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Newsletter: News from the Tenth District - Coronavirus Updates

May 27, 2020

I hope you and your loved ones had a meaningful and restful Memorial Day this Monday, and took a moment to pause and think of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

I sent a video message Monday morning, but also wanted to share photos from a chance encounter in Grayslake as I visited the local War Memorial. Though the annual Memorial Day parade was cancelled due to the pandemic, American Legion Post 659 still held a small memorial service to read the names of those from the community lost to war and remember them. It was nice to see them and Mayor Rhett Taylor, even if it was behind our masks.

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This weekend also marked the end of Ramadan and I want to wish a belated Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community here in the Tenth District and around the world.

And of course Memorial Day heralds the beginning of summer and it was nice to finally have a string of nice days. I hope you had a chance to get outside for some fresh air.

My holiday weekend started a bit early with an amazing birthday celebration in Zion for a WWII veteran (I encourage you to read to the end for the story!)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The Week in Congress

Last Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a forum entitled "Key Issues in COVID-19 Response for Vulnerable Populations." It was a great chance to hear from experts on the front lines developing local policies for beating back the virus.

On Wednesday, the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee had a roundtable focused on the current and future impacts of the pandemic on the Social Security System. Not surprising, there was a diverse range of ideas from the six panelists as well as the members of the committee.

On Thursday, I participated in a House Small Business Committee Forum on business interruption insurance in the context of the current pandemic. I appreciated the chance to hear from both business owners affected by this crisis and insurance experts on the role business interrupts insurance can play.

Looking ahead, this week, the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a remote hearing on how the COVID-19 virus has impacted communities of color, and the Small Business Committee will have forum discussion the next phase of the recovery.

Also in the House this week, we will be voting on a number of bills, including legislation to give small businesses who receive PPP loans greater flexibility in the use of those forgivable loans

Legislation to Require the President to Appoint a Medical Supply Chain "Czar"

I'm pleased a provision to create a Medical Supplies Response Coordinator was included in the Heroes Act that passed the House earlier this month, Last week I introduced standalone legislation that would do the same if we cannot get the full Heroes Act into law..

Since the start of the pandemic, we've seen wave after wave of shortages—from test kits to ventilators, followed by PPE to now predictions of likely issues of supplies once we develop a vaccine. From the start, I've pushed for the Administration to empower an experienced and capable individual to serve as a central point of authority, or Medical Supply Chain "Czar". This role would be the direct point of contact for the health care system, supply chain officials, and states on medical supplies. At this unprecedented time of global demand, the Supply Chain Czar would help coordinate our nation response to produce, acquire and distribute critical materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical devices, drugs, and vaccines.

Learn more on our website.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Conversation with the Latino Community about Covid-19

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Minority communities have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Latinos in Illinois have the highest proportion of cases of any ethnic group in the state. Continuing our series of conversations on this issue, last Tuesday I hosted a Zoom conversation with local Latino organizations about the problem and resources available to help. Special thank you to our great panelists:

  • Luvia Quiñones, Health Policy Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights
  • Dulce Ortiz, Executive Director, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
  • Angie Santillan, Clinical Practice Manager, Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics

Video con interpretación simultánea en Español.

Discussing Mental Health During the Pandemic

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The pandemic has also posed serious challenges for our mental health system and the recovery community. On Friday, I hosted a virtual conversation with Dr. Mary Roberson, Founder and Director of Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization and Vicky Tello, Director of Philanthropy, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services on this topic. Watch a recording of our conversation above!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

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:

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.

ENDING WITH SOME GOOD NEWS – HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY MR. CHARLES KELLEY!!!

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North Chicago native, and current Zion resident, Mr. Charles Kelley turned 103 on Thursday. But his age is just the tip of a most incredible story. He was born just before the world was hit by the Spanish Flu pandemic. He joined the Navy in 1938 and went on to serve in World War II, surviving both Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal. His life is truly an inspiration. Having the chance to meet him and hear a bit of his life's story is a memory I will forever cherish.

You can read more of his story and the report of the socially-distanced birthday parade in his honor here: News-Sun:.

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


Sincerely,
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Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress