Newsletter: News from the Tenth District - Coronavirus Updates
I was reflecting this weekend on what a long, strange year it has been…and it's only May 18. TV and radio commentators have been jokingly ascribing any bad news to the idea that "well, it's 2020." But I am a glass half-full guy, an eternal optimist. So I would like to believe that with the majority of the year still remaining, we can adapt and overcome the challenges presented by this pandemic, and still make it a good, albeit different, year. But to do so, we must find a way to support our neighbors, our communities and our economy throughout our battle with COVID-19.
Towards that end, last week I returned to Washington to vote on, among other things, the Heroes Act—the House of Representatives' next coronavirus relief package. This bill builds on the previous COVID-19 legislative packages that overwhelmingly passed both Houses in March and April, and were signed into law by the President. It provides targeted relief to protect the health of our communities and our economic well-being. I share my thoughts below on the legislation and some of the priorities I've been pushing that were included.
Looking now to this week, I am hosting a roundtable discussion on the disparate impact the virus is having in the Latino community. The virtual gathering will be tomorrow evening, Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 PM. I will be joined by local organizations working with the Latino community. As we have done with our town hall meetings, this event will offer simultaneous Spanish translation and I invite you to register now to participate.
Finally, I am pleased to announce the annual Congressional Art Competition is proceeding this year (though in a new virtual format). Every year since 1982, high school students from around the country have submitted entries, with the winners from every district honored by the display of their work in the nation's Capitol. Find out more and sign-up today to participate!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
House Passes Heroes Act
The COVID pandemic is an unprecedented crisis requiring bold and big actions to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people, and to secure a bright future for the American economy. The Heroes Act, while not perfect, is an important, forward-looking response to the extraordinary health and economic challenges immediately posed by the crisis, and I was proud to vote for its passage last Friday.
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I shared my thoughts on the legislation on Friday evening in this video recorded just before the vote.
For our states and localities stretched dangerously thin on the frontlines of this crisis, the Heroes Act commits nearly $1 trillion to ensure the health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other vital workers who keep us safe can stay on the job, while also creating a fund to issue hazard pay to essential workers.
Critical to the science-based path our nation needs to safely reopen, the legislation commits $75 billion for the testing, tracing and treatment and to helping ensure that every American can access free coronavirus treatment.
In addition, the Heroes Act would also create a second round of direct economic stimulus payments, provide additional support for small businesses, and make critical investments in health security, housing security, food security, and the US Postal Service.
The vote on Friday is not the last word. It's imperative that the Senate and the White House now work together with the House to swiftly refine and finalize this next coronavirus relief package. We must not let partisan gridlock continue while so many families, communities, and small businesses are on the brink. This legislation is a strong starting point and a clear statement of the House's priorities that I urge the Senate to take up without delay.
More information about the Heroes Act is available on our website.
Schneider Legislation Included in Heroes Act
I was very pleased the Heroes Act contained several provisions I had previously introduced as standalone legislation or championed since the beginning of the crisis. These provisions include creating a ‘supply chain czar' to centralize our nation's medical supply response and alleviate PPE shortages, eliminating the punishing SALT deduction cap, allowing public employers to access emergency paid leave tax credits, and supporting health care providers and expanding our pool of health care workers.
USCIS Eases Visa Restrictions on Foreign-Born Physicians
Foreign-born doctors form an integral part of our health care system, including recent medical school graduates practicing in rural and other underserved communities through the Conrad 30 program. In the middle of a deadly pandemic, it is counterproductive to threaten the visa status of these hard-working medical professionals. I appreciate USCIS listening to my request to allow greater flexibility and choosing to update their guidance so these doctors can continue serving our communities during this time of need.
INVITE: BILINGUAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH LATINO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
I hope you will join me and local organizations serving the Latino community for a Zoom discussion tomorrow on the Covid-19 pandemic and resources available to help. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Capacity is limited so please RSVP now to virtually attend. A recording will be available following the event.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
6:00pm
Conversación con el Congresista Brad Schneider sobre COVID-19 con la comunidad Latina
Únase al Congresista Brad Schneider y organizaciones locales que sirven a la comunidad Latina en una discusión a través de Zoom sobre la pandemia de Covid-19 y los recursos disponibles para ayudar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad. Interpretación simultánea en Español estará disponible. La capacidad es limitada, por favor confirme su asistencia ahora para asistir a esta reunión virtual. La grabación de la reunión estará disponible después del evento.
Martes, 19 de mayo 2020
6:00pm
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION GOES VIRTUAL
COVID-19 Changes:
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the social distancing precautions implemented by the state of Illinois, we have made the decision to transition the annual 2020 Congressional Art Competition to a fully digital Art Competition. The program is open to all 10th District students (whether living, or attending a school, in the district. Students can continue to create their artworks in their preferred medium. To submit their artwork for review, students must take a clear, well-lit photo of their work.
This year's theme is "From Many, One" which in Latin familiarly reads "E Pluribus Unum". Students are encouraged to interpret the theme however they chose and submit artwork that reflects their interpretation.
Important dates:- Tuesday, May 26 at 5:00 pm: Artwork due – submit online (note: 35MB limit): https://forms.gle/voft6rXwbL2EcAZS8
- June 1st – Artwork displayed on facebook.com/CongressmanBradSchneider
- June 4: Winners Announced
More information and rules are available at /services/art-competition.
If you have questions about the competition, please contact Patrice Campbell at Patrice.Campbell@mail.house.gov or 847-383-4870.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Our weekly Facebook Live Q&A sessions are a great way to keep in touch during this pandemic. Thanks for everyone who chimed in from the comments during the event. We'll be holding another this Wednesday, so if you're not already following our Facebook page, please do so now!
Ending with Some Good News
This Washington Post article is a scary story with a happy ending of one young girl's battle to overcome health complications caused by Covid-19. So grateful for all the parents and health care professionals who are giving so much during this crisis.
Lastly, if you haven't already seen this, the incredible students, teachers and community members of Zion School District 6 put together a simply wonderful spring concert. I promise it will make you smile.
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As always, please stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong.