Jan's Plans & Pans - April 11, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

I want to tell you about two recent U.S. District Court rulings that I am following closely that have major implications for access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

The first is a ruling from a Texas judge that would restrict the use of the most common abortion method nationwide. Regardless of what lies in the fine print, let me be clear: Mifepristone, the medication abortion pill in question, was safe and effective when the FDA first approved it over two decades ago, and has remained that way ever since. Study after study has found medication abortions to be an exceedingly safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. Roe v. Wade was not the beginning of women having abortions; it was the end of women dying from abortions. As additional details are made clear in the coming days, know that I will never stop fighting for reproductive freedom and access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion, for all people. Abortion is health care.

The second decision is also from a Texas judge, and it says that the provision in the Affordable Care Act that ensures no-cost preventive care services is unconstitutional. The ACA’s provision of free, vital preventive services has saved countless lives. This ruling guts coverage for a multitude of essential preventive services and screenings, including mammograms, lung cancer and skin cancer screenings, screenings for pregnant women and newborns, and drugs preventing HIV transmission known as PrEP, just to name a few. This decision will not only impact people’s access to care, but will also worsen health inequities, and will end up costing Americans more overall in health care spending. I am urging insurance companies to stand by the American people and continue offering these services free of charge so patients can continue to receive the care they deserve.

Every person deserves access to quality, affordable health care.

Be well,

Schakowsky Presents Check for Over $1 Million to Family Focus

Family Focus is a pillar in our community that strengthens our families and ensures our kids have the resources they need to succeed. I am thrilled I was able to secure over $1 million in community project funds to help renovate their Evanston location. For more information, read the full story here.

2023 Congressional Art Competition - Deadline Thursday!

Last year's winner: June Ahleman - "Laughing Woman"

• Google form submission and artwork drop off: Thursday April 13th In order to participate students will need to submit our office's google form AND drop off the artwork to our Skokie office no later than 5 PM on Thursday, April 13th. Please carefully consult the rules and guidelines for 2023 and have all artwork framed with a hard copy of the release form taped to the back of the artwork. Please ensure that all artwork is complete (paint cannot be wet).
• Artwork on Display: April 17th-May 3rd All submitted artwork will be displayed in person at the Skokie Public Library from Monday, April 17th - Wednesday, May 3rd. Artwork will also be displayed prominently on a digital art gallery on the Congresswoman’s website.
• Artistic Discovery Reception: Wednesday, May 3rd We invite all participants and their families and friends to a reception to celebrate their artistic talent on Wednesday, May 3rd at 6pm at the Skokie Public Library.
• Winners Announced: on or before May 8th Winners will be notified shortly after the reception and no later than May 8th. In addition to the first place winner, our office will also be recognizing other categories including
  • Best Painting - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
  • Best Drawing - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
  • Best Collage - must be two dimensional
  • Best Print - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
  • Best Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
  • Best Computer-generated art
  • Best Photography
  • Best Social Justice Piece

Good luck! If you or your students have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at 773-506-7100.

Schakowsky Hosts Meet & Greet in McHenry County

I had a great time Monday night talking with so many constituents in McHenry County. No matter your political beliefs, my staff and I are always here to help you. If you are in my district and need help navigating the Social Security Administration, looking into an immigration case, obtaining a passport, or need assistance with the IRS, we are here to help. Head to my website for further assistance or give us a call at (773) 506-7100.

Beware of Scams and Frauds

This is just a friendly reminder to please report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice.

Reporting Medicare Fraud and Abuse

Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere, and usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. One of the best ways to detect this type of fraud is to read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or your insurance’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB). If you find a claim or charge for something that you did not receive, is different than what you received, or was not medically necessary, this may be a sign of potential fraud. Please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you think you have experienced fraud.

Reporting Mail Fraud and Postal Fraud

If you are a victim of a stolen, forged, or altered check, you can report this to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by filling out and submitting the Mail Fraud Complaint Form. You may also call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service hotline at 1-800-372-8347 to file a complaint about suspected mail fraud.

Reporting General Frauds, Scams, and Bad Business Practices

For ideas about what you might report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), check out consumer.ftc.gov for more information and advice.