North Shore State, U.S. Representatives Hold Joint Office Hours

WHEELING, IL — North Shore state and federal representatives held joint office hours Tuesday at Indian Trails Public Library to discuss state and federal events amid a transition in power in Springfield and shutdown in Washington, D.C.

Democratic State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, of Northbrook, and Congressman Brad Schneider, of Deerfield, held met with constituents to discuss their legislative priorities for Illinois, including a continued commitment to gun safety, better identifying food allergens on nutritional labels and cutting down "duplicative units of government that inflate property taxes," according to a release from Carroll's office.

“Cooperation between the federal and state governments is critical to governing well,” Carroll said in the release. “Washington and Springfield strive to work together to deliver programs that keep our air clean, maintain our infrastructure and provide health care to those in need. Anytime we have the opportunity to work together, the people of Illinois benefit.”

Carroll said talking with constituents was one of his favorite things, as citizens deserve to know be aware of what their government is doing.

“We have a lot of issues we need to tackle together, and I’m glad I have a friend in Washington to help us here at home," he said.

Schneider said had heard a lot from constituents about the "effects of President Trump's shutdown" at the neighborhood town hall meeting. He said it was time federal workers stop being used as political pawns and for the government to be reopened.

In a speech on the House floor Thursday, Schneider remarked on the thousands of exempt federal employees nearing a second missed paycheck. He quoted a letter, "remarkable for its wisdom," he had received from an 8-year-old boy.

"Dear Mr. President, all of us work hard for our money, I hope you see my point of view and end this shutdown," Schneider said, quoting an 10th Congressional District resident named Jason.