Jan's Plans & Pans - April 25, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s emergency stay application in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, preventing a lower court decision from going into effect that would have put women’s health at risk and undermined FDA’s medical judgment. For now, Mifepristone, which is used in 54% of all abortions, remains safe, legal, and available. But let me make it clear – the battle is not over. I will continue to fight and advocate for bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.

Last week, Speaker McCarthy unveiled his plan to address the debt. It is clear the Republicans intend to hold our economy hostage so they can cut federal benefits. Under their proposed cuts, nearly 1.2 million women, infants, and children would lose nutrition assistance, more than 200,000 kids in low-income families would lose their head start slots, and 640,000 families would lose rental assistance. Raising the debt ceiling is just paying the bills for money we have already spent. We must expand benefits and protect programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Care cannot wait! I was proud to stand with hundreds of care workers from across the country who came to DC last week to advocate for higher wages and safe staffing standards. Direct care workers cannot care for residents if they do not have the support that they need. We have seen what bad actors and private equity companies do: buy up nursing homes, cut staff, and put profits over people. This has got to change. When we fight, we win!

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, my office is here to help. Head to my website for further assistance and information.

Talk soon,

Schakowsky Calls for Fair Wages and Workplace Protections

Workers deserve a fair wage and workplace protections, period. On Monday, I stood with One Fair Wage and tipped workers at Chicago City Hall. At the richest time in history, there is no reason all workers cannot make a living wage. 

Schakowsky Meets with Columbian President Gustavo Petro

Progressive leaders around the world are working towards real change. It was an honor to meet with Columbian President Gustavo Petro to discuss our shared goals of protecting our environment and reducing inequities. In the US, the three richest Americans have more wealth than the bottom 50%. This must change.

Schakowsky Secures $2 Million for Broadway Armory Natatorium

Thanks to Community Project Funding, I secured $2 million to help build the Broadway Armory’s new swimming pool. The Broadway Armory is already a beloved community space, but I cannot wait to see residents young and old flock to the pool for swim lessons, water aerobics, and so much more.

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.

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Thanks to the Biden administration, you can now get four more free Covid-19 at-home test kits delivered to your door. You can order online via the federally run website COVIDTests.gov. Orders will be mailed by USPS, starting this week.

To receive the kits, you only need to provide a U.S. residential address when ordering. You can register your email address for delivery updates, but that is optional.

If you cannot access the internet or need help placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages. Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday and between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT on weekends.