Newsletter: News from the Tenth District

June 16, 2020

Yesterday morning, we received some much needed good news as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of LGBTQ equality in the workplace. The Court affirmed that no one should be fired or discriminated against for who they love or who they are. Our work for LGBTQ equality is far from over, but this is a major victory. Workplace protections were a major component of the Equality Act, which passed the House last year and which I will continue to fight for to ensure LGBTQ Americans have full legal protection in public accommodations, housing, and other areas of public life.

This week in Congress, we are continuing our oversight of the Administration's small business program, as well as preparing for a vote (anticipated next week) on the Justice in Policing Act.

At home, I'm excited to announce our next telephone town hall will be a week from yesterday on Monday, June 22 at 7:00pm CT. More details are below, but be sure to register to participate on our website.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Small Business Committee Oversight of PPP and EIDL Loans

Last week, the House Small Business Committee held a much needed hearing to delve into the many recent shortcoming with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. I invited Dr. Craig Gerstein of Highland Park, a local ophthalmologist, to testify and share his frustrating personal experience with the program.

Watch Dr. Gerstein's testimony to the Committee

The EIDL program was created by Congress to provide a vital lifeline for businesses at moments of crisis, such as the Covid Pandemic. But when the SBA fails to efficiently get money out the door or effectively communicate its processes, our nation's small businesses are left hanging on by a thread. The SBA and the Trump Administration as a whole have to do a much better job administering this program and communicating with small business borrowers.

Read our press release about the hearing.

Looking ahead, this week the House Small Business Committee will continue our oversight duties, holding a hearing examining the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created in March with the CARES Act. Congress authorized almost $700 billion dollars for small business assistance through PPP, and it is imperative that the Administration be fully transparent with its management of the program.I personally have serious concerns with Secretary Mnuchin's refusal to fully disclose who has received these tax payer funded loans

Preparing for Supreme Court DACA Ruling

At some point in the next two weeks, the Supreme Court will announce its ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. There are more than 6,000 young people eligible for DACA in our district, and they are a vital part of the very fabric of our communities. An unfavorable ruling from the Court could make these 6,000, and more than 700,000 across the United States at risk for deportation from the only country many have ever known.

We are in this situation for one reason only: President Trump's cruel choice to end the program, which has put the future of Dreamers in jeopardy. These young women and men are our friends, co-workers, and neighbors. It is immoral that the President and his allies continue to use their lives as bargaining chips in a partisan ploy for an ineffective border wall.

Irrespective of the Supreme Court's decision, I will continue to tirelessly fight for a secure future for Dreamers here in the United States, their home. I was proud to vote last year to pass the Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6) to create permanent status in the United States for DACA recipients and a path to citizenship. The American people overwhelmingly support justice for our Dreamers - it's time for the President and Senate Republicans to heed their calls and join in support of this commonsense legislation. It's not just good for the Dreamers, it's good for our nation.

INVITE: TELEPHONE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23

I'm hosting our next Telephone Town Hall on Monday, June 22, beginning at 7:00pm CT. I am happy to again provide simultaneous Spanish translation so that more people in our community can participate. To join the call, either:

Sign-up ahead of time (recommended) to receive a call using the form on schneider.house.gov/live

or
Participate the day of by dialing-in at 855-859-7337 on Monday evening. (855-962-1312 para español)

La reunión telefónica del Congresista Brad Schneider va a ofrecer interpretación simultánea para personas que hablan español. Para participar en español participantes pueden registrarse en el sitio /live y apretar *0 después de unirse a la llamada. Otra alternativa para participantes que quieren escuchar la llamada en español es marcar 855-962-1312 a las 7:00pm CT, el lunes 22 de junio para conectarse directamente a la llamada en español.

INVITE: ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

On Friday, June 19 at 9:30am, I'm joining Pastor Arthur Gass of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County for a conversation on the resources available to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges and opportunities facing black-owned businesses in our community.

Learn more and register to participate online.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the following high school students for winning this year's annual Congressional Art competition. Their winning artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol, my Illinois and DC offices respectively. Be sure to check out the full album of submissions from across our district!

Janette Martinez-Tolentino ofWaukegan High School earned first place for her piece titled "Stronger Together," (pictured above).
Angie Ordonezof Waukegan High School received second place honors for her work titled "Great Ideas for a Great Nation."
Lauren Finkof Warren Township High School placed third with her work "Share the Sweet Light."

KEEPING IN TOUCH

We had a record-breaking 11 academy appointees this year accept offers to study at West Point, the Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Nominating these outstanding young people is always a highlight of my year, and I could not be prouder of this class. We held a virtual sendoff celebration on Zoom last week to congratulate them. Read our press release to learn more about this years' students from across the district.

Thank you to the Northeast AME Pastors for inviting me to chat this week. Good conversation with Pastor Cummings (Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church), Pastor Edmonds (Eternal Flame African Methodist Episcopal Church), and Pastor Brant (Thomas Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church) about reforming law enforcement and the contents of the Justice in Policing Act, which I was proud to help introduce last week with the Congressional Black Caucus.

I had a constructive conversation with the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce about the resources available to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent bipartisan legislation signed into law to give more flexibility to small businesses using PPP loans.

As always, please stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong.