Brad's Newsletter
Our nation has officially begun its next chapter! Over the course of our 245 years as a country, we've had our share of soaring highs and challenging lows. As we move forward, we certainly face our own set of daunting challenges, but as I have shared since the start of this pandemic, I remain confident that, working together, we can get past any obstacle and ensure our best days are in front of us.
Good morning,
I am writing to share that I was released from my COVID quarantine and am now working from my home office rather than my basement. The sun is out, the skies are blue, and, at the risk of understatement, the world seems dramatically different—in a positive way—from two weeks ago.
"This is America's Day. This is Democracy's Day."
Pardon the lateness of this week's letter. As you can imagine, it's been an unusual last several days.
Yesterday, a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol Building while Congress met to certify President-Elect Joe Biden's win. I was in the House gallery, watching proceedings from above, when I was first instructed to shelter in place, then evacuate, then take cover as a riotous mob tried to break into the chamber. My colleagues and I experienced the unthinkable as we watched the angry hoard breach multiple layers of security and storm the Capitol building all around us.
Today, May 25, marks exactly one year since the brutal murder of George Floyd. The video of his murder ignited gatherings across the country and around the world, calling for action to reform policing and address systemic racism. One step in that direction was House passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which now awaits passage in the Senate. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the bill and look forward to it becoming law.
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.
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. If you would like assistance, make sure to call and sign-up for an appointment!
HELP WITH MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR SENIORS
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. I'm always impressed by the questions asked by our young people at these events, and the students at Big Hollow Elementary (Ingleside), North Chicago High (North Chicago), Prairie Elementary (Buffalo Grove), Viking Middle (Gurnee), and Murphy Elementary (Round Lake) were no exception.