May 22, 2015

Press Release

Dear Neighbors,

Earlier this month I was proud to announce that the Elgin Family Care Center received a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to expand their care and open a new facility in Wheeling.

I celebrated my first Mother's Day and had an OpEd published in The Sun Timesadvocating for better accommodations at airports for breastfeeding moms. We would never ask our fellow travelers to eat their meals in bathrooms stalls, yet we ask new mothers to feed their children while sitting on a toilet seat -- this is completely unacceptable. This week I introduced a bill to require large and medium airports to provide a private space for mothers to breastfeed. I was thrilled that a bill to require this of Illinois airports passed both Houses of the General Assembly.

Last week, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House of Representatives. This legislation sets our nation's defense policy and ensures that our Servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I successfully advocated for several key legislative provisions in the NDAA that directly address concerns of our troops, keep America safe and reduce waste in military spending.

This past Saturday, my office convened representatives from each Service Academy for a panel and informational session for the students of the 8th District. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to the U.S.Military Academy at West Point, U.S Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy or Coast Guard Academy-- contact my District office at 847-413-1959.

This week, my office, in conjunction with my Asian American Advisory Committee, hosted a Small Business and Federal Contracting Workshop at Ascent Innovations in Schaumburg. I was happy to be able to bring together so many great resources for our businesses and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Heroin overdose is an unfortunate issue that affects our community. My office partnered with Live 4 Lali, Alexian Brothers Medical Hospital, the Schaumburg Police Department and Roosevelt University's Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy for an opioid overdose and awareness forum in Schaumburg. We had a productive conversation about solutions, treatments and actions our communities can take to prevent heroin and opioid overdose. Earlier this year, I helped to introduce the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to help expand prevention and educational efforts on the national level.

I hope you are having a great week and enjoy the long weekend.

Source