Brad's Newsletter

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.

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. On the legislative front, a bipartisan bill I introduced to help small businesses access federal contracts was voted on and passed the House.

Congress returns to Washington this week to complete the work of funding the government before the September 30^th 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. Additionally, the House passed a bipartisan bill I helped introduce to elevate the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and the Judiciary Committee accepted an amendment I introduced to help veterans access patent protections for their intellectual property.