YOUR BUSINESS VISITS
This year, I've already visited more than three dozen local businesses in Illinois's Tenth District to hear from management and workers alike. I always learn something during these #BradAtYourBusiness visits and they help inform my votes in Washington as I seek to create the certainty and conditions needed for businesses to grow, hire, and succeed.
Last week, I visited Certasun in Buffalo Grove, a home solar company serving the Chicagoland area and also toured a nearby home where they recently installed panels. I also visited StarTek Lighting America in Gurnee, which now employs more than a dozen workers designing, engineering, and manufacturing energy-efficient LED lighting.
Both business are "green" success stories in our district. Renewable sources of energy like solar and energy efficiency improvements like LED lighting are not just needed reduce emissions and address global climate change, they are also job creators.
NEW REPORT ON IMPACT OF GOP TAX BILL
A new report produced for my colleagues Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Rep. Robin Kelly illuminates how damaging the partisan new tax bill is for Illinois families. Due to the restriction of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, 57,000 households in the Tenth District now face double taxation. The fact is we still need real reform of our tax code, and I remain willing to work across the aisle on real reform that is fair, fiscally responsible, and grows our economy.
BRAD'S BOOKWORMS ELEMENTARY READING PROGRAM STILL ENROLLING!
There's still time for Tenth District elementary students to enroll and complete the Brad's Bookworms reading challenge!
Children participating in the program are asked to read at least 10 books with help from parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other family members before November 30, 2018 and track their progress toward this goal. Young people who meet their goal of 10 books will be invited with their families to join me at a recognition ceremony celebrating their achievement.
Learn more about the program on our website.
HELP WITH MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR SENIORS
The Medicare annual enrollment period starts TODAY and lasts until December 7. This is the yearly time when seniors can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.
I'm excited to announce four upcoming events for constituents to meet with counselors to discuss their coverage options and compare and select the best plan for them. These events are by appointment only, and attendees should RSVP for a one-hour timeslot using the instructions below. You can also reach us at our office at (847) 383-4870 with questions.
Wednesday, November 14 | 9:30am – 2:30pm
Indian Trails Library
355 Schoenbeck Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090
To RSVP and schedule personal consultation: call (847) 383-4870
*Spanish speakers available
Thursday, November 15 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Zion-Benton Public Library
2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL 60099
To RSVP and schedule personal consultation: call (847) 383-4870
*Spanish speakers available
Tuesday, November 20 | 9:30am – 3:30pm
Glenview Senior Center
2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview IL, 60026
To RSVP and schedule personal consultation: call (847) 784-6040
Tuesday, November 27 | 9:30am – 2:30pm
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
To RSVP and schedule personal consultation: call (847) 383-4870
*Spanish speakers available
RSVP FOR VETERANS BREAKFAST
This Veterans Day weekend, I'm hosting a breakfast to honor those in our communities who served, and share some of the ways my office and local veteran organizations can be of assistance.
The breakfast is free and open to all veterans in Illinois's Tenth Congressional District. I hope to see you there.
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep
3106 Belvidere Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
RSVP
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I visited the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois mobile unit during their stop last weekin Waukegan. They offer free prevention education and health screenings for kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes to Illinois communities. Their upcoming schedule here: http://www.nkfi.org/kidney-mobile/calendar
I was glad to join and share a quick update on recent bipartisan package to address opioid crisis that was signed into law at the Link Together Coalition meeting which aims to fight teen drug and alcohol abuse.
Great visit with the NYAN (Not Your Average Nerds) Robotics team from Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. #STEMEducation @CCHSCorsairs
I visited a drop off location for unused prescription medication at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital during #NationalTakeBack. Disposing of unused medications is a great way to help prevent addiction and reverse the opioid crisis.
I had a great time talking with everyone at the North Chicago Public Safety Fair over the weekend. A big congratulations to Evelyn Alexander for receiving the Citizen Public Safety Award!
I've worked in Congress to help small businesses access the capital they need to succeed, including through legislation like the HALOS Act. I was proud to accept the Champion of Small Business Investing award from SBIA.
It was great to see so many neighbors out at the Race to Cure Sarcoma in Libertyville. I'll continue to support funding for the NIH for federal research toward a cure.
Thanks for reading!