Newsletter: Vietnam Veterans Ceremony, App Challenge, STEM Scholars, and More
Congress returns to Washington this week to complete the work of funding the government before the September 30th deadline. Three of the twelve necessary funding bills were signed by President Trump last week in a combined package that included a provision I introduced to help communities like Zion, IL deal with stranded nuclear waste. You can read more about the nuclear waste language in this cover story from the Lake County News-Sun.
Besides funding the government this week, Congress must also address other business, including the Farm Bill and Federal Aviation Administration authorization
Meanwhile, last week was a District Work Week and I attended a number of great events, from our fourth 50th Commemoration Ceremony for Vietnam Veterans in Highland Park, to our first STEM Scholars site visit with area high school students. I was also joined in celebrating Mt. Prospect Public Library's 75 Anniversary Celebration.
Finally, if you are a student interested in STEM, or simply have an innovative solution to some of our everyday challenges, please check out the Congressional App Competition. This contest is a national program to promote and support aspiring young technologists and entrepreneurs. Winners in each congressional district will come to the Washington to demonstrate their work. All Tenth District students are encouraged to participate by submitting an application before the deadline on October 15.
HONORING LOCAL VIETNAM VETERANS IN HIGHLAND PARK
On Monday, September 17, I hosted a ceremony to honor local Vietnam Era Veterans as part of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. This is the fourth ceremony I've hosted this Congress, and it is always a privilege to recognize the veterans in our community and offer a long overdue thank you for their selfless service. I was particularly glad that young people in Boy Scouts of Highland Park Troop 324 could participate in the event at the Art Center in Highland Park. And even had the privilege of meeting the grandchildren of some of the honored veterans.
View more photos of the event on our Facebook Page.
CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE DEADLINE APPROACHING – OCTOBER 15
The Congressional App Challenge national contest encourages middle and high school students to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills by coding their own app for any digital device.
The Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who live or attend school in the Tenth Distict, regardless of skill level. Students can choose to participate individually or as part of a team of up to 4 students, as long as two of the team members meet eligibility requirements.
To enter, participants must upload a video showcasing their app and an explanation of what they learned throughout the app-making process.
App submissions will be accepted through Noon EST, Monday, October 15, 2018. Try to register before September 10, 2018 (registration indicates your intent to compete). Early registration significantly increases the chances for a successful challenge. Early registration does not obligate you to submit an app.
I can't wait to see what you create!
More information is available on our website.
READ MY OP-ED: TARIFFS ARE HURTING ILLINOIS BUSINESSES
President Trump's irresponsible trade war continues to spiral further out of control, and while the adverse effects are being felt by American businesses large and small, the ultimate victims of the President's erratic trade policies are likely to be American workers. Last week, I wrote an opinion column for The Well to share what I learned from our recent "Tariff Tour" to hear how Tenth District businesses are coping.
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
This week, our constituent service representatives will be at the Cook Memorial Library in Wheeling and Libertyville. If you need assistance with a federal issue, please come see us!
View the full schedule on our website.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
We kicked off our first "STEM Scholars" visit to the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling. Students learned more about airport logistics, air tariff control, and the STEM skills needed for a career in the aviation industry. I'm looking forward to more STEM visits with this group in the months ahead!
Congratulations to the Mount Prospect Public Library, celebrating 75 years in the community!