Newsletter: School Safety Proposal Passes House of Representatives
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Dear Friends,
Last week, I was very proud that, by an overwhelming majority of 417-10, the House passed a bipartisan proposal I introduced with Mike Bost (R-IL) to help schools install panic alert buttons in classrooms. You can learn more about the Schneider-Bost measure on our website.
Passing this legislation, is a positive step that would allow schools to more quickly notify first responders in an emergency.But as I said on the House floor, truly protecting our children requires passing concrete measures to reduce gun violence. I'll be continuing to work in the days ahead to build support across the aisle for commonsense gun safety measures.
Please continue reading for additional updates from the week including my message to Tenth District students during the recent walkout events, information about our upcoming military service academy information session, and my op-ed in TIME, co-authored with Steny Hoyer and David Price, critiquing the recent Polish law restricting study and discussion of the Holocaust.
ENGAGING WITH TENTH DISTRICT STUDENTS
Across the Tenth District, students marked the one month anniversary of the Parkland shooting with walkouts, assemblies, town halls, and other community events. While I could not attend in person, as I was working in Washington, I was with these students in spirit and sent a video message of support.
On Saturday, I had the chance to meet and speak with students from more than a dozen area schools at a workshop program organized by Moms Demand Action. These young people are incredible. Their passion and energy are changing the debate on gun safety and setting an example for their elected leaders.
MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY INFORMATION SESSION
Are you interested in attending one of the five U.S. military service academies? Please join me for a district-wide information session in Wheeling for students and families to learn more about the competitive and selective application process.
Attendees will hear from representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), and U.S. Naval Academy who will speak about their institution and discuss the application and nomination processes.
Service Academy Information Session
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | 6:00-8:00pm
Wheeling High School
900 S. Elmhurst Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090
Please RSVP online to register.
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST HOLOCAUST CENSORSHIP
With the rapid passing of the last remaining survivors, the living memory of the Holocaust dims each year. It is imperative that the world hold on to the truths of this darkest chapter and hold fast to the commitment to ‘never forget.' I am deeply alarmed by new legislation in Poland that creates a chilling effect over study of the Holocaust and diminishes our full understanding of the tragedy.
Friends need to speak directly with friends. In that spirit, I joined Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Rep. David Price to write an op-ed for TIME urging Poland to repeal this law. Poland's history during the Holocaust needs to be studied and reckoned with, not suppressed with threats of criminal prosecution.
Read the op-ed on TIME's website.
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 Glenview and Mt. Prospect. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
REMINDER: TAX PREPARATION HELP AVAILBLE
We're now less than one month from Tax Day on April 15. Our office compiled a list of sites throughout the Tenth District where free filing help is available from IRS-certified volunteers.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
Last week, a group placed 7,000 pairs of shoes outside the Capitol. One for each of the children killed by gun violence across our country since Sandy Hook. We can save lives with common sense gun safety measures. It's now time for Congress to find the courage to act.
I had a very good discussion last week on education and infrastructure with Mayor Leon Rockingham and North Chicago Aldermen Bob Runnels, Carl Evans and Bobby Allen.
Glencoe was the site of our most recent Congress on Your Corner forum. I so appreciate all who joined the conversation this past Saturday morning.
The annual Navy SeaPerch Challenge at Naval Station Great Lakes is always such a great event. I was extremely impressed watching students this weekend from across Illinois flex their STEM skills competing with underwater robotics they built themselves.
I started off last week at a forum in Glenview attended by more than 1,200 area residents concerned about the destructive and disruptive impact of the proposed holding tracks on the Hiawatha line. We need to know all the facts about this project before any action is taken. With Jan Schakowsky, I have asked for and continue to request an analysis of all freight data for this project, so the community's concerns about public safety, the environment, and health are thoroughly evaluated.
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!