[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE INNOVATIVE WORK OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS IN ILLINOIS'S 
                             10TH DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the creative 
accomplishments of our local municipalities who have gone above and 
beyond to serve our communities. Innovation is alive and well in the 
cities, towns and villages of Illinois's Tenth Congressional District.
   Some of these local achievements were recently recognized by the 
Lake County Municipal League highlighting the commitment, vision and 
ingenuity of our civic leaders.
   The City of North Chicago, Illinois won top honors for their work 
creating a Summer Youth Employment program titled ``Learn, Earn and 
Return.'' The program has employed over 100 local low-income youth in 
summer internships through public and private partnerships in its first 
four years. Working alongside city staff, these summer interns develop 
valuable leadership and career skills that are crucial in an 
increasingly competitive job market. According to the City, since 
``Learn, Earn and Return'' started, youth crime in North Chicago has 
decreased by 80 percent.
   The Village of Mundelein was also honored for the successful launch 
of their revitalized 1-2-3 building permit program that will allow for 
greater efficiency. The improvement earned an Honorable Mention at the 
awards dinner.
   Other Lake County municipalities made significant strides in the 
past year to bolster their local small businesses, improve public 
safety and beautify their communities. In an effort led by Mayor Terry 
Weppler, the Village of Libertyville highlighted over 100 of their 
local businesses with personal visits and were featured on the Village 
website. The Village of Beach Park partnered with the City of Waukegan 
to design, install and implement an early warning outdoor notification 
system. Finally, the Village of Buffalo Grove, the Buffalo Grove Park 
District, and the Living Lands Conservation Company collaborated to 
construct a nursery to grow native aquatic plants.
   We all strive to live in vibrant, healthy and dynamic communities. 
The work of these, and other, municipalities are helping to realize 
that dream.
   I applaud these municipalities and the dedicated civil servants for 
their commendable efforts to serve our communities. I look forward to 
learning more about these innovative efforts, and to continuing to work 
closely together in the months ahead.

                          ____________________