Brad's Newsletter
Before talking about last week, I want to flag some important dates looking forward.
First, early voting begins today, October 22, for the November 6 general election. Some key facts to know about early voting:
Today is the first day of Medicare Open Enrollment season for seniors to make changes to their Medicare coverage. I know the enrollment process can be daunting, and it's OK to have questions. That's why we're pleased to be hosting four informational events in Wheeling, Zion, Glenview and Lincolnshire to help connect seniors with help.
I am excited to be working in here at home for the whole month of October, giving me a wonderful opportunity to visit with neighbors throughout the district. Last week I visited several local schools from elementary to high school.
Last week was packed-full of activity as the House worked to finish its work during the last week in DC before the November 6 election.
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.
Last week was a productive one legislatively in Washington. A provision I first introduced to help communities dealing with stranded nuclear waste passed both chambers of Congress, and is now awaiting the President's signature.
Seventeen years ago today, 19 attackers struck the heart of our nation, killing nearly 3,000 Americans. Every year, we pause to remember those who died in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and to honor the brave first responders who selflessly rushed into danger to save others.
Our nation lost a true American hero on Saturday when Senator John McCain passed away after a courageous fight against aggressive brain cancer. He brought to this last battle the same dignity and grace with which he lived his entire life, a life dedicated to service to his country and his fellow Americans.
Our summer events series is continuing this week on Thursday as we hold a Consumer Protection event to help constituents identify and prevent scams targeting our communities. Then on Friday, I'm hosting an open house at our District Office – come by to share what's on your mind, meet our team, and learn more about the services our office can provide.
August is my favorite month of summer. The days are still long and there's an excitement in the air as kids get busy preparing for a new school year. Last week was also a busy week across the district, including hosting a job fair in Round Lake, a health care fair in Waukegan, and a "Commuter Town Hall" on the Pace Suburban Bus from Golf Mill Mall in Niles to Hawthorne Mall in Vernon Hills.