Newsletter: Protecting our Children from Gun Violence
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Dear Friend,
Last week was a District Work Period and I had the opportunity to meet with constituents in my office and throughout the district. Everywhere I went, and in particular in conversations with students at Lake Forest College, College of Lake County and Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago, I was asked about two particular issues: (1) reducing gun violence to better protect our children, and (2) ensuring the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Today, I spoke on the floor of the House about gun violence, which you can watch below. For too long Congress has refused to act. I am hopeful that this year might finally bring progress, and I remain committed to taking concrete steps to reduce the scourge that affects every community and leaves a stain on our nation.
Separately, last Wednesday I met with the County Clerks from Lake and Cook County who oversee elections throughout our district, to discuss security preparation for the 2018 elections.
Please continue reading for more details on these and other activities from the week.
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM GUN VIOLENCE
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Our hearts are still heavy grieving for the 17 innocents murdered in Parkland and praying for their families and friends. I cannot begin to fathom the sorrow of the parents who must bury a child. From the time our children are born, we instinctively understand it is our responsibility to protect them. We must stop failing them.
Still, in this darkest time, I'm inspired by the eloquence of the survivors and the young people across the country, including in the Tenth District, who are speaking out for positive action. We all know there are commonsense actions that would curb gun violence in our communities and save lives including universal background checks; banning military-style assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and bump stocks; and funding mental health care to name but a few.
These measures have overwhelming support from the American public. All that is missing is the political will from Congress. Hopefully this moment is different, and I'll continue to urge my colleagues to have the debate and vote on real actions to reduce gun violence in our schools, our neighborhoods and across the country.
GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDER ACT
Last week, I was proud to co-sponsor the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act. This bill would allow family members or law enforcement officials to petition a judge to temporarily remove firearms from an individual in crisis. Furthermore, it would ensure that law enforcement makes full use of all existing state and local gun databases when assessing a tip, warning, or request from a concerned family member or other close associate. This is just one of many commonsense measures we can take to reduce gun violence and improve the safety of our communities.
Learn more about the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act.
DEFENDING OUR ELECTIONS FROM INTERFERENCE
Russia's interference in our most recent election was an attack on our democratic system and it won't be their last attempt. Last week, I met at the Northbrook Library with the County Clerks from Lake and Cook County who oversee elections throughout our district, to discuss security preparation for the 2018 elections. Illinois is fortunate that both Clerk David Orr and Clerk Carla Wyckoff take this threat extremely seriously and are taking steps to further improve the defenses of our system. We were also fortunate to have Debra Nieto and Noah Praetz join us for the meeting.
I'm working at the federal level to provide states with the resources they need to improve election security, and prevent future interference from Russia and other adversaries through bipartisan legislation like the DETER Act
Read coverage of our roundtable from the Daily Herald and Northbrook Star.
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
Our office 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.
This week, we'll be in Wheeling and Glenview. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
CONSTITUENT SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: RECOVERING MEDICARE OVERPAYMENTS
So far this Congress, our office has recovered $699,766 from the federal government for Tenth District constituents. Here's one example from Northbrook:
Wallace and his wife were being overcharged by Medicare and an excess amount was being deducted from their Social Security payments. They were unsuccessful resolving the issue through the local Social Security office and contacted our Lincolnshire Office after hearing about available constituent services on a telephone town hall. Congressman Schneider's office "contacted the local Social Security office for me and arranged for the necessary paperwork to adjust the deductions and return the overcharged amount. Thank you!" said Wallace.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I hosted a roundtable meeting at the Deerfield Library to hear from teachers and other educators, and protecting students from gun violence was a major topic of discussion. In addition to commonsense gun safety measures, we talked about the bipartisan Securing Our Schools Act I introduced with Rep. Mike Bost, which would help provide panic buttons to schools to contact first responders in an emergency. I am so grateful for all those who work educating our next generation.
I was glad to join the celebration at the 2018 Most Influential African Americans of Lake County Awards ceremony Sunday night in Wadsworth. Congratulations again to the deserving recipients and thank you for your contributions to Lake County and our communities.
I had a great time last week in Libertyville discussing citizenship and public service with the Scouts in some of our local BSA troops. I was very impressed by the substance and breadth of the thoughtful questions from these young people.
I also enjoyed talking with students at College of Lake County, Lake Forest College, and Neal Math Science Academy this week. Every time I talk with these young people I feel more confident in the prospects for our future.
Honored to again to join the 2018 Forecast North Chicago event on Thursday with North Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
I visited with the team at the future site of Busy Brains Children's Museum to review the renovation plans for their building in downtown Lake Villa. When completed, this will be an interactive space for children to play and learn and a great addition to the community and the entire county.
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Thank you to the Illinois Library Association for inviting me to join your legislative breakfast in Buffalo Grove on Monday and for all you do fostering learning and connection in our communities. Libraries are the gateway to new worlds and opportunities for so many people, as well as cornerstones of our local communities and sentries of our open and free democracy. I am proud to be an advocate for libraries and museums in Congress.
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!